 |
|
Travel Photography
Part of planning for an upcoming vacation should include preparation for your travel photography.
Before leaving, be sure to brush up on all your camera's controls and functions. Make certain you can change film in a moving bus or change lenses in a crowd. And, of course, be sure all batteries are fresh-you may have a hard time locating them some place far from home.
Travel light if you can but don't leave a piece of equipment home that you might later wish you had brought. In addition to your basic camera and normal lens, a wide angle, lens and a moderate telephoto will help you to get the shots you want. Zoom lenses, naturally, can be invaluable on a trip. They will allow you to cut back on the equipment you need to pack while giving you many "lenses-in-one." A small flash unit and tripod (collapsible if more convenient) are very important to take along, too.
Take along plenty of film, deciding in advance if you prefer slides or prints. A medium speed film will enable you to cope with most picture situations, but be sure to take along some high speed film for any low light conditions. Above all, if traveling by air, don't let your film pass through potentially' harmful x-ray devices. Use special film shield bags or request a visual inspection of your film. If going abroad, register all your equipment with U.S. Customs to avoid any problem upon your return.
When you travel to an exotic or far-away place, read up on geography, people, and customs. This way, you'll have some ideas beforehand of what you'll want to photograph.
While you will certainly want to snap well known attractions, always be on the lookout for the special or unique view. An obscure street scene or other out-of-the-way image should be part of the traveler's vision. Or an unusual camera angle or perspective can enhance a familiar subject and show it from a different point of view.
Real people and real places are better subjects than those that are staged for the tourists' benefit. People at work or play will tell a lot about where you've been. Always ask permission before photographing people. Usually there will be no objection.
Don't pass up pictures on the way to or from your trip's destination. Many photographic opportunities are missed by ignoring things en route that could make very exciting photographs. Taking photos along the way helps make your trip complete.
Most importantly, become involved in your travel photography. Try to capture on film the essence of the places you visit. Always be on the lookout for photographic opportunities by keeping your "traveler's vision" flying high.
|
