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Often times than not, I've seen travel photos which bring back vivid memories for the traveler but a series of bland images for those who were not a part of the travel experience. That Eiffel Tower framed by a gorgeous skyline at sunset just doesn't look as romantic as you remembered it to be. Why? Simple, the photographer was caught up in the moment and brought the camera up to their eye hoping it would do this scene justice. Before snapping the picture, take a good look around and determine what it is about the scene which merits documentation. Walk around a bit and try to find the best vantage point. � �
Carefully compose and crop the scene in your viewfinder. If your camera has manual override, determine if it would yield a better or a different result. Take your time. Try to block out the sounds and smells and other senses except for your sight. Ask yourself how you want to remember the scene before you. For best results, observe the basic rules of composition. Crop out any distracting elements which take away from the overall scene. Check the edges of your viewfinder right before you press the shutter to make sure extra distracting elements do not sneak into your picture. Observe the rule of thirds by placing your subject slightly off center both on the X and Y axis instead of the subject being placed in the "dead center" static position. Avoid splitting the sky and foreground equally. Try a 70/30 split rather than the static 50/50 division. One last tip to remember is to try to level the horizon line. Crooked slanted horizon lines really detract from the overall image, unless purposefully done for effect. Try to make a mental checklist of the types of images you want to capture before you leave for that getaway. Landmarks and exotic locals need some prior consideration to capture the overall scene on film. Plan for some extra time at each point of interest for unhurried photography.� Look at travel brochures of your destination for some inspiration.�� � �
In terms of equipment, the simpler the better. Know your camera and be familiar with its capabilities. If you intend to buy a new camera for a trip. Take a couple of test rolls of film before you embark on that trip of a lifetime. If you had to bring only one lens with you, consider the 35-105 zoom lens. This lens is light and covers most of the focal lengths you'll ever need. Try to acquire the manufacturer's brand of lens for full compatibility and overall quality. Also consider the weight of your photo gear. One camera body and a lens gets pretty heavy after a couple of hours of walking around in unpredictable weather and terrain. So you best leave that 400mm F-2.8 second-mortgage telephoto lens at home, unless you are on assignment. In that case you're no longer on holiday. Speaking of walking... Invest in a good pair of walking shoes. They'll be one of your most important "photo" accessory. If your feet are too tired to get to that awesome vantage point to catch the moonrise over Tokyo, then what good is your camera, right? I prefer a pair of completely black basketball shoes. They go good with anything I wear and offer superior ankle support. That, and if you ever have the need to sprint away from other tourists... ;-) Carry your camera in a "regular" bag. Not a "camera bag." (Or at least stuff the "camera bag" into an "ordinary" one.) That new high tech looking camera pouch alerts potential thieves of the contents inside. Low profile is good. A fanny pack or an old backpack is good camouflage. Buy spare batteries at home rather than risking the possibility of running out and not finding that exotic "camera battery" no one seems to carry. � �
In light of the September 11th tragedy, our nation has undergone a complete airport security make-over. Wait times are a bit longer to insure our safety. Items which used to be allowed onboard, such as pocket knives and even tripods, must be checked. Camera gear and film is still permissible, but with higher scrutiny. Pack your carry-on into separate sections which are ideal for getting through the checkpoints without much delay. The scanners are juiced up higher than before, so be patient and courteous when requesting hand inspection of your film. Pack only the essential items since they may and usually do go through everything. Always carry your camera as carry on luggage at airports. You never know when a photo opportunity may present itself. Less chance of misdirected luggage or damage when your equipment is by your side at all times. Remove the film from the box and plastic canister and carry all film in a clear zip lock bag and request hand inspection. Airport X-ray machines can fog your film. Sure, they will reassure you that film is safe up to ISO 1000 speed film, but still request hand inspection. It is your right as a consumer in the U.S. Outside the U.S. each country may have their own policies. If you encounter a road block, politely insist that your film be hand inspected. 95 percent of screeners will happily oblige without question. For the overworked, security personnel who�s had a bad day and nothing will change his or her mind, there is the FAA Reg 108.17 part 108 Airplane Operator Security, which allows for hand inspections of film without it being subjected to carry on X-Ray scanners. To insure that your camera will be there when you reach the other end of the X-Ray conveyor, ask that camera bag not be put through until you're ready to go through yourself. Unattended electronics have been known to �disappear" on rare occasions at busy airports. Visit- www.f-stop.org for an in depth look at such security protocols. Carry-on X-rays are far less damaging to film than checked baggage. Arrive a little early for the flight if possible and smile. Courtesy goes a long way in any language. :-) Reason for this is that even though film is safe for a few passes through a machine, the cumulative effects of X-ray exposure may prove detrimental in the end. Size restrictions for carry-on items for most major Airlines are 22" x 14" x 9" inches. (The multiples of 7 is an easy way of remembering this. 7 - 14 - 21 inches.) Overseas flights may also have an additional weight restrictions 40 lbs for Coach 60 lbs for Business and 80 lbs for First Class. If you are able to fit all your luggage and camera in this one carry-on, then you will be able to move through airports more quickly not having to stop to retrieve checked luggage or worse yet, lost luggage. I'm usually able to pack what I need in one of those quality roll-on bags found in most luggage stores. Transporting film in checked baggage is worse. New high intensity scanners, (i,e. CTX-5000 scanner) which cut right through the luggage creating a 3-D image of your baggage, attempting to sniff out explosives and the like are more widespread than ever. Unexposed film in checked baggage is NOT recommended. Carry photocopies of your sales receipts for all cameras in case custom officials need proof of origin of sale, especially if the equipment is new or expensive. Rumor has it that the U.S. Postal service may use gamma ray devices to scan items which irradiate potential biological agents sent through the mail. Film sent through the mail may get ruined by these anti terrorism countermeasures.� So I guess mail-in processing may go out the window as well.� Treat your film like fine jewelry, never take your eye off it.� � �
Plan ahead and allow for
extra time.� This single advice alone will save you from 98 percent
of travel hassles. Also research alternative routes in case of travel complications
out of your control.� Check weather conditions as you near your departure
date.�� � �
Here are some travel related websites you will find useful before you leave for your getaway. CDC (The Center For Disease
Control) vaccination updates.�
Tele Adapt global power adapter
listings.
Plan and book your next vacation
from these reputable sites.
State Department Travel Advisories.�
Avoid politically charged hot spots.
International Gestures learn
not to offend others while traveling abroad.
For best lodging rates try to negotiate prices by calling the hotel's main desk at the place you plan to visit. The hospitality industry is used to negotiating with customers for rooms. Of course off-season is your best bet.�� Bargain Online hotel rates
For bargain airline tickets call and ask for the lowest published fares for your destination without giving specific dates.� Bargain Airline Tickets-
Online Travel Dining Guides All that photography can work up an appetite. Check these sites out for the latest in travel cousine. roadfood.com
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One
of the main reasons people buy cameras is to record their travels. This
may either be a short jaunt to the local park or a month long honeymoon
in Paris.|
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