Jayne McLean: Omo Valley, Ethiopia
PHOTOGRAPHER JAYNE McLEAN | DESTINATION OMO VALLEY, ETHIOPIA
SOME WILL THINK OF COFFEE, OTHERS WILL THINK OF POVERTY OR FAMINE, BUT WHAT MULTI-AWARD WINNING AUSTRALIAN PHOTOGRAPHER JAYNE McLEAN THINKS FOR A FACT, IS THAT ETHIOPIA IS EXTRAORDINARY. THE LANDSCAPE IS INCREDIBLE. THE DIVERSITY OF CULTURAL TRIBES, UNLIKE ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD AND THE LOCALS ARE SOME OF THE HAPPIEST AND FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE SHE HAS EVER MET.
ETHIOPIA IS A THIRD-WORLD DESTINATION WITH A HISTORY OF UNBEARABLE HARDSHIP AND SUFFERING, BUT THEIR ECONOMY IS NOW ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING IN THE WORLD. WITH NOT MUCH, THESE TRIBAL COMMUNITIES EXPRESS EXCEPTIONAL CREATIVITY FOR WILD, BODY ART. BUT THEIR MOST VALUABLE WISDOM FOR THE WORLD… HAPPINESS IS NOT A MATERIAL THING. IT COMES WITH RESILIENCE, HOPE AND STRONG COMMUNITY SENSE.
The women of the Suri and Mursi tribes have lip plates. They can remove them when eating or when they want to. The larger the lip plate the more cattle a man must give to her family to marry her. In more recent years some of the younger girls are choosing not to continue with this tradition. This woman is from the Suri tribe near south Sudan. You can also see her body scaring.
Jayne with children of the Suri tribe and her incredibly awesome Ethiopian driver, Mule.
EXTRAORDINARY MOMENT Often the unplanned stops are the most rewarding experiences. This is a family home I was invited into when walking past. Sharing their coffee with me and I shared my lunch in return. A grateful and absolutely beautiful family community.
from luxe, white weddings to A third-world, wild destination and multi-award winning photography in between. what is about the PEOPLE and travelling that you hope to capture in your work the most?
I feel fortunate to share my passion of photography. To share my adventures to inspire others to see and explore more of our amazing world. For various reasons some people don’t get to travel much. Or, we can get caught up in our own busy world so much. But I feel it is important to consider other people and their cultures and lifestyles, for a true sense of reality.
I love a genuine connection, beautiful moments and a personal approach with my photography. As a wedding photographer for over 15 years, this connection has flowed into my travel photography. When I travel, it is not just about taking photos. The interactions and experiences come first, which inspire authentic photo opportunities for when I have my camera in hand.
You are an Australian photographer. ethiopia is so far away. what is it about africa (ETHIOPIA) that has captured your focus on such an intimate scale?
Prior to my first trip I did not know much about Ethiopia. But the more research I did, the more unique I found this country to be. They have their own calendar, their own time, their own dates of celebration, food, traditions and cultures. The landscapes are incredible and the diversity of unique tribes, unlike anywhere else in the world. And, they are some of the happiest and friendliest people I have ever met.
Ethiopia is not a popular holiday destination for Australians. I often hear a surprised “why?” when I tell people I am going to Ethiopia. People often don’t know much about Ethiopia, but once they hear about my passion for the people and see my images, they are intrigued to know more.
I believe I can make a difference in Ethiopia. Teaching photography skills and being a business mentor are two areas I’m assisting with. Sharing business skills is giving hope for their future. This is a beautiful thing!
My first trip to Ethiopia was so inspiring that it changed my future plans and direction completely. Now I hope to return many times to share this amazing country with others and host private and semi-private tours to the region. When photographing people it is crucial to show respect, which is why my tours are very personal. We form genuine connections which create incredible travel experiences and photo opportunities.
Can you tell us about the significance of face painting as a tradition to the Omo Valley tribe of ETHiOPIA.
There are a few tribal villages that decorate their faces and bodies with painting. The paint is a mix of local rock/clays with water. Traditionally they used to use one colour and simple designs. Body painting was mainly used for celebrations and special occasions. However, more recently, they have found ways to be very creative with styling using natural resources. The Suri Tribe in south-west Ethiopia, only 20kms from Sudan, are some of the most creative tribes and an absolute delight to meet and pleasure to photograph.
if you could share something of what you HAVE learnt from your time SPENT with these Tribal communities, what would it be?
Their happiness, joy and appreciation is really inspiring. They are so welcoming and generous, yet have so little. They live day by day with no pressure on the future, or stressing about things they can’t control. Their sense of belonging and community spirit is something that I believe we have lost in the western world. I’ve learnt that whilst their life seems less fair (ie. they don’t have many things that we all take for granted, like access to facilities, healthcare, water and education), but, these tribes do have very admirable things that we don’t. For them, resilience, hope and belonging to a community equals happiness.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SURPRISING photo opportunity so far?
Ethiopia has created so many unexpected photo opportunities. Unplanned stops have created the most surprising interactions and amazing connections. Although I think my biggest surprise was discovering how friendly and welcoming these tribes are. Prior to my first trip, I did see many photos of these tribes, but they seemed to be lacking with that beautiful connection and more ‘staged’. I do understand why some with to capture images in this way, but the soul of these beautiful people is so much more. I want to capture their happy, cheeky and fun side. They have such friendly faces. Taking photographs has to be a positive and fun experience.
@photographerjaynemclean
jaynemclean.com
Omo Valley, EthiopiA
tribal photo tours*
Unique tours hosted by Jayne McLean
(With a maximum of two guests this guarantees a personalised experience.)
Join professional photographer Jayne McLean on an amazing photography adventure to Southern Ethiopia. An absolute photographers delight, the Omo Valley in southern Ethiopia is full of photographic opportunities.
Three amazing itineraries are available in 2021
Multi-award winning photographer Jayne McLean has a passion for Ethiopia and will be on hand to guide you and ensure you are making the most of every opportunity. To ensure you feel safe and comfortable and have the most amazing photography adventure!
“I wasn’t sure what to expect as I had never travelled to Africa before. However, throughout my trip I felt very safe and felt no anxiety. Jayne always ensured that I was comfortable, having fun and had amazing opportunities.”