THE HUMAN ENCOUNTER
Southern Ethiopia Photographic Expedition
Southern Ethiopia Photographic Expedition
I do not seek stolen images
or collections of exotic faces
For years, I have travelled to meet people and cultures beyond the tourist gaze, building relationships that allow strong and authentic portraits to emerge.
This workshop in Southern Ethiopia is born from that approach: to experience the journey, learn a respectful way of approaching people, and work together to create powerful images where photography and human encounter become one.
My approach to photography begins with encounter.
I believe that strong portraits are not taken but built through time, presence and mutual respect.
Working with small groups allows us to slow down, spend more time with people and move beyond superficial observation.
The aim is not simply to photograph different cultures, but to experience meaningful encounters and transform them into powerful and enduring images.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is a small-group photographic expedition designed around time, immersion and personal guidance.
With a maximum of three photographers, the workshop allows close mentoring, flexible shooting time and the freedom to work slowly rather than follow a rigid schedule.
Our journey focuses on Southern Ethiopia and Suri territory, with opportunities to encounter and photograph Suri, Hamar, Karo, Arbore and Mursi communities.
This experience is designed for photographers who value depth, patience and authentic human connection.
THE JOURNEY
Travelling through Southern Ethiopia requires openness, patience and adaptability.
This is not luxury tourism.
It is a photographic and human journey built around presence and encounter.
It is a photographic and human journey built around presence and encounter.
The heart of the experience lies in time spent within Suri territory, where camping, daily life and human encounter become part of the photographic process itself.
Field conditions may be simple and sometimes challenging. Some nights are spent in remote camps where comfort is simple and daily routines become part of the adventure itself.
Yet these conditions are also part of the authenticity of the journey — slowing down, sharing space and experiencing places beyond the tourist gaze.
This expedition is built around presence, trust and meaningful encounters that can evolve into powerful photographs.
FROM ENCOUNTER TO PORTRAIT
Photography begins with presence.
Photography begins with presence.
LIFE IN THE FIELD
Life in Southern Ethiopia moves at its own rhythm.
Long drives, shared meals and remote camps are not interruptions to photography — they are part of the experience itself.
Working in the field means adapting, slowing down and learning to see beyond comfort and routine.
THE EXPEDITION ROUTE
This journey follows a west-to-east route through Southern Ethiopia, designed to balance immersion, photography and the realities of travel across remote territories.
Rather than rushing between locations, the expedition is built around time — allowing us to remain longer where encounters and photographic opportunities naturally emerge.
The heart of the route lies in Suri territory, followed by a slower exploration of Hamar, Karo, Arbore and Mursi communities across the Omo Valley.
Day 1 – Addis Ababa
Arrival, rest and expedition preparation.
Arrival, rest and expedition preparation.
Day 2 – Addis Ababa – Jimma – Mizan
Journey toward western Ethiopia and preparation for the expedition section.
Journey toward western Ethiopia and preparation for the expedition section.
Day 3 – Mizan – Suri Territory
Scenic drive through western Ethiopia with possible stops in coffee-growing regions. Arrival in Suri territory and beginning of the remote field experience.
Scenic drive through western Ethiopia with possible stops in coffee-growing regions. Arrival in Suri territory and beginning of the remote field experience.
Day 4 – Suri Territory
Full photographic day with the Suri community.
Full photographic day with the Suri community.
Day 5 – Suri Territory
Second full day dedicated to photography, portraiture and village life.
Second full day dedicated to photography, portraiture and village life.
Day 6 – Suri Territory – Turmi
Departure from Suri territory and transfer toward Turmi.
Departure from Suri territory and transfer toward Turmi.
Day 7 – Hamar Communities
Photography and village life around Turmi.
Photography and village life around Turmi.
Day 8 – Karo Communities
Full photographic day with Karo communities and return to Turmi.
Full photographic day with Karo communities and return to Turmi.
Day 9 – Flexible Omo Day
Markets, village life and flexible photography according to local conditions and opportunities.
Markets, village life and flexible photography according to local conditions and opportunities.
Day 10 – Arbore
Day excursion to Arbore communities and return to Turmi.
Day excursion to Arbore communities and return to Turmi.
Day 11 – Flexible Photography Day
Additional time for photography, return visits and evolving opportunities.
Additional time for photography, return visits and evolving opportunities.
Day 12 – Turmi – Jinka – Mursi
Photography with Mursi communities and overnight in Jinka.
Photography with Mursi communities and overnight in Jinka.
Day 13 – Jinka – Addis Ababa
Return flight and end of expedition.
Return flight and end of expedition.
CAMP & ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation throughout the expedition combines comfortable lodges with a period of remote field camping.
Most nights are spent in lodges or hotels selected according to local conditions and logistics.
Only the time spent in Suri territory involves expedition-style camping.
These three nights are spent in remote conditions, where comfort is intentionally simple and a degree of personal adaptability is required.
Rather than luxury, the experience prioritises proximity, immersion and the possibility to remain close to the community and photographic environment.
Further details regarding camp facilities will be provided prior to departure.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Full-board expedition throughout the journey
Private transportation and experienced local driver
Local guide and expedition logistics
Lodge accommodation and Suri field camping
Camping support during time spent in Suri territory
Ground transportation according to itinerary
Small-group experience — maximum 3 photographers
Personal photographic guidance and mentoring throughout the expedition
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International and domestic flights
Visa and personal insurance
Personal expenses
Alcoholic drinks
Tips and optional personal services
Visa and personal insurance
Personal expenses
Alcoholic drinks
Tips and optional personal services
JOIN THE EXPEDITION
This expedition is intentionally designed for a very small group.
With a maximum of three photographers, the journey prioritises time, flexibility and meaningful photographic experience over numbers.
If this approach resonates with you and you would like to receive further information, feel free to get in touch.
CONTACT & PARTICIPATION
This expedition is discussed personally before confirmation in order to ensure mutual expectations and photographic interests are aligned.
cmarrazza@outlook.com
cmarrazza@outlook.com