I will show you how to find a legitimate Online Photography Course and avoid being scammed. Do not join any site until you have read this. Online Photography Course Review
Let me show you how to successfully become a Professional Photographer.
Proud Photography - 13 Interactive Photography Lessons
Proud photography offers an in-depth 13 interactive lessons that will surely get you going. These lessons are specifically designed to ensure that you will learn everything there is to learn in the field of photography. The lessons are divided into the following components: 1. Introduction to Photography 2. Digital Photography 3. Exposure: Shutter Speed 4. Exposure: Aperture 5. Composition 6. Light 7. Shooting Black and White 8. Travel Photography I 9. Travel Photography II 10. Portraits 11. People and Their Environment 12. Insiders' Tricks and Techniques 13. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them The components stated above are good for people who are really new in the field of photography. Proud photography have come to realized that there are applicants who have limited or no knowledge at all in photography. Because of this, it cannot be denied that the given syllabus will sure aid the students in learning about everything. It is necessary that Proud photography be able to convey all there is to learn for the applicants in order to prepare them in the field that they are about to embark and to set their expectations as well. The syllabus above is all interactive in nature wherein there are quizzes and other sort of exchange of information process that the applicants can really apply what they have learned and what have been taught through the online classes. This is not all about theories and principles in photography. Proudphotography.com also provides exposure to the real world of photography that will encourage them to produce quality photos and superb style of photography. All in all, Proud photography courses offer a wide range of lessons that covered the subject of photography.
Snap up UK stock photography for less
August 14, 2004 -- NEW online image library Pure Images has unveiled a cut-price offer to mark its launch.
The stock photography trader - which specialises in pictures depicting the best in UK life - is offering a 50 per cent discount on all images bought before October 1, 2004.
Full details are available online at www.pureimages.co.uk
The news comes as the company launches a direct marketing campaign to attract image buyers in design houses, newspapers, magazines and in-house art departments.
Founder Scott Davidson said: "We've already had a great deal of interest in the business from contributing photographers and the press. Now we're hoping the creative community - the people who buy stock photography - will turn to us."
The firm, based in Denny, central Scotland, has spent the last six months building up an impressive portfolio of images featuring all aspects of UK life. There's also travel photography and iconic images from around the world.
"Many online picture agencies feature lots of American shots, which just aren't suitable for people needing images for UK newspapers, magazines and websites," said Mr Davidson. "That's where we can offer an alternative."
He added: "The site works in a similar way to some of our larger competitors. You can search for images using keywords or categories and buy royalty-free or 'rights managed' photography to use in publications, advertising or design. There's the usual online 'lightboxes' to save searches and low-res samples available for people to download.
"And - until October 1 - you can buy images for just 50 per cent of the cost. You simply log in and purchase the images online as normal, adding in the code 'offer 50' when you confirm your order to get the discount. You'll then pay half the cost, whether it's for a royalty-free or rights-managed image."
Behind Pure Images (www.pureimages.co.uk) is the internet company Oldhand Media www.oldhandmedia.co.uk. The firm also runs a consumer photography site โ€" www.kapture-it.co.uk โ€" allowing families to store their own snaps, as well as offering web design and e-commerce services to a range of clients.
Pure Images makes it easy for people to purchase images of life in Britain, but that's not all. The site also offers travel photography, from destinations such as Cuba, France, Greece, India, Russia and the USA. You can also find images of holiday destinations, people on vacation, travelogue photography, images of cities, landmarks and some more unusual images too.
Issued by The PR Store on behalf of Pure Images
For more information, please contact:
Scott Davidson, Pure Images, telephone (UK): 01324 889108 or email: scott@pureimages.co.uk
Adrian Mahoney, The PR Store, telephone (UK): 01506 823714 or 07967 150560 or email: adrian@theprstore.net
The stock photography trader - which specialises in pictures depicting the best in UK life - is offering a 50 per cent discount on all images bought before October 1, 2004.
Full details are available online at www.pureimages.co.uk
The news comes as the company launches a direct marketing campaign to attract image buyers in design houses, newspapers, magazines and in-house art departments.
Founder Scott Davidson said: "We've already had a great deal of interest in the business from contributing photographers and the press. Now we're hoping the creative community - the people who buy stock photography - will turn to us."
The firm, based in Denny, central Scotland, has spent the last six months building up an impressive portfolio of images featuring all aspects of UK life. There's also travel photography and iconic images from around the world.
"Many online picture agencies feature lots of American shots, which just aren't suitable for people needing images for UK newspapers, magazines and websites," said Mr Davidson. "That's where we can offer an alternative."
He added: "The site works in a similar way to some of our larger competitors. You can search for images using keywords or categories and buy royalty-free or 'rights managed' photography to use in publications, advertising or design. There's the usual online 'lightboxes' to save searches and low-res samples available for people to download.
"And - until October 1 - you can buy images for just 50 per cent of the cost. You simply log in and purchase the images online as normal, adding in the code 'offer 50' when you confirm your order to get the discount. You'll then pay half the cost, whether it's for a royalty-free or rights-managed image."
Behind Pure Images (www.pureimages.co.uk) is the internet company Oldhand Media www.oldhandmedia.co.uk. The firm also runs a consumer photography site โ€" www.kapture-it.co.uk โ€" allowing families to store their own snaps, as well as offering web design and e-commerce services to a range of clients.
Pure Images makes it easy for people to purchase images of life in Britain, but that's not all. The site also offers travel photography, from destinations such as Cuba, France, Greece, India, Russia and the USA. You can also find images of holiday destinations, people on vacation, travelogue photography, images of cities, landmarks and some more unusual images too.
Issued by The PR Store on behalf of Pure Images
For more information, please contact:
Scott Davidson, Pure Images, telephone (UK): 01324 889108 or email: scott@pureimages.co.uk
Adrian Mahoney, The PR Store, telephone (UK): 01506 823714 or 07967 150560 or email: adrian@theprstore.net
Proud Photography - Honest Review
Proud Photography is an interactive online course which offers lessons about photography for people who are interested to participate in a classroom-like learning environment. The course is conducted and written by a series of professional photographers and it is aimed for beginner to advance users. Peter Tinko is the CEO of proudphotography.com. He has won many awards and gained reputation in the commercial photography industry. Proud Photography has a total of 13 interactive lessons which are professionally designed by the experts. The lessons are divided into the following; Introduction to Photography and General Terms Digital World Exposure Control: Shutter Speed Exposure Control: Aperture Composition Advanced Flash Photography Resource Black and White Photography Travel Photography Part I Travel Photography Part II People - Portraits People and Environment Various Tricks and Techniques Common Pitfalls A quiz or test will be provided after a lesson has been completed before moving on to the next lesson. You will not be able to skip lesson. There are also assignments that you need to accomplish in order to be graded. Those assignments will be added to your total score to determine your overall performance. Lessons are guided by professional specialists so you can get yourself a personal lecturer by contacting them for assistance. They will give feedback about your work once you submit to your teacher for grading. So you will not be left out even though you are studying through your computer at home. You do not have to worry about the technical detail even you are a beginner because the lessons are clearly explained, comprehensive and simple to understand. The course is based on simplicity and specially designed with terms of photographic which explain along the way. So you can easily follow the simple advice. A certificate will be given if you have finished all 13 interactive lessons. There is no time limit, you can study at your own pace. It is more convenience to study at home than to travel.
I will show you how to find a legitimate Online Photography Course and avoid being scammed. Do not join any site until you have read this. Online Photography Course Review
Let me show you how to successfully become a Professional Photographer.
Photography for Tourists:Tips on Snapping the Best Photos to Capture your Memories
Travel photography involves the application of various photographic skills and knowledge in several other fields of photography. Photographic skills include composition, framing, timing, and proper lighting. Travel photography applies the use of portrait, architecture, still life, and landscape photography. Travel photography also involves certain journalistic skills and analysis. It entails a recording of a setting and everything it has to offer. It involves a certain amount of judgment in knowing which elements of a location to capture. On a holiday with family or friends, these quick tips may help improve travel photography skills and capture the holiday’s photos and memories. Unusual Subjects â€"Travel photography records new sights ad experiences of the travels. It is somehow similar to the elements of photojournalism. Travel journalists capture unusual, newsworthy, or unique images. This is the basis of their occupation. Think like a journalist and be on the watch for something unusual. Unusual scenes not only capture the visual elements but also tell the story or context of the scene. Lighting â€" Lighting is an essential factor in any field of photography, whether its portrait, architecture, landscape, still life, or even night photography. Natural lighting, at any part of the day, sets the atmosphere of a photograph. Lighting is important as it adds drama to the scene. Printed Materials â€" Travel photos do not end after the shutter button is released. After capturing those picture perfect shots, the post-production and printing process begins. Post-production involves adjustments on the computer using simple photo-editing software. After this, the photos can now be printed. Aside from personal use, travel photos can also be printed on postcards, brochures, or even posters. Travel magazines, tourism and travel exhibitors print posters for design and project presentations. A travel agency can print poster campaigns in order to promote a vacation hotspot or tourist location. Freelance photographers can collaborate and work with them to promote a new travel location, accommodation, or tour package. Travel photos can be printed using a home printer or printed using professional, online printing services.
Nikki Sabato is a writer with a background in landscape architecture and design. She currently works in the field of marketing and design communication.
Successful Travel Photography: Do Your Homework
How many times have you come back from a trip disappointed with the images you've taken? How many times have you though to yourself "If only I'd been there an hour early. If only I'd known that event was on today". While it is true that hindsight makes everyone smarter, and no one can control the weather, it is possible to maximize your chances of success just by doing a little homework.
Plan your trip
There is a major difference between planning to take photos on your travels, and traveling to take photos. This will be evident in the images you produce. Spend some time researching your destination and its photographic potential. Is it a place affected by the seasons? If so, when is the best time of year to go? How are you going to get there? What is the public transport like? Should you hire a car? Answering these questions can take you a long way to a successful shoot. For example, you may be grateful you decided to get that international drivers license once you get back and look through those beautiful sunset shots you took off a beaten track a few miles from town because you were able to hire a car and drive out there.
There are numerous resources available on the internet and in print, most of them free. An hour or so online can provide a wealth of information, not to mention inspiration. A pocket travel guide can also be an invaluable investment as a reference to have at your fingertips as you go.
Make a shoot list
Think about the locations you want to shoot. Which landmarks do you want to visit? What time of day do they appeal to you? Are you interested in capturing your location's architecture or its culture? Or both? Deciding all of this in advance can give you clear goals to aim for on your trip, rather that simply wandering the streets and shooting whatever you come across that you find appealing. This may prove successful but is more about luck than anything else.
Be flexible
What happens if you get there and the weather suddenly turns sour? Do you wait it out in your hotel room hoping it will pass before you are due to return home? What a waste of time that would be. If you are planning to travel somewhere that can be greatly affected by weather, you might want to think about how you can use this to your advantage. Some subjects can be greatly enhanced by sudden changes to the weather, or even just the threat of it. Imagine missing out on a sweeping panorama of a storm rising over the bay because you were sitting in a room cursing your bad luck.
It is possible for anyone to point a camera at a subject and take a picture. Not all can use that camera to tell a story or teach something to a viewer. Apart from technical skills and, to a much lesser extent, equipment, the difference comes down to planning. The most important factor in the success of your photographic journey is the goals you set for yourself and the steps you take in achieving them.
Plan your trip
There is a major difference between planning to take photos on your travels, and traveling to take photos. This will be evident in the images you produce. Spend some time researching your destination and its photographic potential. Is it a place affected by the seasons? If so, when is the best time of year to go? How are you going to get there? What is the public transport like? Should you hire a car? Answering these questions can take you a long way to a successful shoot. For example, you may be grateful you decided to get that international drivers license once you get back and look through those beautiful sunset shots you took off a beaten track a few miles from town because you were able to hire a car and drive out there.
There are numerous resources available on the internet and in print, most of them free. An hour or so online can provide a wealth of information, not to mention inspiration. A pocket travel guide can also be an invaluable investment as a reference to have at your fingertips as you go.
Make a shoot list
Think about the locations you want to shoot. Which landmarks do you want to visit? What time of day do they appeal to you? Are you interested in capturing your location's architecture or its culture? Or both? Deciding all of this in advance can give you clear goals to aim for on your trip, rather that simply wandering the streets and shooting whatever you come across that you find appealing. This may prove successful but is more about luck than anything else.
Be flexible
What happens if you get there and the weather suddenly turns sour? Do you wait it out in your hotel room hoping it will pass before you are due to return home? What a waste of time that would be. If you are planning to travel somewhere that can be greatly affected by weather, you might want to think about how you can use this to your advantage. Some subjects can be greatly enhanced by sudden changes to the weather, or even just the threat of it. Imagine missing out on a sweeping panorama of a storm rising over the bay because you were sitting in a room cursing your bad luck.
It is possible for anyone to point a camera at a subject and take a picture. Not all can use that camera to tell a story or teach something to a viewer. Apart from technical skills and, to a much lesser extent, equipment, the difference comes down to planning. The most important factor in the success of your photographic journey is the goals you set for yourself and the steps you take in achieving them.
Equipment For Travel Photography
Do your homework well before you leave, particularly for longer trips. Investigate the locations you intend to travel to, by viewing existing photos in travel brochures or the internet, then try to establish what camera gear you MUST have, as opposed to what you might like to have with you. If you happen to have a number of lenses, this can be difficult to decide at times. If you're going to a location where you expect to see lots of wildlife, then an obvious choice would be to take along your longest lens.
