Photographing the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

April 10, 2024

On April 8, 2024, I embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to witness and capture the last total solar eclipse to cross North America until 2045. Tagging along with me is my photographer friend Edwin. Our epic 9-hour road trip spanning 7 States starting from Delaware led us to the charming town of Greenville, Maine – a hidden gem nestled in Piscataquis County with a population of just 1,437 residents.

Originally planning to fly to Texas for clearer skies, a last-minute weather change redirected us to Maine. Despite the unexpected change of plans, we were determined to make the most of this rare phenomenon.

The solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, also known as the Great North American Eclipse, was a breathtaking sight to behold. This total solar eclipse was visible across a band covering parts of North America, from Mexico to Canada, and crossing the contiguous United States. As the moon passed between Earth and the sun, it obscured the sun, creating a magnificent and unforgettable spectacle. I was one of the millions of people along it’s path, who stood in awe bearing witness to a momentous event in history.

With our cameras at the ready, we positioned ourselves on the edge of beautiful Moosehead Lake. I set up my gear on tripods – a Canon R5 with a Canon RF 600mm lens for close-up shots of the eclipse, and a Canon R3 with a Canon RF 15-35mm wide-angle lens to capture the stunning landscape. Equipped with solar filters and glasses, these tools allowed me to capture the eclipse against the backdrop of this small town’s natural beauty.

It was truly an incredible experience, one that will stay with me as a photographer forever. Checking off this item on my bucket list was a dream come true. And while the next total solar eclipse is not until another 20 years, I am already eagerly anticipating it. In the meantime, I invite you to enjoy these images I captured of this epic event. Enjoy!

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What you will receive –

A 20X16 Limited Edition fine art print of my Great North American Eclipse image
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Cherry Blossoms In Washington DC During The Pandemic

My Top 6 Tips in Photographing Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC

March 28, 2023

by Ron Soliman with 2 Comments Blog

Spring season is finally here! And you all would agree with the fact that the spring season brings a delightful fresh vibe with itself! The defrosting of frozen landscapes as the weather starts warming up and the blooming of beautiful flowers especially the cherry blossoms is one-way nature is telling us that “new life” is here.

As you all know, the spring season in Washington DC means the beginning of the National Cherry Blossom Festival! Historically, it started when Japan gifted these trees to the US in 1912 to grow goodwill between the two countries. The flowering cherry tree, or “Sakura,” has a symbol with rich meaning in Japanese culture.

When the blossoms start appearing on the trees, thousands of visitors flock to Washington DC to watch and enjoy the annual bloom. Photographers, both amateurs and professionals, will also try to capture images of this beautiful spectacle. But capturing the perfect photos is not as simple as it sounds!

Here is my Top 6 Tips in Photographing Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC. Enjoy!

Though cellphone cameras can do wonders nowadays for any of your travel photography, I still consider having a good camera gear to be a better choice when photographing the annual Cherry Blossoms Festival in Washington DC. Especially when you are planning on arriving early in the morning, you will need a camera that can handle low light situations.

Here’s a list and links of camera gear I brought with me for this shoot (you can bring something similar as long as you can control your camera settings manually with best possible results) –

Using the amazing Canon EOS R5 or similar cameras with an in-body stabilization allowed me to hand-hold my camera when shooting at slow shutter speed without depending on a tripod at certain situations.

Photo Credit Edwin Ochoa

#2 Best time to Photograph

Make a little sacrifice to avoid the crowds and come really early in the morning. My suggestion is even to come before sunrise. We live in Delaware which is a two-hour drive to DC but we got up at 4 Am and drove to get there on time for the 6:54 AM sunrise. When we got there it was still pretty dark. That actually allowed me to photograph some “dawn shots” of the Tidal basin.

#3 My Favorite Locations To Shoot

Walk around the Tidal Basin while keeping social distance from everybody else. Believe me, even at 6 AM you will see at least a hundred people either jogging, walking, or wanting to take photos of sunrise and the cherry blossoms. Below is a small map of the Tidal basin. I marked all my favorite spots to shoot with some sample photos. Enjoy!

