DigitalPro Shooter -- May 23, 2008

DPS 6-05: Special Issue on Burma Cyclone Disaster -- Update, Images & How you Can Help

As many of you know Burma (Myanmar) is one of my favorite countries and the people there are some of the nicest and most hospitable in the world. In addition to all of their other burdens, the southern part of the country has been struck by an awful natural disaster, Cyclone Nagris. The effect of the disaster has been magnified by the difficulty of getting relief supplies to those who need them. The Burmese (Myanmar) government has not allowed Western aid workers into the country yet -- although as of today they have now said they will begin to do so -- and has only allowed very limited access even by relief teams from its asian neighbors.

Fortunately many residents of Burma have taken a leadership role in providing aid to those less fortunate than themselves. In particular the owners and staff at Tour Mandalay -- the local travel and tour operator we have worked with for years -- have launched a sizeable effort to help residents of the affected area near Thanlyin (Syriam) at the mouth of the Yangon River. Over a dozen members of the Tour Mandalay team are actively involved, using their own resources and contributions from their overseas contacts.

The images accompanying this article are all courtesy of their relief effort, and we've also put many of their images together into an online photo album which will give you a sense of the magnitude of the problem in some areas and the ways that the TM team is helping.

How you can Help

Tour Mandalay helps with Medical Supplies

One of the most challenging parts of helping with this crisis is getting aid and aid dollars to the people who need them. Fortunately the TM team is personally helping the victims so by helping their efforts we're able to directly help those in need. They need money to help them purchase needed supplies including water filters, clothes, blankets, mosquito nets and medicines. You can contribute to their efforts by Donating online through our website using your credit card & we'll wire the proceeds to Tour Mandalay's team.

Visiting Burma

Just as with the unrest in Burma last year, the cyclone has not interfered with Burma's natural beauty or affect all the reasons for visiting. The wonderful cities of Bagan and Mandalay as well as their surrounding areas are unaffected. Even Yangon which suffered from the cyclone is well on its way to recovery.

But just like with the protests last year, we expect the cyclone to further harm Burmese tourism, which is a real shame. The country's residents will need our support and hard currency more than ever, especially since the area hit produced a large portion of their rice crop so cash will be more important than ever for many Burmese.

We are absolutely still planning to lead our photo safari to Cambodia, Burma and Laos this December and encourage you to join us. Our money goes directly to Tour Mandalay and other similarly hard working local private companies who need our support. But even if you can't make it to be part of our trip, we encourage you to consider visiting Burma if you can.

Event Update

We still have one opening for our Alaska Grizzy Bear photo safari in July (July 8-15) due to a cancellation. Our Southeast Asia trip is nearly wide open. It's a little more unusual and harder to convince people to go, but everyone who has come along has been delighted. We've also just announced our 2009 South Texas Bird Photo trip for April. This trip has sold out the last two years, so plan ahead and sign up soon!

Cardinal Photo Safaris Update:



Grizzly bear female
Alaska bear safari

Alaska Grizzly Bear & Puffin trips, July 2008:

Our 2008 sessions are nearly sold out but we have 1 opening left for week 1 (week 2 is sold out), so learn more or sign up soon. We'll have plenty of Alaskan Brown "Grizzly" Bears, as well as visit rookeries for Horned Puffins, Tufted Puffins, Common Murres and Kittiwakes. We're also likely to have some good Bald Eagle photographic opportunities and of course scenic shots of mountains, coastline and lovely flowers. This is a great trip for couples or non-shooting companions as the lodge is in a beautiful setting on the coast with plenty of opportunity for other activities.


Leopard Cub
Botswana Safari, 2006

Africa :
May 2008 trip is SOLD OUT
Other Dates for 2008 & 2009 are TBD

Our trips feature plenty of mammals & birds. We'll see lions, elephants, giraffe, leopards, cheetah and quite a few varieties of antelope along with several dozen other species of exotic animals. For more details email safaris [at] cardinalphoto.com.


Angkor Wat at Sunrise
Asia Photo Safari, January, 2007

Burma and Cambodia, December 2008:

We're excited about returning to Burma (Myanmar) and Cambodia. The main trip will be divided between the temple areas in Cambodia (especially the Angkor temple complex including Angkor Wat) and Burma (including historic Mandalay and the plain of temples at Bagan, as well as the capital Yangon, nee Rangoon). Learn more. We'll also have an optional post-trip extension to Laos, featuring Vientianne & Luang Prabang.

We just finished a second very successful 2007 trip and are ready with what we think will be an even better itinerary for next December and next December. Learn more about the trip now.


Crested Caracara
South Texas Safari, 2008

JUST ANNOUNCED FOR 2009
--Sold out in 2007 and 2008

South Texas Birds, April 12-18, 2009

After another great safari this year I'm anxious to get back to "The Valley" in south Texas and join a few of you to really focus on bird photography for a week again next year. There is no better way to improve your shooting skills, hone your flight shot technique and come home with lots of great images than by spending a week with us at these awesome Lens & Land properties.

Just like this year we'll be including luxury accomodations at a brand new game lodge close to the ranches. The small trip size (maximum 6 shooters), private ranches, and full service structure (all your local transportation, room, meals and drinks are included!) make this the premier trip to South Texas for bird photography. Learn more or get your deposit in now.

Read what past participants have to say
events updated 4/24/2008

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Good shooting!

--David Cardinal, editor DigitalPro Shooter
nikondigital.org / Pro Shooters LLC

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