However there might also be the opportunity to take some landscapes as well, in which case you will also require a wider lens. If your carrying capacity is limited, then a compromise might be in order, such as a zoom lens that will give you a reasonably wide angle along with a good length telephoto. For most people carrying large loads of camera gear on a holiday is a handicap, so just take what you feel is comfortable for you, yet will provide the means to capture images that you will be happy with. It really gets down to how important photography is for you.
Make certain you are familiar with all the functions of your camera equipment before you go away on holidays. It is all too often that you hear of people buying a brand-new camera duty free just before they head off on a once in a lifetime trip to some exotic location. Photographically, this is a recipe for disaster. It takes time and good amount of use before people become familiar enough with a camera's operations so that the operation becomes second nature, without fumbling with controls at a crucial time.
Get to know how your camera, flash and lenses function, and read your camera manual to make sure you fully understand the features that you will use when you are away. Practice taking photos on day trips well before you head off on holidays, and you will be much more relaxed and confident about your photography when you are away.
It is a very good idea to check that all your camera equipment is in good working order at least a few weeks before you intend travelling. This way if there is a problem, you have time to attend to it, without causing any last minute panics. Make sure all batteries are fully charged or new, and have backup batteries and/or a charger to recharge them with. Check that things like remote cable releases work properly, and that your lenses are all clean and working properly.
Ensure that you have sufficient film or memory cards and storage to see you through the holidays, and again don't rely on a store at the location/s having supplies to get you through. If your camera is an older camera, then it is a good idea to have it serviced before an important trip. They don't last forever, and things like shutter mechanisms do actually wear out. Basically, where equipment is concerned, be self reliant, and check all your equipment yourself before you go away, and ensure it will work when it counts.
However there might also be the opportunity to take some landscapes as well, in which case you will also require a wider lens. If your carrying capacity is limited, then a compromise might be in order, such as a zoom lens that will give you a reasonably wide angle along with a good length telephoto. For most people carrying large loads of camera gear on a holiday is a handicap, so just take what you feel is comfortable for you, yet will provide the means to capture images that you will be happy with. It really gets down to how important photography is for you.
Make certain you are familiar with all the functions of your camera equipment before you go away on holidays. It is all too often that you hear of people buying a brand-new camera duty free just before they head off on a once in a lifetime trip to some exotic location. Photographically, this is a recipe for disaster. It takes time and good amount of use before people become familiar enough with a camera's operations so that the operation becomes second nature, without fumbling with controls at a crucial time.
Get to know how your camera, flash and lenses function, and read your camera manual to make sure you fully understand the features that you will use when you are away. Practice taking photos on day trips well before you head off on holidays, and you will be much more relaxed and confident about your photography when you are away.
It is a very good idea to check that all your camera equipment is in good working order at least a few weeks before you intend travelling. This way if there is a problem, you have time to attend to it, without causing any last minute panics. Make sure all batteries are fully charged or new, and have backup batteries and/or a charger to recharge them with. Check that things like remote cable releases work properly, and that your lenses are all clean and working properly.
Ensure that you have sufficient film or memory cards and storage to see you through the holidays, and again don't rely on a store at the location/s having supplies to get you through. If your camera is an older camera, then it is a good idea to have it serviced before an important trip. They don't last forever, and things like shutter mechanisms do actually wear out. Basically, where equipment is concerned, be self reliant, and check all your equipment yourself before you go away, and ensure it will work when it counts.
Travel Photography: National Parks In The Usa
Photographers, amateur and professional alike, can turn a summer road trip into an exciting and challenging photo opportunity. Scenic national parks throughout the continental United States provide wildlife and landscape vistas not found anywhere else. In addition, if you're really looking carefully, the wonders of nature can be found on most roads and highways.
Opportunity abounds for great pictures in Glacier National Park, for example. This area was formed by glaciers and remains in its primitive condition for the most part. Only one road crosses the Park. Bears, wolves, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, elk and moose are the larger carnivores who call this Park home. Various habitats provide conditions for a variety of plant and animal life, thus creating a unique environment not equaled anywhere else in the country.
Late June and July offers opportunity for a spectacular wild flower display that will thrill photographers. Some short roads (more like trails) lead to trail heads that one can traverse to find the fields of flowers throughout the park. Some perimeter roads also provide this opportunity. Autumn brings the blazing colors that mark the beauty of nature's changing seasons. And photographers love blazing color.
Early morning shots of wildlife grazing are available for early risers. Traveling Going-To-The-Sun Road (the one that crosses the park) and taking some of the offshoot roads leads you to grazing areas. There is also opportunity for pictures that combine wildlife and wildflowers, an especially staggering display of nature's beauty.
Other photo ops in national parkland include Bryce Canyon, also formed by glaciers and the Grand Staircase in Escalante, New Mexico. Arizona and Utah offer Monument Valley and its grand rock formations that were formed by wind and water erosion. Yellowstone National Park will be a national favorite for many years to come.
Our national parks are among the most spectacular in the world.
Opportunity abounds for great pictures in Glacier National Park, for example. This area was formed by glaciers and remains in its primitive condition for the most part. Only one road crosses the Park. Bears, wolves, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, elk and moose are the larger carnivores who call this Park home. Various habitats provide conditions for a variety of plant and animal life, thus creating a unique environment not equaled anywhere else in the country.
Late June and July offers opportunity for a spectacular wild flower display that will thrill photographers. Some short roads (more like trails) lead to trail heads that one can traverse to find the fields of flowers throughout the park. Some perimeter roads also provide this opportunity. Autumn brings the blazing colors that mark the beauty of nature's changing seasons. And photographers love blazing color.
Early morning shots of wildlife grazing are available for early risers. Traveling Going-To-The-Sun Road (the one that crosses the park) and taking some of the offshoot roads leads you to grazing areas. There is also opportunity for pictures that combine wildlife and wildflowers, an especially staggering display of nature's beauty.
Other photo ops in national parkland include Bryce Canyon, also formed by glaciers and the Grand Staircase in Escalante, New Mexico. Arizona and Utah offer Monument Valley and its grand rock formations that were formed by wind and water erosion. Yellowstone National Park will be a national favorite for many years to come.
Our national parks are among the most spectacular in the world.
Travel Photography Guidelines
Have you ever been traveling and took many pictures? Have you ever came back and look and you pictures to find out they were all blurry and ugly? This used to happen to me all the time. I'd preview my images in the little LCD screen and then when I downloaded them onto my computer I'd notice that they were all blurred and not sharp at all. Many different factors come to play when taking travel photos.
When you are taking pictures during travel you will most likely not be able to have the precise control over your image as usual. You will not be able to control the weather conditions, the lighting, or anything really. The best way to work around this is to be prepared and flexible in how you take your photos.
One of the best ways to be prepared for taking photos in a foreign location you haven't been to is to research that area somewhat. Find out what the weather conditions will be like. Find out about events and when streets will be filled with people and eerily empty. Also, be sure to know how their weather is like during certain times of the year. Will there be mist? Will it moisten your lens requiring constant cleaning? Will there be a very bright sun that will require UV filters and hoods? If you wait till you get there you may very well end up spending lots of money buying equipment and it may not even be available.
Also, be sure to know everything that is around where you are going. Maybe there is a great underground city that you never even would've known about without researching. Some places have great wildlife areas a little away from big cities that you can go to and take pictures of.
Always be prepared for the weather. Especially if you are going to the equator areas where it will rain without any warning. I remember when I went to Cancun it was always just suddenly raining and still hot. I still took pictures and ended up with some very nice shots. Be sure not to use the flash when it is raining or snowing. This will make really ugly "orbs" as the ghost "experts" like to call them thinking they're ghosts.
When you are taking pictures during travel you will most likely not be able to have the precise control over your image as usual. You will not be able to control the weather conditions, the lighting, or anything really. The best way to work around this is to be prepared and flexible in how you take your photos.
One of the best ways to be prepared for taking photos in a foreign location you haven't been to is to research that area somewhat. Find out what the weather conditions will be like. Find out about events and when streets will be filled with people and eerily empty. Also, be sure to know how their weather is like during certain times of the year. Will there be mist? Will it moisten your lens requiring constant cleaning? Will there be a very bright sun that will require UV filters and hoods? If you wait till you get there you may very well end up spending lots of money buying equipment and it may not even be available.
Also, be sure to know everything that is around where you are going. Maybe there is a great underground city that you never even would've known about without researching. Some places have great wildlife areas a little away from big cities that you can go to and take pictures of.
Always be prepared for the weather. Especially if you are going to the equator areas where it will rain without any warning. I remember when I went to Cancun it was always just suddenly raining and still hot. I still took pictures and ended up with some very nice shots. Be sure not to use the flash when it is raining or snowing. This will make really ugly "orbs" as the ghost "experts" like to call them thinking they're ghosts.
Travel Photography for Amateurs
When traveling, many people take a camera along so they can bring home pictures to remember their trip. If you're looking for a way to turn so-so snapshots to fabulous photos, take a moment to review these tips.
Before You Leave
Make sure you're familiar with how your camera works. If you haven't read the manual, do it. You may find that your camera has capabilities you didn't know about, or you may find answers to questions that have been bothering you.
When you pack for your trip, bring your manual, extra camera batteries or a battery charger, and digital storage cards or film for your camera. If you plan on taking lots of digital photos and you have a laptop, it may be a wise idea to bring it so you can download your images and reuse your cards.
For air travel, pack your camera gear in a carry-on bag, especially if you're fortunate enough to own sophisticated equipment. Even locked, checked luggage can be broken into, and if your equipment is stolen, most airlines will not reimburse you. Avoid putting your camera in a jacket pocket, too, since it's easy to leave a jacket on the plane or in the airport. Before you exit the plane, double-check to make sure you have all your things.
If you have enough gear to warrant a camera bag, try to find one that doesn't scream, "I'm a camera bag. Steal me!" You may want to consider a backpack-like style because they're easy to carry around all day, leave your hands free, and appear relatively inconspicuous.
Camera Settings
Your camera's automatic settings control the f-stop and shutter speed for you. The f-stop determines how blurry the background looks. The smaller the number (like 5.6), the more the background blurs. The larger the number (like 16), the sharper everything in the picture is. Neither one is inherently better than the other; it all depends on what you're photographing and what effect you want.
Shutter speed refers to how quickly the camera's shutter opens and closes. The higher the shutter speed, the faster it takes the picture. To freeze action, you need to shoot at a minimum of 125. Below 60, you need a tripod to keep the image sharp because your hand will move enough to affect the picture.
Point-and-shoot cameras may not allow you to adjust both settings yourself. However, understanding your camera's automatic settings can help you control how your photos look. For instance, portrait settings are designed to keep the main subject sharp and blur the background, while landscape settings keep everything sharp. Shoot a variety of subjects on each of your camera's settings to see what they do and what you like.
Some cameras have semi-automatic settings which allow you to set either the f-stop or the shutter speed yourself, while the camera sets the other one. These are often ideal: you still have a good amount of control over how your image looks, but you don't have to worry about meter-reading or quickly changing light conditions.
If you can change your camera's settings, you should know about ISO speeds. They control how much light your camera or film needs to take an image. Low numbers like 100 work in bright daylight, while higher numbers like 400 are for cloudy days or possibly indoors. The lower the ISO number, the more detail your photos will have, so set it at the lowest number you can.
Composition and Subject Matter
The number one thing you can do to improve your photography is good composition. Camera manuals used to say that you should place your subject in the middle. This was because viewfinders showed more than would end up in your picture, but it usually looks boring.
Instead, imagine three equally-spaced lines running across your image both horizontally and vertically. The places where the lines meet are the strongest areas to place your subject. You don't need to draw lines on your viewfinder to do this, however, just practice putting your subjects off-center. Try taking a few shots from different angles. After a while you'll get the hang of it.
It's a good idea to shoot slightly more than you want in the picture, because when you get prints, your images may end up getting cropped to fit the print sizes. If you have photo editing software, you can crop it yourself to the right size so that it looks best. Don't go over board with the extra space, though, because printing a small portion of a larger image will result in poor quality.
Generally, the more your subject fills the frame, the better. That's especially true for people and animals. You probably don't care about your companion's vacation wardrobe; what's important is their face. If your camera doesn't have a zoom lens, you'll be more limited in how tight a shot you can get. Pay attention to what's going on in the background. You don't want a stop sign sticking out of someone's head.
Of course, when you're traveling you also want to see people in the locations. There's nothing wrong with photographing your companions by a famous landmark, but remember to use creative composition. Another great way to break out of the "people standing in a line in front of a monument" snapshot is by taking candid pictures. You'll also get more genuine expressions that way.
Photographing local people can help tell a story about the place you're visiting, especially if you're in an exotic destination. However, many people find it rude to be photographed without permission. If you know that's the case or if someone looks upset about you pointing your camera at them, ask if it's okay to take their picture. A little flattery may be helpful, and some may even ask for money. Don't push it if they say no.
Landscapes also capture the feeling of a place, but too often they fall flat. Having something in the foreground will jazz up your landscapes. A lone fisherman on the lake in front of majestic mountains not only adds interest to the shot, it shows just how huge the mountains actually are. Leading lines are good in any image, and even more so in landscapes. What are they? Things like roads, fences, or a line of trees which begin in the foreground and lead the viewer's eye to the background.
Remember, interesting photo opportunities are everywhere. A bustling market, a cityscape, details of an object or building, a roadside food shack, or a lizard sunning himself can all make great shots. And while everyone prefers to remember their travels as pleasant experiences, few places are completely idyllic. You may encounter poverty, industrial areas, or locations damaged by natural disasters, war, or terrorism on your trip. Although such subjects aren't the cheeriest, they can yield powerful images that make a statement.
Bon voyage!