Source: Google Maps

Spot Number 1- Top Of Ohio Drive Bridge

While on the top of Ohio Drive Bridge, use a wide-angle lens to shoot a panoramic view of the Tidal Basin with both the Washington Memorial on the left and the Jefferson memorial on the right as your backdrop. Check out the image above.

Spot Number 2- Walkway Along Tidal Basin

Cross the Ohio Drive bridge and make your way to the walkway along the Tidal Basin. At this spot, you will see a fantastic view of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial with the sun rising from behind! I know it could be overwhelming while shooting. But try to focus on being a little creative through the process. One good trick is to frame your shot of the memorials with the beautiful blooms around you. Don’t just take photos of the cherry blossoms but tell a story with your photos – show a sense of place while showcasing the beauty of nature.

And just a little advice – don’t come too close to the edge of the walkway because I’ve seen people falling into the water before and that’s not fun at all especially when you have a $4,000 camera in your hands. Yikes!

Spot Number 3- The Other Side Of The Bridge

On the other side of the bridge on the way to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, you will find some beautiful blooms that you can use to frame the Washington Memorial in your shots.

Spot Number 4- Around The George Mason Historical Marker area

This spot is the ideal location to find some cherry blossoms and colorful magnolia trees.

#4 Best Lighting For Engagement or Family photography

These pieces of advice I am listing here are not only for landscape photographers but also for wedding, engagement, or family photographers like me.

While I was there doing some landscape photography, I came across a lot of other photo sessions happening in front of me. I know it’s a little sacrifice for you and your clients to get up early in the morning but trust me this is the best time to get those perfect engagement or family photos without the crowd of tourists being in most of your shots. And the best part about it is, you have that “Golden hour” light you can use to be creative with your portraits. For any creatives, this is heaven.

While photographing the cherry blossoms along the Tidal basin in Washington DC I witnessed a couple kissing and snapped a couple of shots. For sure they are doing their photo session with their photographer and they picked the best place to do so. If you recognize this couple I want to give this image to them.

#5 Parking Advice

If you are driving to the location, then parking would be difficult. The usual street parking along the Potomac River is all blocked during the festival. So your best bet is to come early, you can save yourself a parking spot along Ohio Drive.

Directions: Pass the Jefferson Memorial on the right, then make a left on Ohio drive, and you will find parking lots A and B. Try to come before 6 am because they get full very soon! After 7 AM you have to park miles away or get dropped off by Taxi or Uber.

#6 Relax And Enjoy

Last but not least – my most important tip for you is to try to relax and enjoy the experience. Just imagine how amazing it is to watch the sunrise while capturing the beauty of nature in your photos! It feels like heaven on earth!

Once again always be safe and don’t forget to have fun!

Share us some love and comment below. Feel free to share this article on your social media posts. Thank you and Happy Spring!

Make sure to check our SHOP link to find Fine Art Photography Prints from my Cherry Blossoms Art Series

Tanzania – A Wildlife Photographer’s Journey to the Serengeti

August 19, 2022

by Ron Soliman with 6 Comments Blog

Stories are told about the Great Migration, but nothing compares to the first-hand experience. Serengeti is one of the most exciting safari destinations in Africa. It is also one of the best national parks in the world and it is known to be the place to watch the greatest wildlife show on earth – the Great Wildebeest Migration.

So few months before I turn 50 years old this June, my wife and I embarked on a photographic journey to Tanzania to photograph the wild and witness this amazing phenomenon.

Located in East Africa, Tanzania is well known for its vast wilderness areas including the plains of the Serengeti National Park. It is the largest country in East Africa and its neighboring countries are Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, DR Congo, Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi.

Here’s a little history of Tanzania –

Arab traders first began to colonize the area in the year 700. Portuguese explorers reached the coastal regions in 1500 and held some control until the 17th century when the sultan of Oman took power.

With what is now Burundi and Rwanda, “Tanganyika” became the colony of German East Africa in 1885. In 1964 Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania, and Tanganyika merged into a new country: Tanzania.

