EMS Photo Adventures

We at Panama Photo Adventures recently completed a project for the talented portrait photographer Ron Cooper. Ron travels the world creating stunning portraits of indigenous people, often focusing on elders. Here in Panama, we handled all the pre-production and scouting, helping identify both the subjects and the locations where he could photograph them.

It was the first time I had done this type of pre-production work for someone else's project rather than my own, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. Collaborating with another seasoned professional gave me a chance to see a different approach to portraiture, and I learned a great deal simply by watching him work.

One of the biggest lessons was the importance of catchlights in the eyes. As a documentary photographer, my work has always required me to move quickly and capture moments as they unfold, even when making portraits. I had never really observed someone slowing the process down to such a deliberate pace—carefully studying backgrounds, removing distracting elements, refining compositions, and thoughtfully creating clean, uncluttered scenes. Ron excels at that.

As an added bonus, I often served as Ron's stand-in while he tested and refined his lighting setups. That meant I spent quite a bit of time in front of his camera, which gave me an even greater appreciation for his process and attention to detail. This portrait is one of the images Ron made of me during our time working together, and I am grateful he shared it with me.

One of my regulars reposted a video she did on her work and what she learned during a couple of workshops I taught.
Thank you Linda Tomasulo.

https://vimeo.com/737611263?fbclid=IwY2xjawRdlVZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETE5bTgyS0dtZU50WEtVV3cxc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmaDtWhCo1RcvF7f4jNhxUdmbxmF7PRVSGXO0TJT2sqn3ITJJQp2SJfKwb1n_aem_ZFIUk72Qv16fRbYklnem_w

Street Photography Essdras.mov Presentation by Linda Tommasulo on Street Photography

New BLOG: Serendipity Has No Bounds

Analyzing one single frame and on becoming one with the moment and watching everything flow together in a fraction of a second.

https://emsphotoadventures.com/serendipity-has-no-bounds/

Getting to know Panama even more so I can share it with all of those like you who love photography, love exploring and all-things photography.

#photolessonsbyessdras Have a plan—but stay flexible. The moment you lock into one subject, you risk missing everything else unfolding around you. While exploring the Chepo region and the Bayano River for upcoming @panamaphotoadventures programs, we came across a powerful osprey and a striking tiger heron. Along the riverbanks, cattle moved through the landscape, while on the water, fishing boats drew in magnificent frigate birds hoping for an easy meal. And just beneath the surface… massive crocodiles reminded us that every layer of this scene had a story to tell.

Scouting for a Client

#photolessonsbyessdras Follow your passion—it’s one of the surest ways to feel truly alive until your very last day. Chase what fills you with joy and brings your spirit to life. Over the past week, we at @panamaphotoadventures have been deep in the field, scouting senior indigenous subjects for a client who travels the world documenting elders. Our journey has taken us through @querapuru, @emberadrua, and @emberatusipono. This kind of work reflects our continued evolution—expanding into preproduction, location scouting, and casting services, bringing the same level of care and vision we apply to our workshops. We’ve traveled up the #chagresriver—one of the most vital waterways in #panama. Its waters feed Gatun Lake, which in turn powers the #panamacanal—as we visited #embera communities along the way. We’ve also explored the Gatun River. And I’ll say this—it feels good to rediscover the hidden beauty of the country where I was born. This week, the story continues in bocasdeltoro.

With Xposure International Photography Festival – 10 years of great photography. Honored to be part of this amazing event.

Dancing Ibises

As some of you may know, we moved back home to Panama a little over two years ago. During one of my earlier visits—back when we were still living in the U.S.—a friend of mine here, Carlos Cruz, introduced me to bird photography. When we made the move permanent, I reached out to him again, and he helped me go deeper, showing me the ropes and pointing me in the right direction.

These days, I jokingly tell people that I’m the best bird photographer in Panama. I’ve told that story often enough that, somehow, I managed to convince the Photographic Society of America to invite me to Las Vegas this September for their annual conference as their resident “bird guy.”

Tony Robbins says that in order to grow, you have to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Being invited to give a talk on a photographic subject I’ve only taken on relatively recently—and to an audience of the caliber that PSA and its global chapters represent—definitely puts that idea to the test. But that’s exactly where growth happens. I’m learning, refining, and getting better every day.

The talk is titled “Panama’s Birds: Diversity, Behavior, and the Art of Seeing.” Its core idea is simple: strong images are built on observation, timing, and intent—regardless of the subject.

What say you, color or B&W?

Ecstatic, grateful, and humbled to be heading back once again to one of the best photo festivals in the world — Xposure International Photo Festival in Sharjah, UAE, this January 2026! I’ll be teaching Street Photography, conducting portfolio reviews, judging, and sharing live commentary on the contest winners.

If you want to immerse yourself in all things photography — at the highest level and from all over the world — this is the festival to attend. https://xposure.net/

Come join us on this once-in-a-lifetime journey across the Green Isle—an adventure where breathtaking vistas and soul-stirring culture await at every turn.

This isn’t just a tour; it’s your chance to immerse and explore the heart of Ireland. Picture yourself wandering through bustling city streets alive with history, then stepping into serene countryside where time seems to stand still.

Every stop has been handpicked to reveal the richness of Ireland’s landscapes and traditions. Spots are limited, and those who join us will experience Ireland in a way few travelers ever do.
And we guarantee you'll have the photos to show it, and you'll come back a better photographert!

May 4-16th, 2026

http://bit.ly/48Gu9hF