Karen Joslin writes for Caribbean-Guide.info, Jamaica-Guide.info, and other Segisys travel Web sites.
ฉ 2006, Interactive Internet Websites, Inc.
Article may only be reprinted if it is not modified in any way, and if all links remain live.
Before You Leave
Make sure you're familiar with how your camera works. If you haven't read the manual, do it. You may find that your camera has capabilities you didn't know about, or you may find answers to questions that have been bothering you.
When you pack for your trip, bring your manual, extra camera batteries or a battery charger, and digital storage cards or film for your camera. If you plan on taking lots of digital photos and you have a laptop, it may be a wise idea to bring it so you can download your images and reuse your cards.
For air travel, pack your camera gear in a carry-on bag, especially if you're fortunate enough to own sophisticated equipment. Even locked, checked luggage can be broken into, and if your equipment is stolen, most airlines will not reimburse you. Avoid putting your camera in a jacket pocket, too, since it's easy to leave a jacket on the plane or in the airport. Before you exit the plane, double-check to make sure you have all your things.
If you have enough gear to warrant a camera bag, try to find one that doesn't scream, "I'm a camera bag. Steal me!" You may want to consider a backpack-like style because they're easy to carry around all day, leave your hands free, and appear relatively inconspicuous.
Camera Settings
Your camera's automatic settings control the f-stop and shutter speed for you. The f-stop determines how blurry the background looks. The smaller the number (like 5.6), the more the background blurs. The larger the number (like 16), the sharper everything in the picture is. Neither one is inherently better than the other; it all depends on what you're photographing and what effect you want.
Shutter speed refers to how quickly the camera's shutter opens and closes. The higher the shutter speed, the faster it takes the picture. To freeze action, you need to shoot at a minimum of 125. Below 60, you need a tripod to keep the image sharp because your hand will move enough to affect the picture.
Point-and-shoot cameras may not allow you to adjust both settings yourself. However, understanding your camera's automatic settings can help you control how your photos look. For instance, portrait settings are designed to keep the main subject sharp and blur the background, while landscape settings keep everything sharp. Shoot a variety of subjects on each of your camera's settings to see what they do and what you like.
Some cameras have semi-automatic settings which allow you to set either the f-stop or the shutter speed yourself, while the camera sets the other one. These are often ideal: you still have a good amount of control over how your image looks, but you don't have to worry about meter-reading or quickly changing light conditions.
If you can change your camera's settings, you should know about ISO speeds. They control how much light your camera or film needs to take an image. Low numbers like 100 work in bright daylight, while higher numbers like 400 are for cloudy days or possibly indoors. The lower the ISO number, the more detail your photos will have, so set it at the lowest number you can.
Composition and Subject Matter
The number one thing you can do to improve your photography is good composition. Camera manuals used to say that you should place your subject in the middle. This was because viewfinders showed more than would end up in your picture, but it usually looks boring.
Instead, imagine three equally-spaced lines running across your image both horizontally and vertically. The places where the lines meet are the strongest areas to place your subject. You don't need to draw lines on your viewfinder to do this, however, just practice putting your subjects off-center. Try taking a few shots from different angles. After a while you'll get the hang of it.
It's a good idea to shoot slightly more than you want in the picture, because when you get prints, your images may end up getting cropped to fit the print sizes. If you have photo editing software, you can crop it yourself to the right size so that it looks best. Don't go over board with the extra space, though, because printing a small portion of a larger image will result in poor quality.
Generally, the more your subject fills the frame, the better. That's especially true for people and animals. You probably don't care about your companion's vacation wardrobe; what's important is their face. If your camera doesn't have a zoom lens, you'll be more limited in how tight a shot you can get. Pay attention to what's going on in the background. You don't want a stop sign sticking out of someone's head.
Of course, when you're traveling you also want to see people in the locations. There's nothing wrong with photographing your companions by a famous landmark, but remember to use creative composition. Another great way to break out of the "people standing in a line in front of a monument" snapshot is by taking candid pictures. You'll also get more genuine expressions that way.
Photographing local people can help tell a story about the place you're visiting, especially if you're in an exotic destination. However, many people find it rude to be photographed without permission. If you know that's the case or if someone looks upset about you pointing your camera at them, ask if it's okay to take their picture. A little flattery may be helpful, and some may even ask for money. Don't push it if they say no.
Landscapes also capture the feeling of a place, but too often they fall flat. Having something in the foreground will jazz up your landscapes. A lone fisherman on the lake in front of majestic mountains not only adds interest to the shot, it shows just how huge the mountains actually are. Leading lines are good in any image, and even more so in landscapes. What are they? Things like roads, fences, or a line of trees which begin in the foreground and lead the viewer's eye to the background.
Remember, interesting photo opportunities are everywhere. A bustling market, a cityscape, details of an object or building, a roadside food shack, or a lizard sunning himself can all make great shots. And while everyone prefers to remember their travels as pleasant experiences, few places are completely idyllic. You may encounter poverty, industrial areas, or locations damaged by natural disasters, war, or terrorism on your trip. Although such subjects aren't the cheeriest, they can yield powerful images that make a statement.
Bon voyage!
Karen Joslin writes for Caribbean-Guide.info, Jamaica-Guide.info, and other Segisys travel Web sites.
ฉ 2006, Interactive Internet Websites, Inc.
Article may only be reprinted if it is not modified in any way, and if all links remain live.
Travel Photography: Packing Camera Gear for a Trip
So you've decided to take a trip - that's fabulous! You're excited about capturing photos along the way, but how do you make sure you've remembered everything you need to pack? Well first, each person has a different approach to taking photos while away from home, so to help you figure out what you need to pack, consider the following concepts.
Concept #1: How many photos will you take?
When it comes to photography and trips, it's all about the balance of time spent snapping photos and time spent doing activities or relaxing; it's about how you want to experience your trip. Are you the type of person who spends hours waiting for the right light before taking a photo, or do you snap a single shot and move on? Are you trying to get the artsy shot or are you perfectly happy just to record the scene once? Part of your plans to take photos will depend on who you're travelling with and whether you're on a pre-scheduled trip, or free to make your own schedule. Are you travelling with someone who is a photo enthusiast, or will your travel mates grow impatient the instant you pause to take a shot? Have you signed up for an organized tour, or can you stay in a city for an extra 3 days if you wish? Are you planning to visit 30 cities in 30 days, or just 1 city in 2 weeks.
The number of shots you take will depend on who you are and the nature of your activities. For example, if you're hiking through forest or jungle for 8 days, you may be too tired to snap more than a few shots a day, let alone carry anything heavier than a small camera, whereas if you're staying in central Venice for 8 days, you may plan to take hundreds of shots a day and can easily change cameras or lenses should you need to go back to your hotel. Consider how active you plan to be - e.g. hiking vs bungee jumping vs rafting. Can you hold your camera securely, or do you need to rely on the camera strap, or even some other type of harness? Is your camera heavy, or do you have a lighter one? Are you willing to carry it in a large camera bag with various lenses and accessories, or would you prefer to have a small case that fits only the camera? The case or backpack that you bring to carry your camera and accessories in can make your trip very pleasant, or very unpleasant! The bottom line is that only you know yourself when it comes to snapping photos and what you're likely to do. Make sure you'll be physically comfortable with what you choose to bring or else your photography goals will be hard to achieve.
Memory card capacity is a major consideration for digital photographers when it comes to how many photos you can store; likewise film photographers need to know how much film to bring. Assess how many photos you plan to take per day, and come up with the total number you plan to take for the whole trip. Then look up how many photos will fit on each film or memory card; that should tell you how many of each you need to pack (or purchase). However, once you've calculated how much memory storage you have to pack, or how many film cartridges you need to carry, seriously consider doubling it; it's a lot easier to pack extra film or an extra memory card than spending time during your vacation buying an extra one. If you're anything like me, you'd rather spend your time looking through tacky souvenirs than searching for an internationally-known brand of film! Of course, if you're going the digital route, research the internet cafes near your lodging to see if they support USB downloads; perhaps you can burn a CD along your travels using these facilities. Or, if you're really gung-ho, pack a laptop or a video iPod and download your photos to a larger disk.
Concept #2: Airports and Customs
The obvious concern of travellers these days are the X-ray machines and what damage they can do. Digital cameras and memory cards have no reported incidences of damage from X-ray machines at airports, so you're pretty much safe if that's all you carry. Film photographers, however, do need to be concerned about film passing through X-rays, so be sure to pack your film in your carry-on luggage in a separate bag so that you can specifically request the bag be manually searched instead of X-rayed. Note that checked luggage typically have more damaging X-rays pointed at them, so checking your film is not a good idea. At modern airports, there tend to be fewer problems with X-ray damage, but I know a friend of mine who went to Iceland returned with blemishes on virtually all of his 12 rolls of film after airport authorities convinced him that X-rays would not damage the film. Better be safe than sorry.
The other concern is your destination country's customs laws and whether they limit the amount of camera equipment that you can bring, so do a little research on customs and check with your travel agent before you pack. Some countries may charge a fee or require you to bring special documentation, so it's best to go prepared. At a minimum, you should get your expensive equipment certified at your local customs before you go, so that re-entry is not a problem either.
Concept #3: Lighting conditions when you get there.
Flash will use up batteries faster than non-flash, as will using the built-in digital viewfinder on point & shoot digital cameras. So consider how much photography you'll be doing in low light. Museums and indoor photo opportunities may require flash, or use of a tripod, whereas sunny outdoor shots may need you to increase the brightness of your viewfinder.
Concept #4: Technical limitations on your hardware.
Let's face it: extreme temperatures can play havok with any mechanical or digital equipment. How hot or cold will it be where you stay? Will you be quickly going between air conditioning and hot humid weather, or will you be outdoors in frigid temperatures for more than a minute? You must weight the risk of fungus or heat damage to your film or memory cards versus convenience and the cost of replacing them. Also consider taking sealable bags to prevent condensation as you go between dry, cold hotel rooms, and steamy hot outdoor temperatures.
Do you plan to take underwater photos? If so, consider purchasing a disaposable underwater camera. These days, it seems most underwater cameras also float, but you need to figure out if that's what you want. Sometimes your camera will have a special underwater casing accessory for your camera that you can buy before your trip, but it likely won't float, so be sure you don't drop it in the ocean!
Digital photographers must consider battery life in foreign countries, and accessibility of throw-away batteries if rechargeable ones are not available. The DSLR that I own has a proprietary battery, but in case it dies, I purchased a AA battery accessory that lets you operate the camera on 6 AA batteries. Disposable AAA batteries are much more readily available than proprietary rechargeable ones, and I'd rather spend money on batteries than be without. Be careful, though; should you ever end up purchasing batteries in a foreign country, make sure you splurge on internationally known brands, rather than skimping on the cheap kind - I can't tell you how frustrated I was when I bought a brand I had never heard of in Switzerland only to find my camera detected they had no juice left!
Related to battery recharging, it's important to be aware of the power configuration in your destionation country. Do you need a power converter, or will your native power supply work? Do you plan to bring your AA battery recharger with you, or your priorietary battery charger? Check with your vendor to see if they recommend a particular power converter.
Concept #5: In case of damage...
Is there technical support available for your camera at your destination? If so, is it free, or do you have to pay for it? Can they fix your camera same-day, or replace it quickly if it outright dies? If your nearest camera shop is 500 km away, you may need to take a second camera with you, or tools to fix it yourself.
That's a lot to consider! But frankly it depends on your shooting style and your desitnation. On my trip Mexico, I took a disposable underwater camera, a small point & shoot, and a larger DSLR with a single primary lens. I left them locked in my room's safe, and only used one at a time, so it worked well for me. I took a small bag with which to dampen the affects of condensation because of rapid changes of air conditioning to humidity. But I also took a larger bag that had cleaners, spare batteries, and my AA battery pack - I used this when going inland to see Mayan communities since I knew I'd never go back and didn't want to risk coming away with no photos!
Jennifer Clarkson is a Canadian Photographer living in Ottawa. She is compiling a website of articles for Amateur Photographers to share knowledge about digital photography (http://www.jclarksonphotography.com). You can sign up to her Photography Forum to post questions and images, and you can rate the photos in her Photo Gallery. She is also compiling a series of eBooks for Beginners, and the first eBook is now available: Choosing your Digital Camera and Accessories.
Concept #1: How many photos will you take?
When it comes to photography and trips, it's all about the balance of time spent snapping photos and time spent doing activities or relaxing; it's about how you want to experience your trip. Are you the type of person who spends hours waiting for the right light before taking a photo, or do you snap a single shot and move on? Are you trying to get the artsy shot or are you perfectly happy just to record the scene once? Part of your plans to take photos will depend on who you're travelling with and whether you're on a pre-scheduled trip, or free to make your own schedule. Are you travelling with someone who is a photo enthusiast, or will your travel mates grow impatient the instant you pause to take a shot? Have you signed up for an organized tour, or can you stay in a city for an extra 3 days if you wish? Are you planning to visit 30 cities in 30 days, or just 1 city in 2 weeks.
The number of shots you take will depend on who you are and the nature of your activities. For example, if you're hiking through forest or jungle for 8 days, you may be too tired to snap more than a few shots a day, let alone carry anything heavier than a small camera, whereas if you're staying in central Venice for 8 days, you may plan to take hundreds of shots a day and can easily change cameras or lenses should you need to go back to your hotel. Consider how active you plan to be - e.g. hiking vs bungee jumping vs rafting. Can you hold your camera securely, or do you need to rely on the camera strap, or even some other type of harness? Is your camera heavy, or do you have a lighter one? Are you willing to carry it in a large camera bag with various lenses and accessories, or would you prefer to have a small case that fits only the camera? The case or backpack that you bring to carry your camera and accessories in can make your trip very pleasant, or very unpleasant! The bottom line is that only you know yourself when it comes to snapping photos and what you're likely to do. Make sure you'll be physically comfortable with what you choose to bring or else your photography goals will be hard to achieve.