The famous Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest point of Tanzania, is located in the North. Dar es Salam was the capital of Tanzania but the city of Dodoma became the country’s capital in 1973. As of 2021, it has now a population of 59,678,000. Its official languages are Swahili and English.

Arriving in Tanzania

We flew from Philadelphia to Kilimanjaro Airport and stayed for a couple of nights in Arusha to recover from jet lag after a 23- hour-flight. We stayed at the Gran Melia Resort. Upon arrival at this hotel, we pretty much right away felt the Tanzanian hospitality. The staff was amazing and the rooms are very clean and comfortable. Number One Tip – Make sure you ask for a room that has a great view of Mt. Meru, the 2nd highest mountain in Africa.

The Journey to the Serengeti

There are two ways to get to the Serengeti National Park – by plane or by a 4X4 Safari SUV from Arusha. If you choose to fly, you can fly to Seronera Airport, which is inside the national park. I believe it is only an hour flight either from Nairobi or Kilimanjaro airport. While it would have been more convenient to fly, we took the longer route and decided to drive from Arusha to explore the countryside, interact with the locals, and learn about their culture. Driving along on the bumpy dirt roads, felt as though we were in a National Geographic documentary segment. If you drive straight from Arusha it will take at least 6-7 hours to get to the Serengeti. So we chose to do stopovers along the way and spend overnight at a nearby lodge.

Along the way, our safari guide and driver Lorry from Pooja Travel and Tours educated us about each amazing wildlife we spotted. It is very important to have a very good safari guide who knows all the roads and who knows where to find the animals during each safari game drive.

Our journey set off from Arusha. Most tour operators offering Serengeti safaris organize your transport from Arusha for you. They call the city of Arusha the gateway to the Serengeti and to Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also sometimes called the safari capital of the world due to it’s close proximity to an international airport and to the popular national parks like – Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Olduvai Gorge, Tarangire National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Meru in the Arusha National Park.

A very popular landmark in Arusha is it’s clock tower as seen in the photograph below. Built in the 1950s, this clock tower is believed to be the central point of Africa. It stands exactly at the middle of Africa between Cape Town in South Africa and Cairo in Egypt.

As a photographer I fell in love with this city’s colorful and vibrant culture. It reminds me a lot of my grandparents’ province back in the Philippines.

(Click on any photo in the gallery below to enlarge the images)

First Stop - Ngorongoro Crater

After a 3 to 4 hour drive from Arusha, our first stopover was the Ngorongoro crater, a massive collapsed volcano (caldera) in Northern Tanzania. Historically, the Ngorongoro highland is said to be an extinct volcano that once stood as high as Mt Kilimanjaro. Two million years ago, a violent volcanic eruption occurred that collapsed the mountain and created the largest intact caldera in the world. It is said to be as big as New York City.

Through the years, a specular wildlife eco-system inside this crater has formed. It is now the home of more than 25,000 wildlife animals. It is truly one of the greatest natural wonders on earth.

Maasai Tribes of Ngorongoro

Around the Ngorongoro crater live a big population of people belonging to the Maasai tribe, a semi-nomadic tribe whose origin dates back to the 15th-century migration of tribes in Africa.

During our stay, we visited a school for small children at a Maasai tribe village and gave away school supplies. In every country we visit we try to give back and share our blessings to the locals. We also got the chance to meet the elders and learn about their culture. I have to say this is one of the highlights of our trip. I wish we brought more stuff for the kids but I know in my heart that we are going to be back to Tanzania and will bring more school supplies for them.

I know many of you have expressed the desire to contribute to this good cause, so please email me at [email protected] or simply message me here in the comments below if you are interested in contributing. I thank you in advance!

(Click on any photo in the gallery below to enlarge the images)

Four Seasons Serengeti

On our way to the Serengeti from Ngorongoro, there was so much wildlife to see and photograph. Giraffes, wildebeest, and elephants are everywhere.

While enjoying the view of the countryside of Tanzania, you get to see and learn about the Maasai culture and how they live their life alongside wild animals. It was such an educational experience.

