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PHOTOGRAPHER'S PROFILE

Name: Dennis Kaarsgaarn
Home country: The Netherlands

Dennis picked up a serious liking for photography in the late nineties on several trips to Southeast Asia. Having held various marketing and strategy positions at a Dutch telecom company, he decided to quit his job and travel throughout a large part of the world. The resulting archive of over 12,000 travel pictures shows his passion for travel photography and a specialisation in portraits and everyday street scenes. Dennis is the founder of TerraNomada, a small independent stock photo agency which he currently runs with his business partner and co-photographer Elmer Jutte. Their work can be seen on www.terranomada.com


PHOTO LOCATION: Si Phan Don, Don Det, Laos

Fishing at dawn

 
ABOUT THE LOCATION
Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) is situated in southern Laos, just north of the Cambodian border in the Mekong River. Between monsoons during the dry months the river recedes and leaves behind dozens of islands. Some islands, such as Don Det, are permanently inhabited and offer unique glimpses of southern Laos river-oriented village life. Because Don Det is situated in the Mekong River at a point where the river suddenly drops in elevation, many stunning rapids and waterfalls are within walking distance. Don Det is a perfect base for boat trips on the Mekong River, including trips south of Don Det towards the Cambodian border, home to the rare Irrawaddy freshwater river dolphins.
TIPS FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER

What to photograph: River oriented village life, river landscapes, freshwater dolphins, boats, fishermen and river rapids.
When to photograph: Between November and February southern Laos has moderate temperatures and receives the least rainfall. Sunrise and sunset are perfect times for photographing activity on the riverbanks.
Photography tips: Early morning or late afternoons are perfect times to photograph fishermen going or coming back to the islands. The south-western riverbanks provide spectacular sunsets overlooking the Cambodian mountains.
 

Sunset over the Cambodian mountains

  FACTS & INFO

Early morning river life

 
Where it is: Don Det is situated in the middle of the Mekong River in the southern most part of Laos. It is about 120 km south of Pakse and 20 km north of Voen Kham, the border crossing with Cambodia.
How to get there: From Pakse, take a bus to Ban Nakasang where you can charter a boat directly to Don Det. Coming from Voen Kham, charter transport to Ban Nakasang.
Accommodation: Don Det offers basic accommodation 1$ - 5$ in an amazing tranquil setting, a perfect place to enjoy beautiful sunsets. Huts usually come with private terrace and hammock.
What to take/
Other info:		 Pack your camera gear in watertight bags as you make the river crossing to Don Det or go on a river daytrip. It is not unusual for the boats to sink or capsize in the middle of the river.

 
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