Memory card capacity is a major consideration for digital photographers when it comes to how many photos you can store; likewise film photographers need to know how much film to bring. Assess how many photos you plan to take per day, and come up with the total number you plan to take for the whole trip. Then look up how many photos will fit on each film or memory card; that should tell you how many of each you need to pack (or purchase). However, once you've calculated how much memory storage you have to pack, or how many film cartridges you need to carry, seriously consider doubling it; it's a lot easier to pack extra film or an extra memory card than spending time during your vacation buying an extra one. If you're anything like me, you'd rather spend your time looking through tacky souvenirs than searching for an internationally-known brand of film! Of course, if you're going the digital route, research the internet cafes near your lodging to see if they support USB downloads; perhaps you can burn a CD along your travels using these facilities. Or, if you're really gung-ho, pack a laptop or a video iPod and download your photos to a larger disk.
Concept #2: Airports and Customs
The obvious concern of travellers these days are the X-ray machines and what damage they can do. Digital cameras and memory cards have no reported incidences of damage from X-ray machines at airports, so you're pretty much safe if that's all you carry. Film photographers, however, do need to be concerned about film passing through X-rays, so be sure to pack your film in your carry-on luggage in a separate bag so that you can specifically request the bag be manually searched instead of X-rayed. Note that checked luggage typically have more damaging X-rays pointed at them, so checking your film is not a good idea. At modern airports, there tend to be fewer problems with X-ray damage, but I know a friend of mine who went to Iceland returned with blemishes on virtually all of his 12 rolls of film after airport authorities convinced him that X-rays would not damage the film. Better be safe than sorry.
The other concern is your destination country's customs laws and whether they limit the amount of camera equipment that you can bring, so do a little research on customs and check with your travel agent before you pack. Some countries may charge a fee or require you to bring special documentation, so it's best to go prepared. At a minimum, you should get your expensive equipment certified at your local customs before you go, so that re-entry is not a problem either.
Concept #3: Lighting conditions when you get there.
Flash will use up batteries faster than non-flash, as will using the built-in digital viewfinder on point & shoot digital cameras. So consider how much photography you'll be doing in low light. Museums and indoor photo opportunities may require flash, or use of a tripod, whereas sunny outdoor shots may need you to increase the brightness of your viewfinder.
Concept #4: Technical limitations on your hardware.
Let's face it: extreme temperatures can play havok with any mechanical or digital equipment. How hot or cold will it be where you stay? Will you be quickly going between air conditioning and hot humid weather, or will you be outdoors in frigid temperatures for more than a minute? You must weight the risk of fungus or heat damage to your film or memory cards versus convenience and the cost of replacing them. Also consider taking sealable bags to prevent condensation as you go between dry, cold hotel rooms, and steamy hot outdoor temperatures.
Do you plan to take underwater photos? If so, consider purchasing a disaposable underwater camera. These days, it seems most underwater cameras also float, but you need to figure out if that's what you want. Sometimes your camera will have a special underwater casing accessory for your camera that you can buy before your trip, but it likely won't float, so be sure you don't drop it in the ocean!
Digital photographers must consider battery life in foreign countries, and accessibility of throw-away batteries if rechargeable ones are not available. The DSLR that I own has a proprietary battery, but in case it dies, I purchased a AA battery accessory that lets you operate the camera on 6 AA batteries. Disposable AAA batteries are much more readily available than proprietary rechargeable ones, and I'd rather spend money on batteries than be without. Be careful, though; should you ever end up purchasing batteries in a foreign country, make sure you splurge on internationally known brands, rather than skimping on the cheap kind - I can't tell you how frustrated I was when I bought a brand I had never heard of in Switzerland only to find my camera detected they had no juice left!
Related to battery recharging, it's important to be aware of the power configuration in your destionation country. Do you need a power converter, or will your native power supply work? Do you plan to bring your AA battery recharger with you, or your priorietary battery charger? Check with your vendor to see if they recommend a particular power converter.
Concept #5: In case of damage...
Is there technical support available for your camera at your destination? If so, is it free, or do you have to pay for it? Can they fix your camera same-day, or replace it quickly if it outright dies? If your nearest camera shop is 500 km away, you may need to take a second camera with you, or tools to fix it yourself.
That's a lot to consider! But frankly it depends on your shooting style and your desitnation. On my trip Mexico, I took a disposable underwater camera, a small point & shoot, and a larger DSLR with a single primary lens. I left them locked in my room's safe, and only used one at a time, so it worked well for me. I took a small bag with which to dampen the affects of condensation because of rapid changes of air conditioning to humidity. But I also took a larger bag that had cleaners, spare batteries, and my AA battery pack - I used this when going inland to see Mayan communities since I knew I'd never go back and didn't want to risk coming away with no photos!
Jennifer Clarkson is a Canadian Photographer living in Ottawa. She is compiling a website of articles for Amateur Photographers to share knowledge about digital photography (http://www.jclarksonphotography.com). You can sign up to her Photography Forum to post questions and images, and you can rate the photos in her Photo Gallery. She is also compiling a series of eBooks for Beginners, and the first eBook is now available: Choosing your Digital Camera and Accessories.
How To Avoid This Number One Mistake Others Have With Travel Photography
I spoke not long ago about travel photography. I'd like to discuss a particular problem with travel photography, and it's not with the camera, it's with us.
One thing that you might notice whilst travelling is the lighting differences between the place you are visiting and home. Your digital camera 'light settings' will still be set to where you came from, not where you are when you are travelling to.
Last year I went London on business and while I was there I discovered something very important. I had my trusty Sony set to an E/V of 1.0+. This really means, in English, that I had the eye of the camera adjusted to reduce some light because light here in Australia is so bright. I realised what a bright environment we live in down under when I went overseas. In a nutshell I had my camera set to 'Australian light settings', not 'UK light settings.' It's not really called a 'light setting', but I'll use that term for the purpose of simplicity.
When I got to London I looked at the viewfinder and everything looked really dark. I was confused at first but had a suspicion. So I took a few test shots to try out my feeling about what was happening. I was right I had the camera on the wrong setting for London light. My first test shots I focused the camera at the brightest part of the object I was taking and took the shot. As a result my pictures came out either too bright or too dark.
I then took the E/V up to 1.7+ and got the right shots. I got the right shots because I adjusted the amount of light that was coming into the camera. And to me, coming from such a bright place and going to London to me, seemed a darker place generally. Not bright, glary light like Melbourne. However this light is fantastic for digital photography if you have filtered light like this. In Australia we are constantly ranting "the polariser! the polariser!" But in London, at times, I could get away with not having it on the camera at all.
So please remember the first thing you do with that digital when you are travelling is to look at what you have the camera set to accept new lighting conditions. You may need to adjust the aperture if you are going from one continent and one season to another. Each season has a different light and varies from country to country.
Have a great day.
Amy Renfrey
www.digitalphotographysuccess.com
One thing that you might notice whilst travelling is the lighting differences between the place you are visiting and home. Your digital camera 'light settings' will still be set to where you came from, not where you are when you are travelling to.
Last year I went London on business and while I was there I discovered something very important. I had my trusty Sony set to an E/V of 1.0+. This really means, in English, that I had the eye of the camera adjusted to reduce some light because light here in Australia is so bright. I realised what a bright environment we live in down under when I went overseas. In a nutshell I had my camera set to 'Australian light settings', not 'UK light settings.' It's not really called a 'light setting', but I'll use that term for the purpose of simplicity.
When I got to London I looked at the viewfinder and everything looked really dark. I was confused at first but had a suspicion. So I took a few test shots to try out my feeling about what was happening. I was right I had the camera on the wrong setting for London light. My first test shots I focused the camera at the brightest part of the object I was taking and took the shot. As a result my pictures came out either too bright or too dark.
I then took the E/V up to 1.7+ and got the right shots. I got the right shots because I adjusted the amount of light that was coming into the camera. And to me, coming from such a bright place and going to London to me, seemed a darker place generally. Not bright, glary light like Melbourne. However this light is fantastic for digital photography if you have filtered light like this. In Australia we are constantly ranting "the polariser! the polariser!" But in London, at times, I could get away with not having it on the camera at all.
So please remember the first thing you do with that digital when you are travelling is to look at what you have the camera set to accept new lighting conditions. You may need to adjust the aperture if you are going from one continent and one season to another. Each season has a different light and varies from country to country.
Have a great day.
Amy Renfrey
www.digitalphotographysuccess.com
Travel Photography Tips and Preparation
I just returned from a trip through Europe as a tour photographer and gained some useful knowledge that could be helpful to any photographers, amateur or professional who are planning a trip. This article deals with: obtaining the necessary equipment, carrying the equipment and always being in the right place at the right time. If you are hoping to get a professional collection of pictures from a vacation or group tour in a far away place you should definitely consider some of these issues. If you would like to see a collection of my personal photos from some of my trips (in which I used these techniques) please visit the wallpaper galleries on picturecorrect.com.
-My Personal Equipment Preparation
Through many photography trips I gradually developed a strategy for traveling lightly and conveniently with a sufficient amount of camera equipment. On long trips I typically take along two cameras; one digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera and one small digital point-and-shoot camera. For the SLR camera I take two lenses; one midrange telephoto lens (70-200 mm) and one fixed wide angle lens (24 mm). With these two types of lenses you will be ready for effective people pictures and beautiful landscape and scenery photos.
In addition to the cameras I absolutely always have some sort of tripod readily available whether it is the simple mini type or the full size larger type (for traveling you should make sure the tripod is made out of a light-weight material). For memory storage I take a larger memory card for the SLR and typically a smaller capacity card for the point-and-shoot camera. I also recently purchased an ipod so as soon as the memory cards are full I just unload them onto my ipod.
-Carrying the Equipment
For long trips that are full of photo opportunities I only carry one shoulder bag for my photography equipment. I keep the SLR camera in the bag with the extra lens that I am not currently using. I then carry the smaller point-and-shoot camera in the pocket of my cargo pants or shorts. The newer small digital point-and-shoot style cameras have developed so much that sometimes I feel that the photos I obtain from that camera are better then the SLR camera's photos. If you keep a small camera in your pocket then you will always be ready for spontaneous photo opportunities (mainly people pictures). And that way you won't always have to have a huge camera hanging around your neck which in many places will make you an instant target for professional pick pocketers.
I can't emphasize how important a tripod is on vacation trips. I am thoroughly convinced that the best pictures I have taken have either been at sunset or at night with long shutter speeds made possible by the use of a tripod. It has also come in very handy for architectural photos inside many cathedrals and buildings that have huge areas that are not very well lit.
-Techniques for Professional Travel Photos
Of course for effective photos you should read some articles on composition, exposure, shutter speed, and aperture. But there are also many other issues that I have realized are very important for travel photos. For pictures of landmarks or landscapes you should make sure that you have some kind of foreground and background so your viewers will have a good perspective of what it would be like to visit the site themselves. You should also make sure that you take plenty of photos from one scene with different combinations of exposure settings and angles. I usually only find about 1 photo out of 10 that I really like even though all ten photos are taken of the exact same place. And remember that you will probably want to make sure that you get at least one good photo of each spot since it is likely that you won't return any time soon.
For people pictures it is important to get photos of the people that may be accompanying you on your trip as well as some photos of people native to the area that you are visiting. When people are looking at photos following a trip they like to see both photos of them visiting certain spots as well as close ups of them enjoying themselves or focused mainly on their facial features. On the occasions that I have been hired to accompany a tour and prepare a slide show I found that the photos that the people enjoyed the most were of them enjoying a funny moment or of someone doing something silly that makes them look like an ignorant tourist. But they also enjoyed seeing photos of some of the interesting kinds of people that they met in the foreign environments. One example of this is on my recent visit to Germany I took many pictures of the crazy soccer fans who were cheering in the streets and waving flags.
There is a seemingly endless supply of things you can learn about travel photography, but I would say that the most effective technique is just to take a lot of photos and a wide variety of photos.
Richard Schneider is a digital photography enthusiast and founder of http://www.picturecorrect.com/ which offers tips and news about digital photography, digital camera reviews, and photoshop tutorials. Please also visit http://www.picturecorrect.com/freewallpaper.htm where you can find many examples of the techniques described in this article to use as your desktop wallpaper.
-My Personal Equipment Preparation
Through many photography trips I gradually developed a strategy for traveling lightly and conveniently with a sufficient amount of camera equipment. On long trips I typically take along two cameras; one digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera and one small digital point-and-shoot camera. For the SLR camera I take two lenses; one midrange telephoto lens (70-200 mm) and one fixed wide angle lens (24 mm). With these two types of lenses you will be ready for effective people pictures and beautiful landscape and scenery photos.
In addition to the cameras I absolutely always have some sort of tripod readily available whether it is the simple mini type or the full size larger type (for traveling you should make sure the tripod is made out of a light-weight material). For memory storage I take a larger memory card for the SLR and typically a smaller capacity card for the point-and-shoot camera. I also recently purchased an ipod so as soon as the memory cards are full I just unload them onto my ipod.