The whole trip that included some short stops for game drive took us about 5 hours from Ngorongoro Conservation Area to reach the main gate of the Serengeti National Park, and another hour to Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, our home sweet home for a few days while in the savannah. I have to say this is one of the best safari lodges inside the Serengeti! It is such a beautiful lodge that truly speaks of African culture. Its overall design and structure make this lodge superior to any other lodges and resorts in the area. I love their infinity pool overlooking a waterhole, where elephants and other wild animals hang out during a hot sunny day.

Our suite had more than we’d imagined; a king-size bed, indoor and outdoor showers, a terrace, and an infinity pool. And it doesn’t end there; the view of the savannah from our room is breathtaking, especially in the morning when the sun rises and the sky is a myriad of colors and wonder.

And last but not least, another thing I really love about this place is the kindness and care from staff and management. We received the warmest Tanzanian hospitality at its best. I am going to write a separate blog post/review in more detail on Four Seasons Serengeti in the next blog post.

Photographing Wildlife in the Serengeti

The name Serengeti, originates from the Maasai word “siringit” that means “endless plains.” It is exactly what you will see when driving around this massive body of land that stretches over 12,000 square miles. It is also the home of the largest mass movement of mammals in the world called “the Great Migration”. Every year, about 1.5 million wildebeests make their way through the Serengeti looking for greener pastures towards the Mara River to Kenya, where they make their dramatic crossing with crocodiles waiting on the waters. Trekking with them are thousands of zebras, gazelles, and of course predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards, etc that are waiting for the right opportunity to grab a few for their dinner. Part of the circle of life.

I was fortunate enough to witness this incredible phenomenon while exploring the Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was truly a wildlife photographer’s dream! I was able to photograph wild animals a few meters away from our safari SUV truck and even more exciting – from the sky on a hot air balloon during sunrise. To make sure I catch all the action happening, I made sure I brought the right camera gear. Click here to see my “go-to gear” for African Safari Photography.

The following are a few of my favorite images in the Serengeti.

Cheetah, the world’s fastest land mammal, goes on a hunt in the savannah and spots a Tommy Gazelle from afar. A cheetah’s slender body is built for speed. Accelerating from zero to 45 in just 2.5 seconds. What you are about to see is one of the most incredible animal hunt you will ever witness…

(Click on any photo in the gallery below to enlarge the images)

Thank you so much for visiting my blog about my journey to the Serengeti. I hope you enjoyed looking through these images from this epic adventure. It was such an incredible experience to photograph in the wild and learn a lot about the African culture.

I invite you to leave any positive comments below. Also, feel free to ask any questions about the trip. I will also be more than happy to answer them for you and give the best advice I can give based on my experience. As a bonus, I would be willing to share with you my full itinerary. Just let me know in the comments below.

Make sure to check out my other blog post where I talk about –

“My Top 10 Tips for a Successful African Safari Photography Experience”

Once again thank you, and like what they always say in Africa – “Hakuna Matata” (it means No Worries) and Live Life to the Fullest!

Do not miss owning a LIMITED EDITION Fine Art Photography Prints by Award-Winning photographer Ron Soliman (click on the image below)

My Top 10 Tips for a Successful African Safari Photography Experience

August 18, 2022

by Ron Soliman with 2 Comments Blog

We just got back from photographing in the Serengeti. And I have to say, there were so many things I learned from our African safari trip. I put together some tips based on what I learned and experienced. Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, I hope these following tips can help you in any way make your safari experience a successful one. Here are My Top 10 Tips for a Successful African Safari Photography Experience. Enjoy!

Tip #1: Make sure you get a good safari guide/driver

Capturing amazing safari photos is not about luck it’s about knowing where to go and when. And if you have a good guide, they can help you achieve that. When researching prior to your trip it is important to read their reviews on Google or Trip Advisor. Also ask around from other photographers who they used.

For us, we are lucky enough to have a really good one with Lorry from Pooja Travel and Tours. He is very knowledgeable about the animals and know where to find them. No matter how hard the drive is with all the bumpy roads he never complain. He always say – “Hakuna Matata”, no worries. Love his positive energy! I strongly recommend them. Not only they gave me a good safari guide, Hitesh, the owner, did a fantastic job arranging my itinerary to make sure we get to see a lot with the short amount of time we had. Plus, he worked hard to find me the best deals on lodges and activities. Click on their link here to check their availability for an unforgettable African Safari – Pooja Travel and Tours.

