Zen Photography in Oman

Eventually we fixed our trip to Oman! It was almost one year we were thinking about it and that much we took to take action. Short trip at the beginning of February: 4 days including travelling (well not that much: from Saudi it’s just 1.5 hours), stayed at a nice hotel for the right price and managed to go around Muscat a lot. That’s what we wanted : get a first taste to help prepare a second, longer trip.

Mood and Photography

This trip, that weekend, required a lot of zen-photography. Fighting the stress through photography proved to be effective and the Suk of Muscat is just the right place.

Walk around without a specific destination, feel the light and warmth of the sun. The scent of Oud in the air tells us we are close to the Suk. Ideal place for the Fuji TX-1 and 23mm.

Most of the Suk is in an alley and the neon lights interfere with the Fuji sensor while in ‘silence’ mode: had to turn that mode off risking a bit to be discovered during the most audacious shots. Everything went fine!

Switch Gear – Get new friends

I switched to the Canon and almost immediately, with my surprise, got approached by a guy. I was worried and concerned that he might be questioning my street-photographer activity. On the contrary: attracted by the big camera he started a conversation and eventually agreed on a portrait session. Good opportunity to test the 85mm.

Lessons learned here:

1. Relax: in Middle-East you have more friends than what you think
2. Visibility may be an advantage in street photography. Sometimes
3. Street portraits… a new field to explore

Rest and the Wadi

Need to rest to recharge batteries and take relief from the stress of the week. Take some time to do what you like, wander around and enjoy the place where you are.

Then your mind and body are ready for a new adventure, but not too fast: now is time for dinner! We chose Bait al Luban a typical Omanite restaurant. Very recommended.

Adventure time! Destination on the map: Wadi Shaab. We agreed with the guide to change the original plan and visit the fisherman town near-by where our guide is familiar and has some friends and relatives. The excuse is that the weather is not nice, the truth is that we care much more of seeing Oman from the inside than spending the full day at the Wadi.

Choose the untraveled road

That’s what you get when you trust locals and choose the untraveled road. You find yourself in amazing places such as this valley surrounded by high mountains and palm-trees, know people so different yet so close to you, enrich your soul with the beauty that your eyes see.

And even if you are in a touristic place, look around yourself, there’s always space for something true, real, authentic. I don’t remember the name of this man: he works at the Wadi Shaab base station and keeps the bath room clean.

Time to leave

Of course I did not show you any picture of the Wadi! You can easily find them online and I am loosing interest for that kind of photography: what I shoot you can’t find anywhere else!

Oman seen in Zen mode was great, people are open, friendly and warm, we know we will be back and see more and different sides of this fantastic place.