-Carrying the Equipment
For long trips that are full of photo opportunities I only carry one shoulder bag for my photography equipment. I keep the SLR camera in the bag with the extra lens that I am not currently using. I then carry the smaller point-and-shoot camera in the pocket of my cargo pants or shorts. The newer small digital point-and-shoot style cameras have developed so much that sometimes I feel that the photos I obtain from that camera are better then the SLR camera's photos. If you keep a small camera in your pocket then you will always be ready for spontaneous photo opportunities (mainly people pictures). And that way you won't always have to have a huge camera hanging around your neck which in many places will make you an instant target for professional pick pocketers.
I can't emphasize how important a tripod is on vacation trips. I am thoroughly convinced that the best pictures I have taken have either been at sunset or at night with long shutter speeds made possible by the use of a tripod. It has also come in very handy for architectural photos inside many cathedrals and buildings that have huge areas that are not very well lit.
-Techniques for Professional Travel Photos
Of course for effective photos you should read some articles on composition, exposure, shutter speed, and aperture. But there are also many other issues that I have realized are very important for travel photos. For pictures of landmarks or landscapes you should make sure that you have some kind of foreground and background so your viewers will have a good perspective of what it would be like to visit the site themselves. You should also make sure that you take plenty of photos from one scene with different combinations of exposure settings and angles. I usually only find about 1 photo out of 10 that I really like even though all ten photos are taken of the exact same place. And remember that you will probably want to make sure that you get at least one good photo of each spot since it is likely that you won't return any time soon.
For people pictures it is important to get photos of the people that may be accompanying you on your trip as well as some photos of people native to the area that you are visiting. When people are looking at photos following a trip they like to see both photos of them visiting certain spots as well as close ups of them enjoying themselves or focused mainly on their facial features. On the occasions that I have been hired to accompany a tour and prepare a slide show I found that the photos that the people enjoyed the most were of them enjoying a funny moment or of someone doing something silly that makes them look like an ignorant tourist. But they also enjoyed seeing photos of some of the interesting kinds of people that they met in the foreign environments. One example of this is on my recent visit to Germany I took many pictures of the crazy soccer fans who were cheering in the streets and waving flags.
There is a seemingly endless supply of things you can learn about travel photography, but I would say that the most effective technique is just to take a lot of photos and a wide variety of photos.
Richard Schneider is a digital photography enthusiast and founder of http://www.picturecorrect.com/ which offers tips and news about digital photography, digital camera reviews, and photoshop tutorials. Please also visit http://www.picturecorrect.com/freewallpaper.htm where you can find many examples of the techniques described in this article to use as your desktop wallpaper.
Travel Photography Starts At Home
Are you a budding travel photographer with all the required skills but not the time to travel to the locations to take those one in a million shots you've been dreaming of? You feel you are ready to take the leap and launch your photography career but can't afford to give up the 9 to 5 just yet? Odd as it may sound, shooting travel photography doesn't necessarily mean going anywhere.
I remember leaving regional Australia to live in London for a few years in my early twenties thinking I was finally moving to somewhere picturesque, somewhere interesting. Returning home a few years later I realized what I had left behind. My point is this: Every corner of the world is unique, even yours. Each country, state, or region carries its own set of characters, notable figures, culture and landscape. The challenge for the photographer is to find them to present to others.
Maybe you live in a city with a number of historical buildings, or near national parkland. Your town might host an annual carnival or event that is well known. Whatever your location or the size of your local area, there is bound to be something which interest people. Make it your goal to educate people about the place you come from, to show them why they should visit.
The great benefit to photographing subjects that are near to you is that you have the opportunity to revisit them as often as you need to get the results you are looking for. This can help relieve some of the pressure you may feel if you were spending a limited amount of time at a location. Here you are able to shoot in varying conditions and at varying times of day to capture the many moods of your subject. Spend a morning here, an afternoon there in between other commitments and before long you will come away with a comprehensive series of images depicting your subject in various light and shade.
To keep yourself enthusiastic about your subject, you might want to shoot two or maybe three projects at a time. Spend a Saturday afternoon shooting your local town's attractions and people, and next weekend drive into the nearest city to shoot architecture and caf้ culture.
But how do you choose projects that will assist in creating strong saleable images? Search stock photography agencies, look through travel magazines and newspapers. What you see everyday is what sells. The key is to plan what you are going to shoot. Although we are all guided by weather conditions, it is possible to select the images you want before you arrive at your location. I rarely arrive without at least a few images mapped out in my head, and never without a shoot list.
As travel photographers, it goes without saying that we have a passion for travel. It's why we do what we do. But it is an extremely difficult business to get into. The catch 22 is that to produce a portfolio or stock image library you need time and money. To fund your photography you need to work. It will take time and dedication, but by shooting close to home you will gradually improve your photography skills and start to build a portfolio of images to be proud of. It all comes down to the way we view our surroundings.
I remember leaving regional Australia to live in London for a few years in my early twenties thinking I was finally moving to somewhere picturesque, somewhere interesting. Returning home a few years later I realized what I had left behind. My point is this: Every corner of the world is unique, even yours. Each country, state, or region carries its own set of characters, notable figures, culture and landscape. The challenge for the photographer is to find them to present to others.
Maybe you live in a city with a number of historical buildings, or near national parkland. Your town might host an annual carnival or event that is well known. Whatever your location or the size of your local area, there is bound to be something which interest people. Make it your goal to educate people about the place you come from, to show them why they should visit.
The great benefit to photographing subjects that are near to you is that you have the opportunity to revisit them as often as you need to get the results you are looking for. This can help relieve some of the pressure you may feel if you were spending a limited amount of time at a location. Here you are able to shoot in varying conditions and at varying times of day to capture the many moods of your subject. Spend a morning here, an afternoon there in between other commitments and before long you will come away with a comprehensive series of images depicting your subject in various light and shade.
To keep yourself enthusiastic about your subject, you might want to shoot two or maybe three projects at a time. Spend a Saturday afternoon shooting your local town's attractions and people, and next weekend drive into the nearest city to shoot architecture and caf้ culture.
But how do you choose projects that will assist in creating strong saleable images? Search stock photography agencies, look through travel magazines and newspapers. What you see everyday is what sells. The key is to plan what you are going to shoot. Although we are all guided by weather conditions, it is possible to select the images you want before you arrive at your location. I rarely arrive without at least a few images mapped out in my head, and never without a shoot list.
As travel photographers, it goes without saying that we have a passion for travel. It's why we do what we do. But it is an extremely difficult business to get into. The catch 22 is that to produce a portfolio or stock image library you need time and money. To fund your photography you need to work. It will take time and dedication, but by shooting close to home you will gradually improve your photography skills and start to build a portfolio of images to be proud of. It all comes down to the way we view our surroundings.
Travel Photography For Beginners: Choosing A Camera And Getting Started
Travel photography can be as much fun for non-professionals as it can be for professionals. So what do you need to take up travel photography as a hobby and what else do you need to know? If you are a professional photographer this article will definitely be too basic for you. If you are a beginner then please read on.
Most of us travel these days anyway, so it is not a case of needing to travel anymore than what we already do, to start enjoying travel photography. Travel need not even be far, with the other side of your city still worthy of being called travel. The idea behind travel photography is that you are capturing images of culture, scenic views ie the essence of a place no matter what its location or size.
The more expensive the camera then generally you can of course expect better quality images, i.e. higher pixilation and more available optical zoom. Personally I find pocket cameras excellent because it is not realistic to carry a bulky camera everywhere, unless you are a real hard-core photographer (perhaps one who also carries a tripod everywhere, as though it were the car keys). I have found myself that I have some of my best photos from opportunistic moments and I have only managed to get these photos because I had a pocket camera ready on hand. If you are looking for a pocket camera so that you can begin snapping away wherever you are and whenever you want, then I personally think the Sony series of pocket camera's such as the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W70 Digital Camera (with 7.2 Million pixels & 3x Optical Zoom and affordable) is a worthy buy.
Hard-core photographers will say that using a manual camera is better. The fact is though, that unless you are a series paid photographer, then digital camera's are fast closing the gap on manual camera's and many digital camera's now also have add on manual lenses and also manual features.
Many beginners to photography get confused also about zoom and the meaning of optical zoom, when buying a camera. Optical zoom refers to the zoom that you get which does not affect the quality. You zoom in on an object for example and the quality is not affected. Normal zoom is when you zoom in closer but the closer you zoom is, the less focus you get. Optical zoom is the zoom that matters. Buying a camera with optical zoom of 3 or 6 is usually sufficient. If you really want to zoom in from a distance then you might possibly need a camera with 8-10 optical zoom.
Others may disagree with me but I think that the way best to start off is buying yourself a pocket camera and just to start snapping away. Get a feel for what works, what comes out well, what doesn't. Do not be afraid to experiment with the features on the camera. Try night shots for example, and try shots of different subjects i.e. sunsets, objects, landscapes and people. From experience and experimenting you can move out of the beginners level.
Travel photos - stock free images
home sauna and jacuzzi
Most of us travel these days anyway, so it is not a case of needing to travel anymore than what we already do, to start enjoying travel photography. Travel need not even be far, with the other side of your city still worthy of being called travel. The idea behind travel photography is that you are capturing images of culture, scenic views ie the essence of a place no matter what its location or size.
The more expensive the camera then generally you can of course expect better quality images, i.e. higher pixilation and more available optical zoom. Personally I find pocket cameras excellent because it is not realistic to carry a bulky camera everywhere, unless you are a real hard-core photographer (perhaps one who also carries a tripod everywhere, as though it were the car keys). I have found myself that I have some of my best photos from opportunistic moments and I have only managed to get these photos because I had a pocket camera ready on hand. If you are looking for a pocket camera so that you can begin snapping away wherever you are and whenever you want, then I personally think the Sony series of pocket camera's such as the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W70 Digital Camera (with 7.2 Million pixels & 3x Optical Zoom and affordable) is a worthy buy.
Hard-core photographers will say that using a manual camera is better. The fact is though, that unless you are a series paid photographer, then digital camera's are fast closing the gap on manual camera's and many digital camera's now also have add on manual lenses and also manual features.
Many beginners to photography get confused also about zoom and the meaning of optical zoom, when buying a camera. Optical zoom refers to the zoom that you get which does not affect the quality. You zoom in on an object for example and the quality is not affected. Normal zoom is when you zoom in closer but the closer you zoom is, the less focus you get. Optical zoom is the zoom that matters. Buying a camera with optical zoom of 3 or 6 is usually sufficient. If you really want to zoom in from a distance then you might possibly need a camera with 8-10 optical zoom.
Others may disagree with me but I think that the way best to start off is buying yourself a pocket camera and just to start snapping away. Get a feel for what works, what comes out well, what doesn't. Do not be afraid to experiment with the features on the camera. Try night shots for example, and try shots of different subjects i.e. sunsets, objects, landscapes and people. From experience and experimenting you can move out of the beginners level.
Travel photos - stock free images
home sauna and jacuzzi
10 Top Travel Photography Tips
Whether you're taking a short day trip or going halfway around the world, there are things besides a destination and a camera that can ensure you return home with a collection of wonderful photographs. Here are 10 travel photo tips to help you do just that.
1. Look For Local Cultural Events because these can make for some great photo opportunities.
2. Carry A Wide-Range Zoom (28-200mm) to reduce weight and still have plenty of focal range. Bringing a lot of lenses can really weigh you down.
3. Previsualize Your Shots at a scene. Walk around while considering light, weather, lens selection and how to frame some unusual and fresh compositions.
4. Get Up Before Dawn At Least Once and photograph a scene as the morning light emerges.
5. Show The Picture On The LCD to people you shoot, especially when there's a language barrier. It involves them in what you're doing and builds trust.
6. Use A Portable Reflector To Control Light, fill in shadows or brighten colors in the foreground.
7. Make Sure You Have A Tripod, preferably one that's strong, lightweight and fairly compact when fully compressed.
8. Back Up Your Images with a portable storage device to free up memory cards and ensure that you come home with all the photos you took.
9. Don't Forget A Cleaning Kit to keep your lenses and sensors clean.
10. Shooting Some Video in addition to your still images can turn slideshows into dynamic, multimedia presentations.
Make the most of your next photographic adventure, with all of our travel photography tips.
1. Look For Local Cultural Events because these can make for some great photo opportunities.
2. Carry A Wide-Range Zoom (28-200mm) to reduce weight and still have plenty of focal range. Bringing a lot of lenses can really weigh you down.
3. Previsualize Your Shots at a scene. Walk around while considering light, weather, lens selection and how to frame some unusual and fresh compositions.
4. Get Up Before Dawn At Least Once and photograph a scene as the morning light emerges.
5. Show The Picture On The LCD to people you shoot, especially when there's a language barrier. It involves them in what you're doing and builds trust.
6. Use A Portable Reflector To Control Light, fill in shadows or brighten colors in the foreground.
7. Make Sure You Have A Tripod, preferably one that's strong, lightweight and fairly compact when fully compressed.
8. Back Up Your Images with a portable storage device to free up memory cards and ensure that you come home with all the photos you took.
9. Don't Forget A Cleaning Kit to keep your lenses and sensors clean.
10. Shooting Some Video in addition to your still images can turn slideshows into dynamic, multimedia presentations.
Make the most of your next photographic adventure, with all of our travel photography tips.
Travel Photography: The Kiss Principle
Keep it simple shutterbug. Travel photography is about capturing a moment, a place or a culture. It is as much about the experiences the photographer has along the way as it is about the image itself. The people you meet and the places you see. No one can deny the satisfaction the photographer gains by carefully planning and executing the perfect shot using a whole host of expensive equipment to get everything just right. However a technically perfect, but emotionally distant shot pales into insignificance next to one that manages to convey it's message with sensitivity and shows an intimacy with it's subject.
