Highland Madeira t the ocean, way down there, it's about 30C, and then you drive about half an hour, and you find yourself suddenly in a middle of a cloud. You get out of your car and realize that wrapping yourself in something warm is a very desirable thing, as the temp

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Monday, August 23, 2010 | flickr photos

I don't believe in coincidences, and when I noticed the announcement something really "clicked" in my head – wasn’t that THE chance I was looking for? So, I'm giving it a try with a set that allows one to feel the spirit of a gorgeous Paul Da Serra highland plateau and see the life of its solemn inhabitants.

About myself: for the last 18 years I've been working as a freelance interpreter mostly with international NGOs and agencies such as the WHO, UN, USAID, human rights, development, disability, health care groups (I have a nursing background myself - a useful skill when travelling!), etc. I have an extensive experience being in different cultures and interacting with a variety of people while travelling round the world (and photographing in my free time), so I easily find a common language basically with anybody.

I have extensively travelled on my own, too, and one of my favorite countries is India – I keep coming back there. Backpacking has provided me with an amazing experience of learning the Indian way of life, and my learning just never stops. This is one of the main reasons for why I'm daring to participate in this contest, as it may again take me to this part of the world :)

My photography experience: I'm not a professional, but one of my aspirations is to become one in the field of travel photography and photojournalism. I'm ready to learn and work hard, and at the same time – to enjoy my new experience! Until recent I had been using Sony A-350 DSLR camera with 50/1,4 and 17-50/2.8 lenses. However, after it decided to get a personal encounter with a huge ocean wave, I had to switch to Nikon D90.

This is the time for me to shift the gears and finally pursue photography in a more dedicated way. And I hope that your interests and mine will coincide!