So I learnt some things from my recent round of travelling and thought I'd share them with those who are contemplating an extended travel somewhere (anywhere over 2 weeks counts)
1. Account for rest days. Build in about 1 day in 4 for this... otherwise you'll be like the walking dead all the time. Then the cold hits and you're even worse
2. Get a lightweight camera bag that can be slung over the shoulder otherwise you'll start to feel it after day 6 or so. Pack it with only the essentials - this includes at least 2 spare batteries and extra memory cards. This will also act as your carry on (or part of your carry on) for planes.
3. Take as many photos as you need of the subject.. then take 1 more. There's nothing worse than going back to the hotel, loading the photos and realise that you JUST missed it
4. Be Patient. Be Patient. Be Patient. If you need to wait an extra 30 seconds for a shot so what, people will move out of your way, things will move, and you'll get the perfect shot you want as opposed to a quick snap that you're just not happy with and think "if only"
5. Related to 3. When you're home, DELETE unwanted photos, or the duplicates that just dont make the cut.. otherwise, you've got too many to contemplate
7. For SLR users, learn to wrap the camera strap around your wrist as you hold the camera, this way you can walk around with it like this for hours a day and you can quick fire as you need
You are so right! I have had a couple of opportunities to travel abroad and I have shots that I absolutely love because I was able to be patient to get the shot but I also have shots I regret not getting because I let people hurry me. When traveling, I have to assume that I will not get a chance to go back so I know to take the time and get the shot but to also enjoy it too. Things can happen to your pictures but the memories will remain. =)
True, take as many shots as it takes, you may never go back! And wrap the strap round trhe wrist, makes it secure and less cumbersome and you don't look like one of THOSE tourists! But also remember to look with eyes not just lens...
Couldn't agree more on point 1, while trying to see and capture as much as I possibly could, I have forgotten about the fact that traveling should be vacation, not work, on more than one occasion. Rest days are a great way to avoid the 'I have to do this and I have to see that' vibe I sometimes get lost in when surrounded by too much gorgeous scenery, in stead of just sitting back and enjoying the whole experience.
great tips....and i love the wrist tip...makes a huge difference on the shoulders...figured this one out after day 6 and neck/shoulder were aching. thanks for posting!
@toast Regarding your point #2. What bag do you suggest. i'm looking for a new bag. (i posted a thread about it whilst you were away asking for suggestion)
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1. Account for rest days. Build in about 1 day in 4 for this... otherwise you'll be like the walking dead all the time. Then the cold hits and you're even worse
2. Get a lightweight camera bag that can be slung over the shoulder otherwise you'll start to feel it after day 6 or so. Pack it with only the essentials - this includes at least 2 spare batteries and extra memory cards. This will also act as your carry on (or part of your carry on) for planes.
3. Take as many photos as you need of the subject.. then take 1 more. There's nothing worse than going back to the hotel, loading the photos and realise that you JUST missed it
4. Be Patient. Be Patient. Be Patient. If you need to wait an extra 30 seconds for a shot so what, people will move out of your way, things will move, and you'll get the perfect shot you want as opposed to a quick snap that you're just not happy with and think "if only"
5. Related to 3. When you're home, DELETE unwanted photos, or the duplicates that just dont make the cut.. otherwise, you've got too many to contemplate
6. Cloudy day? No problem, auto bracket and do a HDR shot, angry skies make awesome photos
http://365project.org/toast/365/2010-08-29
http://365project.org/toast/365/2010-09-11
7. For SLR users, learn to wrap the camera strap around your wrist as you hold the camera, this way you can walk around with it like this for hours a day and you can quick fire as you need