I have known many a photographer who will spend hours setting up their tripod, attaching all the required components (and some not required ones), cleaning and polishing the lens to within an inch of its life, only to miss those few moments of perfect light, when the sun bursts through the clouds and spreads it's golden rays over the scene, or the seconds a member of an exotic tribe smiles into their camera.
So how do you keep the quality, but not miss the moment? Get back to basics. Take a long hard look at your kit bag and then leave most of it behind. Take with you only the essentials. Aside from a spare battery set and other such essentials, one camera, one or two lenses, and possibly a polarizing filter should let you cover most situations. Apart from not being weighed down by a heavy bag, you will find yourself thinking less about the technical aspects of photography and more about the image you are taking.
An obvious, but often overlooked aspect of travel photography is getting to know your subject. I don't mean planning weeks ahead the best way to get to your destination and the best time to go (although this is important too). What do you do once you get there? Walk around the scene. Look at the angles. Look at the people. Speak to people. Become part of the scene. Think about the message you are trying to convey, and the way you want to convey it. Is it about the place itself or the people that live there? Are you looking at the broader picture or the finer details? Or both?
These are all questions that need to be answered at some point. The successful photographer is one who knows the purpose of their shoot and acts accordingly. You may find that you spend more time getting to know your subjects than actually shooting. This however, is no bad thing. It is better to come away with a few memorable images than many average ones. In addition to the images, you will more likely come away with a richer cultural experience. Which for many a traveling photographer, is the real prize.
So while it is easy to be swept up in discussion with other photographers about who has which gadget, don't forget why you're there in the first place, and spend a little more time thinking about what you see though the lens rather than the lens itself.
I have known many a photographer who will spend hours setting up their tripod, attaching all the required components (and some not required ones), cleaning and polishing the lens to within an inch of its life, only to miss those few moments of perfect light, when the sun bursts through the clouds and spreads it's golden rays over the scene, or the seconds a member of an exotic tribe smiles into their camera.
So how do you keep the quality, but not miss the moment? Get back to basics. Take a long hard look at your kit bag and then leave most of it behind. Take with you only the essentials. Aside from a spare battery set and other such essentials, one camera, one or two lenses, and possibly a polarizing filter should let you cover most situations. Apart from not being weighed down by a heavy bag, you will find yourself thinking less about the technical aspects of photography and more about the image you are taking.
An obvious, but often overlooked aspect of travel photography is getting to know your subject. I don't mean planning weeks ahead the best way to get to your destination and the best time to go (although this is important too). What do you do once you get there? Walk around the scene. Look at the angles. Look at the people. Speak to people. Become part of the scene. Think about the message you are trying to convey, and the way you want to convey it. Is it about the place itself or the people that live there? Are you looking at the broader picture or the finer details? Or both?
These are all questions that need to be answered at some point. The successful photographer is one who knows the purpose of their shoot and acts accordingly. You may find that you spend more time getting to know your subjects than actually shooting. This however, is no bad thing. It is better to come away with a few memorable images than many average ones. In addition to the images, you will more likely come away with a richer cultural experience. Which for many a traveling photographer, is the real prize.
So while it is easy to be swept up in discussion with other photographers about who has which gadget, don't forget why you're there in the first place, and spend a little more time thinking about what you see though the lens rather than the lens itself.
Travel Photography - Don't Break the Rules!
The ten travel photography golden rules
Rule one. Plan your trip. Research on Google images what you want to shoot before you leave and write them in a small notebook.
Rule two. Insurance. Get all you serial numbers from your equipment before you leave your home. This can say you heaps of time if you loose equipment especially overseas.
Rule three. Customs. Customs at any airport does not know that your camera is second hand, they can often look at your camera and say "no that's a new camera that you have purchased on your trip and you will have to pay duty on it. Call customs before you leave and fill in the simple form that proves it was yours to start with.
Rule four. When you are overseas take your photos to a camera shop and get a disk of your photos made and post them back to yourself.
Rule five. Remember in Islamic countries not to photograph the women. Respect the local customs. Look on the web for any restrictions in the place that you are going to visit.
Rule six. Get people shots, landscapes and close ups of interesting things that you don't see everyday Try to capture things out of the ordinary.
Rule seven. Lenses. Take an 18 to 200 lens this will limit taking on and off your lens which in turn will keep your CCD clean.
Rule eight. Take a charger for your camera with a all country power adapter.
Rule nine. You get the best images early in the morning with no crowds. Hire a taxi early. They know where you will get the best shots.
Rule ten. Use your fill flash to brighten up your subjects even during the day. Practice this before you leave home. Look for the unexpected seek out guides, not tourist guides but just a local fisherman and his boat they will know where you will get that amazing off the beaten track photo.
Rule one. Plan your trip. Research on Google images what you want to shoot before you leave and write them in a small notebook.
Rule two. Insurance. Get all you serial numbers from your equipment before you leave your home. This can say you heaps of time if you loose equipment especially overseas.
Rule three. Customs. Customs at any airport does not know that your camera is second hand, they can often look at your camera and say "no that's a new camera that you have purchased on your trip and you will have to pay duty on it. Call customs before you leave and fill in the simple form that proves it was yours to start with.
Rule four. When you are overseas take your photos to a camera shop and get a disk of your photos made and post them back to yourself.
Rule five. Remember in Islamic countries not to photograph the women. Respect the local customs. Look on the web for any restrictions in the place that you are going to visit.
Rule six. Get people shots, landscapes and close ups of interesting things that you don't see everyday Try to capture things out of the ordinary.
Rule seven. Lenses. Take an 18 to 200 lens this will limit taking on and off your lens which in turn will keep your CCD clean.
Rule eight. Take a charger for your camera with a all country power adapter.
Rule nine. You get the best images early in the morning with no crowds. Hire a taxi early. They know where you will get the best shots.
Rule ten. Use your fill flash to brighten up your subjects even during the day. Practice this before you leave home. Look for the unexpected seek out guides, not tourist guides but just a local fisherman and his boat they will know where you will get that amazing off the beaten track photo.
If you would like more information feel free to visit my site at http://www.slrcameracourse.com.au
If you prefer to be shown how to do things by video rather than given a thick book then come and visit us! http://www.slrcameracourse.com.au
Travel Photography Tips
Traveling brings together the best aspects of photography and people take some of their best pictures in the unfamiliar territory of another city, state, country, or even continent. This is because they are surrounded by people of all sorts of different cultures, not just the locals, but other tourists as well. There is also the transport aspect of travel, this can involve very picturesque things such as planes, boats, cars, bicycles and even rickshaws.
An important part of travel photography is being prepared, I cannot stress how important it is to have your camera with you at all times. You will also need to be ready to get your camera out and snap the moment when it arises. People who are overseas are often out of their comfort zones and can express a lot of emotion, which can be amazing if captured well.
Culture is a great thing, it is what identifies people and what some feel very strongly about. Pictures that reflect culture can be very interesting. This is because traditions and ways of life that are foreign to you can shock you and have a major impact. These include poverty, religion, tradition, music, art and more.
How to get these shots
Like stated before having your camera is a good start. Look for things that are unusual or pleasing to the eye. When on a guided tour or safari, try to go off the beaten track and get pictures of things that everyone else misses. It is also a good idea to avoid postcard shots, which are over-photographed scenes, usually landscapes. However, a "postcard shot" shown in a different way or new light can be a great way to convey a message through the medium of photography.
Traveling with your camera is imperative and can produce some of the best pictures you will ever take.
Photography tips, techniques, information, how-tos and guides
Article by Giles Thompson
An important part of travel photography is being prepared, I cannot stress how important it is to have your camera with you at all times. You will also need to be ready to get your camera out and snap the moment when it arises. People who are overseas are often out of their comfort zones and can express a lot of emotion, which can be amazing if captured well.
Culture is a great thing, it is what identifies people and what some feel very strongly about. Pictures that reflect culture can be very interesting. This is because traditions and ways of life that are foreign to you can shock you and have a major impact. These include poverty, religion, tradition, music, art and more.
How to get these shots
Like stated before having your camera is a good start. Look for things that are unusual or pleasing to the eye. When on a guided tour or safari, try to go off the beaten track and get pictures of things that everyone else misses. It is also a good idea to avoid postcard shots, which are over-photographed scenes, usually landscapes. However, a "postcard shot" shown in a different way or new light can be a great way to convey a message through the medium of photography.
Traveling with your camera is imperative and can produce some of the best pictures you will ever take.
Photography tips, techniques, information, how-tos and guides
Article by Giles Thompson
Travel Photography Jobs - Take Photos, Make Money!
You have been an avid photographer for sometime now and your confidence in the technical and artistic aspect of the craft is at an all-time high.
Wouldn't be nice to travel different locations, taking pictures of the scenic and interesting places and consequently make money out of it? It is very rewarding to do things you love as means of living. That is why commercially successful photographers have enviable quality of life.
Deciding to be a full time travel photographer can be daunting especially, if you do not know the steps to take. The risks are worth taking. Just follow these valuable tips to realize your travel photography dream job!
Go out and shoot!
Don't be afraid to fund your own trips at first. You must understand that you are launching a business venture out of your talent. Consider this move as an investment overhead.
Use this step to showcase all your skills. You are creating a portfolio for future business/job prospects. Build up a library of truly first class images. This is also a good time to network and get to know a lot of people who may be able to help boost your career.
Know the demand
It is essential to know the demand. You must ask yourself which types of photos are most marketable.
If there is a high demand for scenic photos of tourist destination spots, it is a great idea to initially start shooting for those. It will be easier to find clients for these photo sets and from there you can comfortably explore to new trends. Remember, you are just starting; don't get too idealistic if the current demands are not of your artistic specialty.
Marketing is necessary
Armed with a library of impressive photos, the next sensible step is to promote your work. You got to know the right people or businesses that are willing to buy your work and services. Examples of potential clients are resorts, hotels, travel magazine publishers, government agencies, and basically all businesses catering to the tourism industry.
The good thing about marketing in photography is that it greatly relies in your portfolio. So if you don't have the knack for sales talk, there is no need to worry. Let your pictures do the talking.
Moreover, one of the marketing strategies that you should implement is via web marketing. Have a website to place your portfolio. It can do wonders! It is a great way to spread your work.
Find a Sales partner
Sometimes, the hard work is not from taking the pictures but from finding and managing clients. If you are not the type or simply hate the marketing aspect of your job, you can find a dependable sales professional to do the stuff for you. Negotiate a win-win deal with your partner and then you can concentrate solely on your craft.
Be adventurous. Explore new ways and techniques
Photography is a very competitive field. Get ahead of your peers and always try to improve. Explore and experiment on different techniques you can think of.
Imagine if you are able to perfect a particular technique say, for example, underwater photography. Clients with this demand will surely go straight to you because they know that you are the best at this specific field. Plus, when your reputation has grown enough, you can reasonably put a higher price on your services.
Be a professional
Last but not least. If you want to stay long and well in this industry you must embody professionalism. Do quality work and deliver it on time. Your reputation as a travel photographer includes how easy you are to work with.
Wouldn't be nice to travel different locations, taking pictures of the scenic and interesting places and consequently make money out of it? It is very rewarding to do things you love as means of living. That is why commercially successful photographers have enviable quality of life.
Deciding to be a full time travel photographer can be daunting especially, if you do not know the steps to take. The risks are worth taking. Just follow these valuable tips to realize your travel photography dream job!
Go out and shoot!
Don't be afraid to fund your own trips at first. You must understand that you are launching a business venture out of your talent. Consider this move as an investment overhead.
Use this step to showcase all your skills. You are creating a portfolio for future business/job prospects. Build up a library of truly first class images. This is also a good time to network and get to know a lot of people who may be able to help boost your career.
Know the demand
It is essential to know the demand. You must ask yourself which types of photos are most marketable.
If there is a high demand for scenic photos of tourist destination spots, it is a great idea to initially start shooting for those. It will be easier to find clients for these photo sets and from there you can comfortably explore to new trends. Remember, you are just starting; don't get too idealistic if the current demands are not of your artistic specialty.
Marketing is necessary
Armed with a library of impressive photos, the next sensible step is to promote your work. You got to know the right people or businesses that are willing to buy your work and services. Examples of potential clients are resorts, hotels, travel magazine publishers, government agencies, and basically all businesses catering to the tourism industry.
The good thing about marketing in photography is that it greatly relies in your portfolio. So if you don't have the knack for sales talk, there is no need to worry. Let your pictures do the talking.
Moreover, one of the marketing strategies that you should implement is via web marketing. Have a website to place your portfolio. It can do wonders! It is a great way to spread your work.
Find a Sales partner
Sometimes, the hard work is not from taking the pictures but from finding and managing clients. If you are not the type or simply hate the marketing aspect of your job, you can find a dependable sales professional to do the stuff for you. Negotiate a win-win deal with your partner and then you can concentrate solely on your craft.
Be adventurous. Explore new ways and techniques
Photography is a very competitive field. Get ahead of your peers and always try to improve. Explore and experiment on different techniques you can think of.
Imagine if you are able to perfect a particular technique say, for example, underwater photography. Clients with this demand will surely go straight to you because they know that you are the best at this specific field. Plus, when your reputation has grown enough, you can reasonably put a higher price on your services.
Be a professional
Last but not least. If you want to stay long and well in this industry you must embody professionalism. Do quality work and deliver it on time. Your reputation as a travel photographer includes how easy you are to work with.
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Travel Photography.
Summer time is the perfect time for snap happy people, and for anyone heading to an exotic destination for a well deserved break. Tourists all over the world capture priceless memories forever and their top-quality images are then stored away never to be seen by anyone.
Travel photography is a great hobby for any holiday goer, and with a few helpful tips you can bring home some great images that you can enjoy forever. If your images are better then normal you may be able to make some cash from them.