Tip #2: Bring the right camera equipments

If you want to achieve beautiful and crisp looking images, make sure you gear yourself up with a high megapixel camera and a good telephoto lens with the range of at least 300mm. I mentioned high megapixel, that way if you want to crop-into your subjects in your images you will still get decent quality and sharpness. For those of you who are amateur, I know it is a pretty pricey investment to get professional grade cameras for this one trip, but there are ways to do it without breaking the bank. One way is rent your gear from places like – LensRental.com. Or some lodges will have cameras and lenses for rent. Just check with them.

People have asked me what set of gears I brought with me in this trip, so here’s a little – “what’s in the bag” explanation of what I packed. I have included some links as well where to find these below (Click on each item to be connected to the link). Enjoy!

Canon R5 body

Canon 200-400mm F4 with built-in 1.4X Extender

Canon RF 800mm F11

Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8

Canon Mount Adapter EF – To use the 200-400mm with the Canon R5

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II – For my wide angle shots
LensCoat Camouflage Camera Lens Support Bean Bag Platform – You will need this to rest your camera lenses

Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition + Accessories

DJI Pocket 2 – for my video travel blog

IFOOTAGE Carbon Fiber Camera Monopod (Cobra 2-C180) – I use this when I’m shooting birds during a walking safari

Neewer GM100 Professional Heavy Duty Carbon Fiber Gimbal Tripod Head
Delkin Devices 2TB Power CFexpress Type B
OFF! Deep Woods Mosquito and Insect Repellent Towelettes – to protect you from insect bites.

Root’d Nausea Relief Acupressure Wristbands (2 Pairs) – for the bumpy roads especially if you suffer from motion sickness
ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II Dual-Slot Memory Card Reader
Portable Charger 32000mAh,
Fousam Sniper Veil,Camo Mesh Net Tactical Scarf
12×42 High Definition Binoculars

Giottos AA1900 Rocket Air Blaster – Going on a safari can get very dusty, so you need to clean your lenses every after the shoot.
ZEISS Pre-Moistened Lens Cleaning Wipes
Tanzania Safari Guide Book

Tip # 3: “Patience is a virtue"

When shooting during a game drive, there are times when you have to wait for an hour or two for any animal “action” to happen. You have to be very patient, and you will be rewarded with amazing photos.

Tip # 4: Backup your files!

Make sure, when you come back to your lodge every after game drive, to back-up your files in two separate hard drives. Hide one of the hard drives in a safe if there’s any, and the other one maybe in your camera bag. This way you are covered in the event of a hard drive crash or a lost.

Tip # 5: Get up early!

While on a safari, make a little sacrifice to wake up before sunrise and go out and shoot. Wild animals usually go out on a hunt when it’s cooler out there. You will have a better chance to catch more action. And to make it even better, the lighting is going to be golden!

Tip # 6: Bean Bag is a Life-Saver

When shooting from inside a safari vehicle, you need something to rest your camera or lens, and a bean bag is a perfect accessory for this. It also allows you to move around fast with your telephoto lenses from one side of the vehicle to another when following the movement of animals.

You can get any brand out there but I love this particular one – LensCoat Camouflage Camera Lens Support Bean Bag Platform. You can also buy beans to stuff this bean bag at a local market in Arusha, Tanzania but I actually used my “travel pillow” and clean socks to fill it up. It worked!

Tip # 7: Respect the Wild Animals

When shooting try to be quiet and not make unnecessary noises to startle the animals. Remember, the wild is their home and you are just a visitor.

Tip # 8: Reality vs Expectations of a African Safari

Going on a safari, though could be very pricey, is not always luxury. Be prepared for the bumpy roads, dust, heat, and Tsetse flies. It’s all part of the experience of the wild.

Check my list on – Tip#2, on some of the things to bring to be prepared.

