For years, I have contemplated self-publishing a book on my Ethiopian photographs. However, after much deliberation, I decided to stay with the “virtual” format. It was just too darn hard to choose among such a plethora of images from this ever so memorable 2019 trip. In addition, designing a quality book was a major challenge. Thankfully, my husband, David, had the brilliant idea for me to review and assemble a new collection of photos I could share here. His suggested title: “Ethiopian Outtakes”. (I’ve also added at the bottom links to my four previous stories whose themes are here as well.)

Unlike my earlier Ethiopian pieces that encompassed background stories on the diverse and impressive landscapes, people, ancient Christian Orthodox churches and priests, I feel the photographs — even outtakes that I now appreciate, can stand for themselves. Call it “visual story telling”. Upon revisiting their work, other artists often ask: “why didn’t I see this?”

Just above is a slide show from the bustling and for me, overwhelming, Addis Ababa “mercato”, one of the largest in Africa. As you might understand, I did not venture far into the sobering and, for me, intimidating metal market seen below. Endless food “booths”, with the presence of women, felt “safer”. The powerful image I captured below says alot. (Here I was reminded of the intense leather market in Marrakesh — without its distinctive smell which I can still conjure. There was no stopping either to smell the roses…)

In contrast to the crowded and chaotic market awaited the vast, peaceful and majestic Simien mountains past the source of the Blue Nile. Reaching up to 15,000 feet, it is also known for the rare Gelada monkeys.

Moving on to a religious theme, including some photos in my piece “By the Hands of Angels”, is Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within this early “outcropping” of eleven Coptic churches lies the famous 12th century St. George church built below ground level.

For sure, the most awesome, otherworldly place we visited was the Danakil Depression, in the Afar region at 410 feet below sea level and with temperatures reaching 120 degrees. Bordering Eritrea to the east, it is also home to the Tigray people and to extensive and harsh salt mines. Included here is just one photograph since few outtakes occured. Feel free to visit the link, “Afar” listed just below.

For more photographs and information on Ethiopia:

To learn more about John Leupold’s exotic travel destinations: https://www.champacajourneys.com/