Our first 2 nights we will stay at the beautiful Mt Meru Game Lodge in Usa River (Arusha). While here we will have a chance to try our photography skills on blue monkeys, possibly the black colobus monkeys, and 1000′s of birds. We will walk to the schoo…l which is being supported by my travelers … classroom building/finishing, refurbishment, landscaping, hand washing stations, etc. We will spend an afternoon at Arusha National Park which sits between Mt Meru (15,000 ft) which is taller than any mountain in Colorado and Mt Kilimanjaro (19,300 ft) which is roughly a mile higher than any mountain in Colorado. Here we will photograph the black colobus monkey, buffalo, giraffe, and many other African species of birds and mammals.

I have finally posted a video of the story, photos and video of this most amazing and emotional wildlife encounter that I have experienced in my 19 safaris to the Serengeti. Click on link and enjoy!

Cheetahs Attack Their Own

I am privileged to run 3-4 photo safaris / workshops to the Serengeti each year. I get no greater pleasure in life than introducing people to the ‘wonder’ that is the Serengeti. No matter how you pre-visualize it… it’s better in real life. I can not imagine losing this opportunity for future generations.

I do understand the dire need for infrastructure development for the people to the west of the Serengeti. It is obvious to even the casual observer that the economic potential of connecting the shores of Lake Victoria to the rest of Tanzania is significant and needs to be done as soon as possible. However, nearly half of the proposed northern road will run through protected areas (Loliondo and the Serengeti) that are crucial to the ecosystem, and along which no development will be allowed. The southern route not only would connect a much larger population, but it will spur development all along the entire length of the road.

The Serengeti is one of the few positive examples on our planet of how wildlife management and protection can work. There are roughly a million more large mammals today in the Serengeti than there was in 1960. In August 2005, National Geographic stated that the wildlife is as varied and as plentiful as it was 20,000 years ago. To risk this amazing accomplishment for a slightly shorter road to fewer people is beyond comprehension. The migration of roughly 2million mammals is in Tanzania 9 months of the year. They cross the proposed road in August/September on their way to water in Kenya, and cross again in October/November on their way south to the special grasses needed for nursing their young (all born within a 6 week period in January / February).

If you have not experienced the migration in person, do so while you can. I assure you that once experienced, you will do all you can to stop this development. Please help. Join / Like Facebook Stop The Serengeti Highway page to get started http://tinyurl.com/StopHwyFB

I was honored to be selected to photograph the food and beverages for Casa Real in Oxford Michigan. During the course of the day I photographed 7 different dishes that I had never seen on a menu at a Mexican restaurant. A few weeks later I took my family to experience the delectable flavors of these new dishes and the reviews were outstanding.

Flavorful seafood soup(shrimp, clams and talapia)

Chicken in a cheese sauce and a chilli relleno

El Molcajete (Beef & shrimp dish in a lava bowl)

I had the pleasure of photographing food and beverages for Casa Real (Mexican Restaurant) in Oxford Michigan. Great place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and eat some awesome food.

Sooooo many beers to taste

Sooooo many tequilas... not enough salt

For Immediate Release:

The interior re-design of MacDonald’s on Rochester Road south of Long Lake features architectural photography of Troy landmarks by Troy professional photographer William Cowger of Acacia Photography. Three of the photographs have been etched into glass panels (4’x 10’ each) that form a black & white translucent room divider. These photos include shots of the Columbia Center, Liberty Center and the walkway leading up to the Capital Grille. The other shot is a 4’x10’ black & white reverse image photo of the building at 840 W. Long Lake Road (Home of Miller Canfield Troy).

For more information contact William Cowger at:

248-828-0666

www.acaciaphoto.com

wecowger@acaciaphoto.com

Dawning of Detroit

Getting up early can be rewarding. I shot Detroit at dawn the other day while waiting on a client who wanted their photo taken in front of the Detroit skyline. Awesome morning as you can see.
Image Available Here

Should you get a chance to improve your eating/drinking habits.. stop by MacDonald’s on Rochester Rd (S of Long Lake) to see 3 of my architecture photos of Troy etched in glass (each floor to ceiling 4′ x 10′). I love that MacD’s included one of my shots of Capital Grille (haha). Also a shot of Miller Canfield of Troy that fills a wall (5′ x 12′)… not so happy with the techniques used.. but they paid for it too

If you cant make my exhibit at the Troy Library this month, check out http://tinyurl.com/InShow1. The shots that didn’t quite make the show are here http://tinyurl.com/NoShow1.

Appreciated the Oakland Press front page article today on my exhibit/safaris and Troy Library presentation on Sunday the 17th. http://tinyurl.com/oakpress0111 Article