Friday, October 8, 2010

Photography Tips: Travelers Be Aware!

To me there’s nothing more annoying than having a camera that won’t shoot. Well, maybe eating live chickens. But, here are a few tips for travelling photographers......


Often, travelers ask me which type camera or lens they should buy and I always answer them with a question or two. What is your level of experience and what type of photography are you interested in?

The truth is a disposable film camera can capture an award winning photo for under $20 and the top of the line DSLR equipped with a lens that cost more than my first house can take horrible pictures.

After I find out what type shooting someone wants to do, I always guide them to websites where they can read reviews by both camera professionals and consumers.

A pro may be influenced by his favorite brand (or sponsor) but, a consumer will tell you exactly what they think of the model they bought.

A traveler has to make decisions about purchasing camera equipment based upon the type of travel they do and how much they can pack away in suitcases, carry on bags or backpacks.

A pro might take a camera body and one or two lenses and rent the equipment needed for the shoot in another country.

Regardless which type of camera you’re leaning towards buying, one important thing many people forget is power supply. Modern lithium batteries are great, but require charging. Make sure your charger will adapt to the power source of the country you are heading to.

In some remote countries you may be better off having a camera that uses alkaline batteries; they’re available almost everywhere.

Ask your travel agent about your destination country’s power supply, the availability of batteries and avoid spending your vacation buying disposable cameras.

There are too many websites, I use, for researching camera gear to list here but, one of these days I’ll put together a Photography Tip and list my Top Five or Ten. Meanwhile, if you’re just itching to buy a camera and leave the country you’re living in, have a peek at Matador Travel where you’ll find lots of discussions and links provided by some serious travel photographers.


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3 comments:

Orange said...

I enjoy reading these tips, thanks for sharing them Mike. Looking forward to your photography websites countdown.

Ayngelina said...

Also looking forward to seeing your top sites to use them for inspiration.

RyukyuMike said...

Orangesplash and Ayngelina,
Thanks for commenting and letting me know you're interested. You may have to remind me to hurry and get my list of sites together for you. Busy, busy, busy...