Tip # 9: Give Generous Tips

Many of these areas where the safari tours take place are some of the poor countries in Africa. Most of the workers come from local communities. And especially during the pandemic, many of them lost their jobs and income. Giving generous tips is one way of giving back to their communities and helping out their families. You will be surprised, everybody in Tanzania in the tourism service industry is top-notch when it comes to service. They truly deserved that extra tip.

Tip # 10: Enjoy Each Moment

Even when trying to get the right composition for that perfect shot, never forget to enjoy every moment of the experience. Then you will come home very fulfilled.

Thank you for checking out my blog on My Top 10 Tips for a Successful African Safari Photography Experience. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Do not miss owning a LIMITED EDITION Fine Art Photography Prints by Award-Winning photographer Ron Soliman

(For a limited time only, my Africa Collection Series in on SALE, check them out by clicking on the image below)

Fine Art Travel Photography – My Point of View

March 10, 2021

by Ron Soliman with No Comment Blog

“Fine art” photography is one of the most creative forms of photography, and it is different from other styles. Some photographers say Fine art photography is “not about what your camera sees, but it’s about capturing what the artist see as a reflection of his/her creativity.” I totally agree 100%. No matter what photography style you are an expert in, you must explore the world of fine art photography once in your lifetime! It gives you the authority to showcase your ideas and vision as an artist.

Moreover, the concept of “Fine art travel photography” could be different for others. For me, it’s merely about capturing the beauty of the world around us. Through this genre, I get to share my vision of the beauty of different culture, people, and landscape beyond our borders.

Here are a few tips I’ve learned in the past that made me a more effective fine art travel photographer:

#1 Explore People And Culture

One of the most incredible things about traveling is you get to see and encounter different people and their culture. This is a great opportunity to capture images that tells story of those people you come across along the way. As a documentary photographer by trade, I love telling stories through my photographs. I use mostly natural and ambient light. I try to capture genuine emotions to add drama into my images. Equipments of course play a big part in executing these techniques. I love using my Canon 70-200 mm zoom lens, that way I place myself afar from my subject to make sure I am not noticed when I capture them in their most natural moments.

And last but not least, make sure to use the rules of composition in photography – framing, rule-of-thirds, leading lines etc., to get make your images more interesting to your viewers. And when you move around locations, try to find and capture vibrant colors and details to add into your stories. I believe sharing such artistic photos with your audience through your travel photographs lets them see the outstanding beauty of the world that’s beyond every border.

#2 Capture Landscapes

When traveling I always follow this rule – “Take only memories, Leave only footprints”. As a travel photographer, I feel it’s my responsibility as an artist to echo the “memories” of these beautiful landscapes that I just witnessed and give them life in a photograph. You can pretty much shoot at any time of the day to manifest the beauty of nature around you, but for me the best time to capture any landscape is either early in the morning during sunrise, or during the “golden hour” of sunset. Sometimes a little sacrifice, like waking up really early in the morning, can go a long way and produce awesome results.

Make sure you also have the right equipments with you. Aside from your camera and lenses, a very good (light and sturdy) tripod will be very beneficial in capturing very sharp landscape photographs. The go to lenses for me when I travel are – the Canon RF 15-35mm, Canon RF 70-200 mm, or the Canon EF 24-70mm. I use Canon EOS R5 as my main camera.

#3 Be different and Break the Rules

Let’s face it, there are plenty of talented photographers out there who may have photographed the same destination or location you are photographing. Their photos may have been on the cover of National Geographic or Travel magazines. You may have used them as your inspiration, but you don’t seem to get the same result on your first try photographing the same spot. Do not be discouraged. Instead, try to be different. As you create you fine art photographs, your work has to reflect your vision and your creativity.

The best way to make your work look fantastic and unique is to try different perspectives. Do some movements on your photos, using slow shutter speed. Change your angles to give a different look and perspective to your subject. Use a wide angle lens, and sometimes a macro lens to tell a story. Try to break the traditional rules of photography and be creative. And above all have fun along the process.

Below are some images from my fine art travel photography work. These photographs are here for the purpose of inspiring you to take your travel photographs to the next level. Good luck and have fun!