The key to travel photography is to make your images appealing to a wider audience than normal. You want to capture the mood and culture of a new place. You need to be able to sell a holiday through a photo.
Tips on what to photograph:
Taking landscape images in a far-off land can be tricky. The light conditions may be very different from what you are used to. Exposure may also be very tricky to calculate. If you are in doubt, bracket your shots to ensure that you will get the perfect image.
Travel photographers should start their day as the sun is rising. This is the best time to capture mood in a landscape image.
Night time urban landscape pictures will always make an interesting shot when exposed correctly. Use a tripod to ensure that your image is sharp.
Food shots can be very memorable, try to include the waiter or anything that you normally don't see at home. The interior and the exterior of restaurants can also be photographed.
Take pictures of local signs, buildings and famous landmarks. Be very careful with the position of the sun. Try taking images when the sun is to your side. This will cast long shadows along the front of the building. Use a polarising filter to cut out any glare from the glass in buildings.
Photograph the people. Travel companies are always seeking interesting people images. Photograph people eating food - people working - children playing - local police, fire fighters and any other service people in the area. Make sure that they are doing something interesting.
Visit local markets. This can make very interesting photography. Take plenty of images of the local stalls and the sellers. Take pictures of the different foods and anything else that you think may be unusual.
Travel photography may also be an immense financial trip for the professional photographer. Photo publishers are always seeking new material and are always on the look out for new talent.
When you return home with your images make a copy of each. Label each image with a brief caption. Its best to do this straight away when the holiday is fresh in your head.
Any holiday goer with the ability to use their lens correctly has the potential to sell their images. All you need to know is what makes a good travel image. You don't need to be a top class photographer to profit from taking pictures of far-off places.
Travel photography is a great hobby for any holiday goer, and with a few helpful tips you can bring home some great images that you can enjoy forever. If your images are better then normal you may be able to make some cash from them.
The key to travel photography is to make your images appealing to a wider audience than normal. You want to capture the mood and culture of a new place. You need to be able to sell a holiday through a photo.
Tips on what to photograph:
Taking landscape images in a far-off land can be tricky. The light conditions may be very different from what you are used to. Exposure may also be very tricky to calculate. If you are in doubt, bracket your shots to ensure that you will get the perfect image.
Travel photographers should start their day as the sun is rising. This is the best time to capture mood in a landscape image.
Night time urban landscape pictures will always make an interesting shot when exposed correctly. Use a tripod to ensure that your image is sharp.
Food shots can be very memorable, try to include the waiter or anything that you normally don't see at home. The interior and the exterior of restaurants can also be photographed.
Take pictures of local signs, buildings and famous landmarks. Be very careful with the position of the sun. Try taking images when the sun is to your side. This will cast long shadows along the front of the building. Use a polarising filter to cut out any glare from the glass in buildings.
Photograph the people. Travel companies are always seeking interesting people images. Photograph people eating food - people working - children playing - local police, fire fighters and any other service people in the area. Make sure that they are doing something interesting.
Visit local markets. This can make very interesting photography. Take plenty of images of the local stalls and the sellers. Take pictures of the different foods and anything else that you think may be unusual.
Travel photography may also be an immense financial trip for the professional photographer. Photo publishers are always seeking new material and are always on the look out for new talent.
When you return home with your images make a copy of each. Label each image with a brief caption. Its best to do this straight away when the holiday is fresh in your head.
Any holiday goer with the ability to use their lens correctly has the potential to sell their images. All you need to know is what makes a good travel image. You don't need to be a top class photographer to profit from taking pictures of far-off places.
Travel Photography: What to Keep in Mind
Just came from a Recent out of town trip and decided that It would be a good idea to share the things you need to do, prepare for your Travel Assignment or Vacation.
What to prepare when you travel?
1. You should have a good Traveling bag for your camera gear. Putting everything in order will help you in those situations when you need to find your gear or accessories fast. Good Cases and Travel bags also protect your gear from the elements.
2. Scout the place before you travel. Most Travel Destinations have been photographed before or someone may have went there in the past. Look for guides, warnings or anything online to give you a glimpse of what to expect. Looking at photos of others will give you a window to view where you are going so you can start imagining how you will take your signature shot of the Place.
3. Bring the Right Gear. Why bring a macro lens if you won't use it? It will only make your bag heavy and hard to carry long distances. Bring only what you need.
4. Bring a Good Tripod or monopod for those shots that need the extra stability like night shots or low light level shots.
5. Wear Comfortable clothes that will keep you warm and dry while you shoot. Wear comfortable shoes that you can use for walking long distances. Some people prefer to bring Photographers Vest which is a practical idea knowing that you have so many compartments to place your accessories.
6. Bring only the accessories you need. Graduated filters, polarizers, warming filters bring only what is necessary. Special filters like expodisc or whitebalance card may not be used in outdoor situations for travel photography.
7. Bring Extra Set of Batteries, Water, Gum or candy, a clean cloth for lenses. You will never know when your next store, or break will come if you are shooting travel, It is best to keep stock of the things that you will be needing while waiting. Water to quench your thirst, Gum or candy to keep you from starving and a clean cloth or towel to keep you and your lenses dry.
8. I usually psyche my self up by listening to music that gets me into the mood to shoot. You can do this or maybe view some of your favorite photos or maybe read books on the destination you are going to.
10. There is safety in numbers. Find out who else is going to your destination, if it is a fiesta, festival or some event there will always be other photographers there.
11. Have emergency numbers ready. Not that anything will happen to you but it would be good to have some numbers handy. If you travel abroad, keep your embassy numbers. If you travel to a province or a nearby city it would be good to keep numbers of relatives that live nearby or maybe the number of the hotel that you stay in.
12. One of the important things to consider when traveling in this digital age is that you should consider your shooting capacity and your memory storage solutions. How big your files are and how often you shoot will leave you needing more and more memory cards. There are digital wallets available in the market but I still prefer to download them to my laptop or burn them to CD for multiple backups.
13. Like any other shoot, this is something you should enjoy and make the most out of. Don't Let it pressure you, go with the flow and do what you do best.. Take good photos!
Anton Sheker is a photographer based in Philippines. For more Photography Lessons, tips and tricks visit his site online at http://www.photo.net.ph/blogalicious.
Anton Sheker is also founder and member of the World Photo Directory http://www.worldphotodirectory.com
What to prepare when you travel?
1. You should have a good Traveling bag for your camera gear. Putting everything in order will help you in those situations when you need to find your gear or accessories fast. Good Cases and Travel bags also protect your gear from the elements.
2. Scout the place before you travel. Most Travel Destinations have been photographed before or someone may have went there in the past. Look for guides, warnings or anything online to give you a glimpse of what to expect. Looking at photos of others will give you a window to view where you are going so you can start imagining how you will take your signature shot of the Place.
3. Bring the Right Gear. Why bring a macro lens if you won't use it? It will only make your bag heavy and hard to carry long distances. Bring only what you need.
4. Bring a Good Tripod or monopod for those shots that need the extra stability like night shots or low light level shots.
5. Wear Comfortable clothes that will keep you warm and dry while you shoot. Wear comfortable shoes that you can use for walking long distances. Some people prefer to bring Photographers Vest which is a practical idea knowing that you have so many compartments to place your accessories.
6. Bring only the accessories you need. Graduated filters, polarizers, warming filters bring only what is necessary. Special filters like expodisc or whitebalance card may not be used in outdoor situations for travel photography.
7. Bring Extra Set of Batteries, Water, Gum or candy, a clean cloth for lenses. You will never know when your next store, or break will come if you are shooting travel, It is best to keep stock of the things that you will be needing while waiting. Water to quench your thirst, Gum or candy to keep you from starving and a clean cloth or towel to keep you and your lenses dry.
8. I usually psyche my self up by listening to music that gets me into the mood to shoot. You can do this or maybe view some of your favorite photos or maybe read books on the destination you are going to.
10. There is safety in numbers. Find out who else is going to your destination, if it is a fiesta, festival or some event there will always be other photographers there.
11. Have emergency numbers ready. Not that anything will happen to you but it would be good to have some numbers handy. If you travel abroad, keep your embassy numbers. If you travel to a province or a nearby city it would be good to keep numbers of relatives that live nearby or maybe the number of the hotel that you stay in.
12. One of the important things to consider when traveling in this digital age is that you should consider your shooting capacity and your memory storage solutions. How big your files are and how often you shoot will leave you needing more and more memory cards. There are digital wallets available in the market but I still prefer to download them to my laptop or burn them to CD for multiple backups.
13. Like any other shoot, this is something you should enjoy and make the most out of. Don't Let it pressure you, go with the flow and do what you do best.. Take good photos!
Anton Sheker is a photographer based in Philippines. For more Photography Lessons, tips and tricks visit his site online at http://www.photo.net.ph/blogalicious.
Anton Sheker is also founder and member of the World Photo Directory http://www.worldphotodirectory.com
Sicily (italy): A Perfect Place For Travel Photography
The Island of Sicily is an autonomous region of Italy, on west of the southern end of the Italian peninsula. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, separated from the mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina. An island of great natural beauty, this is a great location for travel photography and this is discussed below.
The beautiful island of Sicily is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea on the west and south, by the Ionian Sea on the east, and by the Tyrrhenian Sea on the north. The island is almost entirely covered by hills and mountains (continuations of the Apennines). Mt. Etna (over 3,000 meters high), in the east, is the highest point on the island. Sicily also includes the Egadi Islands, the Lipari Islands, the Pelagie Islands, the Pantelleria Island, and Ustica Island. The land area of Sicily covers 25,000 kmฒ and hosts a population in excess of five million Sicilians. The language of the natives of Sicily is also called Sicilian; Sicilian also the name of the language - a language whose origins originates from a number of other languages including Spanish, Catalan, Latin, French and Arabic.
The beauty of Sicily and what makes it an ideal location for travel photography is a combination of the climate, locations, history and deep culture. You can take photographs high up on the Etna Volcano with the snow black (black due to the affects of colourisation from the black lava) and on the same day you can take photographs in the sunshine on the coast. There are also many classy and cute villages and sites. Hisrotical sites include Roman Ruins, while more natural sites include the rocky coast and the man made vineyards and olive farms which you can easily find. Sicily is so rich in culture that for travel photography, this is an island which gives you so much to capture on camera. It is hard not to get good pictures on this stunning Mediterranean island.
Sicily has a number of tourist attractions that offer a opportunities for travel photography. Some of the major attractions of the island include Augusta (a town north of Syracuse), Cefalu (Sicily's main beach resort), Eraclea Minoa (Greek ruins above an attractive beach), Gole dell'Alcantara (a deep impressive gorge), Milazzo (gateway to the Aeolian Islands), Monreale (impressive cathedral above Palermo), Mount Etna (impressive 3323m high active volcano), Piazza Armerina (home of impressive Roman mosaics), Ragusa (impressive baroque architecture), Segesta (greek temple and ruins), Sciacca (quite south coast port) and Selinunte (impressive greek temples).
The beautiful island of Sicily is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea on the west and south, by the Ionian Sea on the east, and by the Tyrrhenian Sea on the north. The island is almost entirely covered by hills and mountains (continuations of the Apennines). Mt. Etna (over 3,000 meters high), in the east, is the highest point on the island. Sicily also includes the Egadi Islands, the Lipari Islands, the Pelagie Islands, the Pantelleria Island, and Ustica Island. The land area of Sicily covers 25,000 kmฒ and hosts a population in excess of five million Sicilians. The language of the natives of Sicily is also called Sicilian; Sicilian also the name of the language - a language whose origins originates from a number of other languages including Spanish, Catalan, Latin, French and Arabic.
The beauty of Sicily and what makes it an ideal location for travel photography is a combination of the climate, locations, history and deep culture. You can take photographs high up on the Etna Volcano with the snow black (black due to the affects of colourisation from the black lava) and on the same day you can take photographs in the sunshine on the coast. There are also many classy and cute villages and sites. Hisrotical sites include Roman Ruins, while more natural sites include the rocky coast and the man made vineyards and olive farms which you can easily find. Sicily is so rich in culture that for travel photography, this is an island which gives you so much to capture on camera. It is hard not to get good pictures on this stunning Mediterranean island.
Sicily has a number of tourist attractions that offer a opportunities for travel photography. Some of the major attractions of the island include Augusta (a town north of Syracuse), Cefalu (Sicily's main beach resort), Eraclea Minoa (Greek ruins above an attractive beach), Gole dell'Alcantara (a deep impressive gorge), Milazzo (gateway to the Aeolian Islands), Monreale (impressive cathedral above Palermo), Mount Etna (impressive 3323m high active volcano), Piazza Armerina (home of impressive Roman mosaics), Ragusa (impressive baroque architecture), Segesta (greek temple and ruins), Sciacca (quite south coast port) and Selinunte (impressive greek temples).
Travel Photography: Creating Your Own Luck
Ok. So you've read up on the technical side of taking great photos. You know your aperture from your exif and you've experimented with shutter speeds. But there is something missing from the photos you've been taking. They're ok, but that's it. Just ok. Why? You wonder. Well, here's a little secret: it's all about luck. Well not really. More to the point, great travel photography is about creating your own luck.
Preparation
There is an art to being lucky in travel photography, and it usually involves a lot of hard work. Research is the key. Find out all you can about where you are going. Read travel guides, books, newspaper and magazine articles, scour the internet, watch television programs. Knowing a little about what life is like in that part of the world can go a long way to getting the most out of your time there. For instance, how would the locals react to someone trying to take their picture? Some cultures can be quite offended by having their photo taken. This is especially true of women in Islamic countries. At other times, people will practically beg you to take their picture. Sometimes, you will be expected to pay for the privilege.
