It was a real honor to meet up with Rachel MacIver at the Christmas Bazaar last week. I recognized her right away as the lady who was responsible for the charity, “Children of Jabel Shams“. She was easy to recognize as they did a nice write-up of her in one of the free weekly English publications. Children of Jabel Shams is “a charity in support of children’s education, through the supply of stationery, school materials and computers to remote areas of Jabel Shams.”
Rachel has a real love of Oman which comes out in her photography. Be sure to visit her facebook page and give it a like! On the page, she writes, “…”When I came to Oman in 2004 I knew I had come home, and I wondered why it had taken me so long to find my way here. The beauty of the desert, the mountains the long coastline…the beauty of the people, their values and their perseverance to stay true to their roots. This is what I hope to capture in my pictures. I am not a trained photographer – but I take photos with my heart. What you see, is a love letter to Oman and its people.” My wife and I bought a couple of gorgeous Christmas cards and a lovely painting titled “Three Wise Men” from Bilad Sayt, Oman. Here are a few examples of the beautiful photos available for sale on her facebook page: ePicOman
This was the image on one of the Christmas she was selling (and which we bought). She added snowflakes on a red background below the image with the typed message “Merry Christmas from Oman“.
I believe this photo was taken at a camel race. She adds to this photo, “First row reserved! 🙂 ”
If Rachel isn’t busy enough with her charity and photography, she also writes for Oman Observer and their weekend editions. Here is one of her articles (including her photography) titled, “Walking on the Edge – JABEL SHAMS“. Here is some of her photography that made it to the front cover of the Observer Weekend:
To see higher quality images of some great “Faces of Oman“, click here. (Pages 28-31 of the pdf file)
Here’s another of her articles you’re sure to love titled, “Camping in High Heels“. 🙂 Another one I loved is called, “Gone Fishing in Fins“. (Pages 32-35) Finally, one more called “What Stories We Could Tell...” which came with this brilliant photo of “Omani Doors“: 
This is one of the photos we purchased. No. 51 – “Three Wise Men” – Bilad Sayt, Oman in CATALOGUE 2 – PLACES. “Each photo measures 25x30cm in its black mount and comes complete in a protective plastic cover. Price OMR 8/- if bought directly from me – or OMR 9/- if bought via PayPal (which I am working on setting up in connection with this page… have patience… I am still to work it out… ). Shipping abroad is an additional charge.”
This is my favorite pic from her CATALOGUE 2 – CREATURES. As she explains, “Each photo measures 25x30cm in its black mount and comes complete in a protective plastic cover. Price OMR 8/- if bought directly from me – or OMR 9/- if bought via PayPal (which I am working on setting up in connection with this page… have patience… I am still to work it out… ). Shipping abroad is an additional charge.”
Another great pic from her facebook page from “Eid al Adha“.
As you can probably tell by now, I’m a huge fan of her work. Why not purchase some of her brilliant artwork. At the same time, you will contributing to the education of the “Children of Jabal Shams”. Sounds like a win-win to me! 🙂
facebook: ePicOman, email: maciverterry@hotmail.com, Tel: +968-94111161
Andy in Oman 