JC Lemaire's work takes him around the world, but then when he isn't traveling for work, he is still traveling non stop, documenting the journeys along the way. I got the chance to catch up with JC after his recent trip to Uganda.
Kyle: You seem to very consciously choose off-the-beaten-path locations for your trips, what inspires this mentality?
JC: With the advent of television and especially the internet, the world has become small and its cultures are becoming homogenized. I want to experience and see cultures that are the least affected by popular culture, as close to their natural state as possible, which means going far-off-the-beaten-path.
Are there any particular challenges you've had to find ways to overcome when filming in such remote places?
My biggest challenge is filming in cultures which distrusts cameras, in particular Central and East Africa. People assume I am a professional and will make money off their image, so they want to be handsomely paid. I explain I am an amateur filmmaker and do not make a profit from my work. When I film in market places and film close ups, I ask for permission and negotiate a price to film as they go about their work: frying fish, cutting salt bars, or making nails.
Was there ever a time during any of your travels that you were in concern for your life?
Yes, while filming in Iraq. I was leaving Najaf after visiting the Iman Ali Mosque and was stopped by a militia. When I unwrapped my keffiyeh (Arabic scarf), they drew and cocked their Kalashnikovs and started yelling at me. After a brief and intense dialogue with my guide, they let me go.
Does making videos and telling stories drive you to travel or is it the other way around?
First and foremost, I love to travel and have always "documented" my travels as a way to remember, whether it was keeping receipts, writing a travel diary, or taking pictures. My "documentation" has evolved based on my skills and available media formats from paper, to film, to digital stills, and now digital video.
What piece of travel gear could you not live without?
Without hesitation that would be my hat. I am a red headed, fair skin type who loves to travel in sun bleached areas of the world like Africa and the Middle East. I choose hats with wide brims that are collapsible and look like a suburban gardener rather than a photographer, which makes the locals laugh and call me mzungu (Swahili for white), toubabou (Bambara for white), or bule (Bahasa for foreigner).
Can travel save the world?
Absolutely, traveling takes you out of your comfort zone and obliges you to learn and understand why and how a culture has evolved. You realize it was honed by many generations to best survive in their environment. You see that we are more alike than different, more brothers than strangers.
Check out Video Expeditions with JC Lemaire by CLICKING HERE to see all of JC's videos.
Congrats guys!