3/23/2011

Beginners Travel Photography: Preparation Hints

By Max Brown


When traveling to new places, wonderful photographic opportunities are presented as you meet new people and are introduced to new cultures and different environments, which you will no doubt want to capture for your recollection or to share with loved ones back home. When traveling with photographic equipment there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration to make your trip more enjoyable. The following beginners travel photography advice on how to prepare for your trip will assist you to make the most of your trip with less effort.

First of all, you should keep it simple. If you are using a SLR camera, try to take only one camera body, plus a selection of zoom lenses that will cover all focal lengths. A zoom of 35-105mm and a zoom of 70-300mm, for example, should be adequate for all shooting situations. A pocket digital point-and-shoot camera is a good stand by camera, and is useful in situations where you don't want to lug a bulky camera bag full of equipment around. However, don't skimp on memory cards, take plenty of these so that you don't have to forsake any photo opportunities.

There may be situations that require using a tripod, especially when shooting in low light. It is recommended that you carry a mini-tripod for these occasions, as it will not add as much weight to your camera bag as a full tripod. A mini-tripod is much lighter and less bulky than a full-size tripod, remember you are wanting to keep your weight to a minimum.

Traveling around with camera gear, invariably means that your equipment will be exposed to knocks and bumps, as well as dust, moisture, and a range of temperatures. A durable protective camera case is essential to keep all your stuff together, and protected from the elements. Choose a camera bag that has ample room for all the gear that you intend to take along with you, and that your equipment can be easily got to if wanting to shoot in a hurry. Make sure that it is comfortable to carry as you may be lugging it around some distances.

When you come across a scene that you want to capture, don't rush into the shot. Composition is important and will make the difference between an average photo or a great photo. So take your time.

And finally, take notes about the places, people and cultures you are shooting. This will help you with sorting, cataloguing, and key-wording your images when you get back home. If you don't, you may struggle to remember interesting facts, or even where the photo was taken, as your memory of the places you visited may get a little bit hazy once you have returned home.




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