Waterfall, lower Svaneti, March 2007

At the traditional "kubdari" (meat pie) stop, an hour or so before leaving Svaneti altogether.

Mountains across the Inguri R. from Etseri, February 2004


Part of a wall of mountains which forms the backdrop to Etseri. They are deceptively small-looking; even the way down to the river in order to cross them is a long trek. They are another of my muses, and I often photograph them in various weather and lighting conditions. Monochrome because there was so little colour in the scene anyway, this deep in winter.

An expedition by horseback above Etseri in the direction of famous Mt. Ushba, August 2001

(Top) The shack where we slept the night, temporarily used by farmers during the busy season. No electricity; dirt floor; wood heating, water by stream. But snug and cosy.

(Going down) Another example of: great excitment at the scene before me, shooting quite a few frames; disappointment with the prints from negative - too contrasty!; delighted rediscovery from scanning the negs. Ushba reflected: what a gift. The clouds just add drama for those who know how fickle and shy this mountain can be.

On the way back, overnight above Etseri; next morning, watching the scene emerge from clouds below.

Ancient church, isolated but not by any means forgotten or unused.

Trying for maximum layering of information with my 24mm wideangle lens, from close cracked pond mud to pond bottom to reflection to reality.

Mountains nr Etseri, May 2001

Backlighting offers harsh contrast and loss of detail. But knowing the rules - Never shoot backlit! - is the first step to bending or breaking them successfully.

Mountain painting, Central Svaneti, December 2000

Here somehow a non-photographic feel has resulted on the top half of the image, as if on canvas, due to the weather I think.