Travel Photography Logistics Photography is a critical component of the travel experience for many people. Whether they purchase a camera the day before leaving or plan a trip dedicated exclusively to photography, returning with a valued assortment of photographs is essential. As travel photography presents several unique challenges, advance planning is critical to ensure photographic success while traveling. First, define the objectives of your trip. Will photography have a high or low priority? (It works best if everyone in your travel party agrees on this!) What type of photographs do you hope to capture? Are you hoping to return with several excellent photographs suitable for framing or publishing, or would you like a complete, descriptive collection of snapshots that chronicle your experiences? Your objectives will influence many decisions you must make. For example, they will affect the amount of equipment you need to pack. Obviously, the more equipment you bring the more capabilities you will have. Unfortunately, it is usually better to travel lightly, so you may need to compromise. A backpacking trip in the mountains will have more limitations than when traveling with the convenience of an automobile. There is a fine line between too much and too little. Decide how many lenses are needed. Perhaps one versatile zoom lens will suffice. Professional photographers usually carry a backup camera with them in case of mechanical problems, accidents, or theft. Spare batteries are essential! What about a tripod, flash, filters, film, cable release, carrying case, light meter, cleaning supplies, photography books...well, you get the idea. Regardless of the equipment you bring, know how to use it effectively! If the equipment is new to you, shoot and develop at least one roll of film with it before leaving home. Determine the time you will have available for photography. Staying in one location for two weeks will provide different types of opportunities than when traveling through six European countries in ten days. Remember that others in your group may be affected by your schedule. Don't delay the adventures of your travel companions by chasing butterflies around a meadow for two hours. Good photographs take a considerable amount of time to capture. Time is needed to learn about a location and understand where and when the best photograph opportunities exist. It takes additional time to return to a location, set up, and wait for the proper conditions. Also, remember that the light will vary throughout the day. How does this fit into your itinerary? For example, if you want to photograph a city skyline while facing east, you will need to be there in the evening to capture the necessary light. Stock up on film before you leave home. Film is expensive in touristy areas, and the type of film you desire may not be available. This will also save you time during your trip and ensure you do not run out at an inconvenient time. When traveling, many photographers are concerned about the effect of airport x-rays on their film. However, documented cases of damage caused by airport x-rays are relatively rare. There is usually no reason to be concerned about film with a speed of 400 or slower. Some newer types of x-ray equipment used in modern international airports are stronger and do pose a higher risk. The equipment used to scan checked baggage is especially strong, so keep your film with you in a carry-on bag. To be safe, ask the attendant to hand check your film, although many airports insist all film undergo machine scanning. The effect of the x-rays is cumulative, so take extra precautions if film will be scanned repeatedly. Take many photographs at your destination. Try different angles, different compositions, different lighting. Don't photograph only the typical subjects. Take photographs of unique hotels you stayed in, meals you ate, and people you met. These often tell a story and bring back memories better than photographs of famous sites. Film is relatively inexpensive. You don't want to return from your trip regretting the ones you didn't take. You may not be able to return for quite some time. As with photography in general, there are many difficulties to overcome. Lack of time, uncooperative weather and being unfamiliar with your subject are common problems. Think about the best ways to overcome these difficulties. Anticipate lighting and weather conditions. Don't pass up good opportunities thinking you will have another chance later. Keep early mornings and late evenings free for photography to maximize the time with the best lighting conditions. Do advance reading about a city you are traveling to and view photographs of it that have been taken by others. Carry your equipment with you as much as possible! Experienced photographers know this is a good idea at all times. When an opportunity arises, you will immediately be able to take advantage of it. This is also the best way to ensure that you acquire a complete collection of snapshots as any unexpected, interesting moments can quickly be recorded. Safety is important. In a city or other tourist area, carry your equipment as inconspicuously as possible. An ordinary looking backpack works well and is also a great place to pack small quantities of food, water, clothing, and travel guides. Some photographers even put black tape over the brand names on their equipment. However, in most areas, a direct robbery is very rare. Instead, bags are often stolen from distracted or careless travelers. For example, do not let others see your equipment just before locking it in your automobile or leaving your baggage somewhere. A trip is a great time for children to become exposed to photography. Supply them with an inexpensive or disposable camera. Let them experiment on their own. They will enjoy searching for subjects and taking their own photographs. This is one way to make both photography and travel interesting for them, which will help to develop their interests in these areas as they grow older. Finally, at the end of your trip, take time to organize your photographs. Document dates, places, and people before you forget. It helps to write notes as you are taking photographs, rather than relying completely on memory. Use archival quality materials when storing prints or slides. For something different, prepare a travel scrapbook and mix photographs with brochures, tickets, receipts, and other souvenirs. Whatever your approach to travel and photography is, remember to be respectful of other people, their property, and the environment! <return to General Photography Topics>
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