Interview - Ulla Lohmann

Anyone with an interest in nature and wildlife may well have followed the BBC series 'Lost Land of the Volcano' this year. The program featured a team of scientists, cavers and wildlife filmmakers venturing into an extinct volcano - Mount Bosavi - on the remote island of New Guinea. The expedition resulted in the discovery of new species deep within the rainforest.

One member of the team was photojournalist and TV presenter Ulla Lohmann. Her work proved to be an integral part of the groups findings.

Recently, Ulla took time - whilst back in her native Germany - to talk to Loving Latin America about her experiences in South America.

Travelling is clearly a big part of your life and profession, can you tell us about the countries you have visited in Latin America, was it for business or tourism, and what was your experience like?

- As a photographer, I crossed the Andes for BMW Motorrad (Motorbike) with GS Adventure 1200. We went through Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. I absolutely adored the landscape. Yes, I think, the Andes, especially the Salar del Uyni and the volcanoes in Bolivia are amongst the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen in my life. For people who love dirt roads on motorbikes, it is a fantastic trip, yet challenging, especially across a 5400m high mountain pass. Even without a bike, getting around is easy and I felt safe. The people are incredible friendly, yet very calm and relaxed. They are curious, but not intrusive. I have also been travelling to Costa Rica and Panama for three months. Needless to say that Costa Rica is a fantastic country, very great National Parks, perfect surf and its very safe with friendly people. Panama is a bit more the adventure version (depends where you go), it is still much more unspoilt and also harder to move around.

You are a professional with the camera, but what would you recommend budding amateurs to photograph in Latin America? Do you have any tips?

- People. Go up to people who are doing interesting things and ask them if you can photograph them. Don t just take one picture and leave, but stick around, ask questions, observe the people with the camera. Spend time with them. Then, you'll cross the line between tourist and traveller. To me, the camera is a great tool to meet people.

- Light. Wait, if possible, for the good light in the morning/ afternoon.
- A theme. Choose a theme for your trip and stick to it. It can be very fun to have a series of photographs about for example children or houses or horses or dances or ketchup bottles in different environments and locations.

If you could choose just one of the countries you visited to recommend to others, which one would it be, and why does it stand out above the rest?

- If I go with my weird preferences, I would recommend Bolivia. Just because I love volcanoes and Mummies. Around the Salar del Uyuni, you have both - volcanoes and mummies. For somebody who has not much travel experience, Costa Rica is great and a very easy country to begin with. But the area I am specialized in is the South Pacific and I would tell people to come on a trip with me to Vanuatu (I run photoworkshops inside an active volcano twice a year).

If you could photograph a part of South America or Central America that you have yet to visit, where would it be?

- The Amazonas, Cuba and Brazil for Capoeira.

How did you feel in terms of safety?

- No worries, I've been to much worse places!

Something people often comment on is their experiences at airports and the wild forms of transport within South America. Can you tell us about your experiences and what modes of transport you used.

- Anything from airplane, 4x4, Motorbike, Public Buses and hitch hiking. I always arrived. I would say in other parts of the world (especially Africa or Papua New Guinea) it is much worse.

To give a balanced representation. Was there anything that you particularly disliked about the countries you saw?

- The rubbish. Like in many countries, where we westerners brought plastic rubbish with us, people just throw everythign in the streets.
- The deforestation. Outside the National Parks in Costa Rica is is not much rain forest left. The country claims to be eco-friendly- but only inside the parks.

Did you sense any significant similarities or differences to the Pacific region or Europe? Or is South America extremely unique?

- Compared to the South Pacific, it is much cheaper and easier to get around. Compared to Europe, it is something completely different and definitely worth a visit!

You have seen some truly diverse landscapes - but what is your favourite? Mountains, rainforest, desert, ocean or cities?

- NO CITIES! I seem to find myself always stuck in jungles, but I do love the ocean, but the mountains as well. All. That's why I love South America - it has it all!!!!

How is your grasp of Spanish? How important a factor do you think language is when travelling in this region?

- When I was in Costa Rica, I did not speak one word of Spanish, but I did learn it there and now, I am quite fluent. It is very important to always study the languages of places you go to, not only to know how to say "I want a beer".... :)

How did you rate the food? Was there anything you especially liked or disliked?

- Food: Very diverse, interesting, 7/10. I had to eat turtle eggs to be polite at an invitation- I HATED IT!!!!!

Did you listen to any of the music? What is your opinion of it? Was there a genre you liked?

- Salsa! If I get an opportunity, I love to dance salsa and especially Merengue.

In your eyes, who are the most famous Latin Americans (dead or alive)?
- Fidel Castro and Paulo Coelho.

What provides you with the most enjoyment, photographing people, photographing places or photographing flora and fauna?

- People, active volcanoes and dead mummies.

In the area you live, do you know of any Latin American-theme bars, restaurants or clubs?
- Yes! I am living near Munich and there are a few very good places.

To viewers in the UK, you were most recently seen on BBC's Lost Land of the Volcano. What are you working on at the moment, and what are you plans for 2010? Do you have an ambition for the new year?

- Just finished shooting two stories for German GEO magazine and doing the picture edit right now. For next year, I have already three projects with National Geographic planned: Two in Papua New Guinea, one in Australia. And on top, I will be leading two Photo-workshop Expeditions to Vanuatu again.
If you are curious, please check www.ullalohmann.com for more!

Many thanks to Ulla for sharing her Latin American experiences with us. To see more of Ulla's work and information about her photo-workshops - please visit www.ullalohmann.com