If you are intending to photograph well known landmarks, there will be plenty of images available in the various media, so that you can get an idea of what it might look like during different times of the day or different seasons. This might help you in your planning. There is nothing quite as valuable in photography as knowing how to be in the right place at the right time.
Flexibility
Sometimes the shot you want is just not possible. You may be in a busy city square attempting to photograph a serene monument basking in the afternoon sun, but being interrupted by a stream of passers by wandering through the frame. Unless you are able to stop traffic, you are not going to get the shot you came for. This is where you might need to adjust your approach. Try to capture the feel of the place as it is. If the square is bustling with people going about their day, show it as such. Make your focus the intensity and speed of which life moves within the space. Be creative. Maybe use a bit of motion blur to capture the essence of a city in a hurry. You might also be able to return at a quieter time to capture that monument at peace. Again this comes back to preparation and research. Yes, I'm harping on about that again, but it really is that important.
The Wider Picture
Doubtless you will arrive at your destination with an intended subject. Maybe the local people, or architecture, or you've planned your trip around a particular festival that is taking place. However, do not limit yourself to this one subject. Instead of fixing your viewfinder on a subject and keeping it trained, try looking around you. Look up, down, behind you. You will be amazed at how much more there is to photograph. And how much more of a sense of time and place you will be able to show in your images. Isn't that your purpose anyway?
Great travel photography does require great technical skills. Let's not kid ourselves about that. But more often than not it's about being in the right place at the right time and having the awareness to take complete advantage of it.
Preparation
There is an art to being lucky in travel photography, and it usually involves a lot of hard work. Research is the key. Find out all you can about where you are going. Read travel guides, books, newspaper and magazine articles, scour the internet, watch television programs. Knowing a little about what life is like in that part of the world can go a long way to getting the most out of your time there. For instance, how would the locals react to someone trying to take their picture? Some cultures can be quite offended by having their photo taken. This is especially true of women in Islamic countries. At other times, people will practically beg you to take their picture. Sometimes, you will be expected to pay for the privilege.
If you are intending to photograph well known landmarks, there will be plenty of images available in the various media, so that you can get an idea of what it might look like during different times of the day or different seasons. This might help you in your planning. There is nothing quite as valuable in photography as knowing how to be in the right place at the right time.
Flexibility
Sometimes the shot you want is just not possible. You may be in a busy city square attempting to photograph a serene monument basking in the afternoon sun, but being interrupted by a stream of passers by wandering through the frame. Unless you are able to stop traffic, you are not going to get the shot you came for. This is where you might need to adjust your approach. Try to capture the feel of the place as it is. If the square is bustling with people going about their day, show it as such. Make your focus the intensity and speed of which life moves within the space. Be creative. Maybe use a bit of motion blur to capture the essence of a city in a hurry. You might also be able to return at a quieter time to capture that monument at peace. Again this comes back to preparation and research. Yes, I'm harping on about that again, but it really is that important.
The Wider Picture
Doubtless you will arrive at your destination with an intended subject. Maybe the local people, or architecture, or you've planned your trip around a particular festival that is taking place. However, do not limit yourself to this one subject. Instead of fixing your viewfinder on a subject and keeping it trained, try looking around you. Look up, down, behind you. You will be amazed at how much more there is to photograph. And how much more of a sense of time and place you will be able to show in your images. Isn't that your purpose anyway?
Great travel photography does require great technical skills. Let's not kid ourselves about that. But more often than not it's about being in the right place at the right time and having the awareness to take complete advantage of it.
Travel Photography: Creating Your Own Luck
Ok. So you've read up on the technical side of taking great photos. You know your aperture from your exif and you've experimented with shutter speeds. But there is something missing from the photos you've been taking. They're ok, but that's it. Just ok. Why? You wonder. Well, here's a little secret: it's all about luck. Well not really. More to the point, great travel photography is about creating your own luck.
Preparation
There is an art to being lucky in travel photography, and it usually involves a lot of hard work. Research is the key. Find out all you can about where you are going. Read travel guides, books, newspaper and magazine articles, scour the internet, watch television programs. Knowing a little about what life is like in that part of the world can go a long way to getting the most out of your time there. For instance, how would the locals react to someone trying to take their picture? Some cultures can be quite offended by having their photo taken. This is especially true of women in Islamic countries. At other times, people will practically beg you to take their picture. Sometimes, you will be expected to pay for the privilege.
If you are intending to photograph well known landmarks, there will be plenty of images available in the various media, so that you can get an idea of what it might look like during different times of the day or different seasons. This might help you in your planning. There is nothing quite as valuable in photography as knowing how to be in the right place at the right time.
Flexibility
Sometimes the shot you want is just not possible. You may be in a busy city square attempting to photograph a serene monument basking in the afternoon sun, but being interrupted by a stream of passers by wandering through the frame. Unless you are able to stop traffic, you are not going to get the shot you came for. This is where you might need to adjust your approach. Try to capture the feel of the place as it is. If the square is bustling with people going about their day, show it as such. Make your focus the intensity and speed of which life moves within the space. Be creative. Maybe use a bit of motion blur to capture the essence of a city in a hurry. You might also be able to return at a quieter time to capture that monument at peace. Again this comes back to preparation and research. Yes, I'm harping on about that again, but it really is that important.
The Wider Picture
Doubtless you will arrive at your destination with an intended subject. Maybe the local people, or architecture, or you've planned your trip around a particular festival that is taking place. However, do not limit yourself to this one subject. Instead of fixing your viewfinder on a subject and keeping it trained, try looking around you. Look up, down, behind you. You will be amazed at how much more there is to photograph. And how much more of a sense of time and place you will be able to show in your images. Isn't that your purpose anyway?
Great travel photography does require great technical skills. Let's not kid ourselves about that. But more often than not it's about being in the right place at the right time and having the awareness to take complete advantage of it.
Preparation
There is an art to being lucky in travel photography, and it usually involves a lot of hard work. Research is the key. Find out all you can about where you are going. Read travel guides, books, newspaper and magazine articles, scour the internet, watch television programs. Knowing a little about what life is like in that part of the world can go a long way to getting the most out of your time there. For instance, how would the locals react to someone trying to take their picture? Some cultures can be quite offended by having their photo taken. This is especially true of women in Islamic countries. At other times, people will practically beg you to take their picture. Sometimes, you will be expected to pay for the privilege.
If you are intending to photograph well known landmarks, there will be plenty of images available in the various media, so that you can get an idea of what it might look like during different times of the day or different seasons. This might help you in your planning. There is nothing quite as valuable in photography as knowing how to be in the right place at the right time.
Flexibility
Sometimes the shot you want is just not possible. You may be in a busy city square attempting to photograph a serene monument basking in the afternoon sun, but being interrupted by a stream of passers by wandering through the frame. Unless you are able to stop traffic, you are not going to get the shot you came for. This is where you might need to adjust your approach. Try to capture the feel of the place as it is. If the square is bustling with people going about their day, show it as such. Make your focus the intensity and speed of which life moves within the space. Be creative. Maybe use a bit of motion blur to capture the essence of a city in a hurry. You might also be able to return at a quieter time to capture that monument at peace. Again this comes back to preparation and research. Yes, I'm harping on about that again, but it really is that important.
The Wider Picture
Doubtless you will arrive at your destination with an intended subject. Maybe the local people, or architecture, or you've planned your trip around a particular festival that is taking place. However, do not limit yourself to this one subject. Instead of fixing your viewfinder on a subject and keeping it trained, try looking around you. Look up, down, behind you. You will be amazed at how much more there is to photograph. And how much more of a sense of time and place you will be able to show in your images. Isn't that your purpose anyway?
Great travel photography does require great technical skills. Let's not kid ourselves about that. But more often than not it's about being in the right place at the right time and having the awareness to take complete advantage of it.
Travel Photography Tips
Summer time is the perfect time for snap happy people, and for anyone heading to an exotic destination for a well deserved break. Tourists all over the world capture priceless memories forever and their top-quality images are then stored away never to be seen by anyone.Travel photography is a great hobby for any holiday goer, and with a few helpful tips you can bring home some great images that you can enjoy forever. If your images are better then normal you may be able to make some cash from them.The key to travel photography is to make your images appealing to a wider audience than normal. You want to capture the mood and culture of a new place. You need to be able to sell a holiday through a photo.Tips on what to photograph:Taking landscape images in a far-off land can be tricky. The light conditions may be very different from what you are used to. Exposure may also be very tricky to calculate. If you are in doubt, bracket your shots to ensure that you will get the perfect image.Travel photographers should start their day as the sun is rising. This is the best time to capture mood in a landscape image.Night time urban landscape pictures will always make an interesting shot when exposed correctly. Use a tripod to ensure that your image is sharp.Food shots can be very memorable, try to include the waiter or anything that you normally don't see at home. The interior and the exterior of restaurants can also be photographed.Take pictures of local signs, buildings and famous landmarks. Be very careful with the position of the sun. Try taking images when the sun is to your side. This will cast long shadows along the front of the building. Use a polarising filter to cut out any glare from the glass in buildings.Photograph the people. Travel companies are always seeking interesting people images. Photograph people eating food - people working - children playing - local police, fire fighters and any other service people in the area. Make sure that they are doing something interesting.Visit local markets. This can make very interesting photography. Take plenty of images of the local stalls and the sellers. Take pictures of the different foods and anything else that you think may be unusual.Travel photography may also be an immense financial trip for the professional photographer. Photo publishers are always seeking new material and are always on the look out for new talent.When you return home with your images make a copy of each. Label each image with a brief caption. Its best to do this straight away when the holiday is fresh in your head.Any holiday goer with the ability to use their lens correctly has the potential to sell their images. All you need to know is what makes a good travel image. You don't need to be a top class photographer to profit from taking pictures of far-off places.TJ Tierney is an award winning Irish Landscape photographer and a freelance writer. He frequently writes for the photography directory Goldprints.com and the shopping directory Shop 4 us.com To view or buy some of his images visit his on-line gallery - Pictures of Ireland
Travel Photography
Capture the world with travel photography.Summer time is the perfect time for snap happy people, and for anyone heading to an exotic destination for a well deserved break. Tourists all over the world capture priceless memories forever and their top-quality images are then stored away never to be seen by anyone.Travel photography is a great hobby for any holiday goer, and with a few helpful tips you can bring home some great images that you can enjoy forever. If your images are better then normal you may be able to make some cash from them.The key to travel photography is to make your images appealing to a wider audience than normal. You want to capture the mood and culture of a new place. You need to be able to sell a holiday through a photo.Tips on what to photograph:Taking landscape images in a far-off land can be tricky. The light conditions may be very different from what you are used to. Exposure may also be very tricky to calculate. If you are in doubt, bracket your shots to ensure that you will get the perfect image.Travel photographers should start their day as the sun is rising. This is the best time to capture mood in a landscape image.Night time urban landscape pictures will always make an interesting shot when exposed correctly. Use a tripod to ensure that your image is sharp.Food shots can be very memorable, try to include the waiter or anything that you normally don't see at home. The interior and the exterior of restaurants can also be photographed.Take pictures of local signs, buildings and famous landmarks. Be very careful with the position of the sun. Try taking images when the sun is to your side. This will cast long shadows along the front of the building. Use a polarising filter to cut out any glare from the glass in buildings.Photograph the people. Travel companies are always seeking interesting people images. Photograph people eating food - people working - children playing - local police, fire fighters and any other service people in the area. Make sure that they are doing something interesting.Visit local markets. This can make very interesting photography. Take plenty of images of the local stalls and the sellers. Take pictures of the different foods and anything else that you think may be unusual.Travel photography may also be an immense financial trip for the professional photographer. Photo publishers are always seeking new material and are always on the look out for new talent.When you return home with your images make a copy of each. Label each image with a brief caption. Its best to do this straight away when the holiday is fresh in your head.Any holiday goer with the ability to use their lens correctly has the potential to sell their images. All you need to know is what makes a good travel image. You don't need to be a top class photographer to profit from taking pictures of far-off places.
Travel Photography
To many people the idea of being paid to take photographs ofexotic places is the ideal job. It may takes years of effort tobe paid by magazines such as the National Geographic, but arethere better ways to become a travel photographer. As mostpeople have more leisure time, more holiday time, and moredisposable income, the demand for travel photographs hasincreased dramatically. Not only are they in demand for travelbrochures, but they also are used extensively in otheradvertising copy. Images necessary for sale and publicationrequire rather more skill than those applied to standard holidaysnaps. "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking newlandscapes but in having new eyes." Was a quote by the Frenchnovelist Marcel Proust, and it appears to be of particular useto the travel photographer. Investigate the possibilities ofbecoming a contracted photographer at Lonely Planet Images.Lonely Planet Images is a digital library of travel photography.They have submission guidelines available for download at theirwebsite. They are a subsidiary of what used to known as theLonely Planet Guide, and currently have 400 photographers oncontract. You can also increase your chances of breaking intothe very lucrative travel market, by entering competitions suchas the Travel photographer of the Year . There closing date forsubmissions is September 5th 2005. A camera is merely a box,that captures light, and in a studio, it is very easy tomanipulate light. The reality of location photography is that itis generally expensive; you have the expenses of air tickets,hotels and meals on top of normal expenses. At the end of theday you are at the mercy of "weather", no one wants to see theirideal location subject to rain clouds. When we talk of light interms of travel photography we are talking about intensity, asmost travel shots are taken outdoors, In general there is harshdirect sunlight and diffuse soft light. Harsh light is when thesun is directional, and it is great for capturing deep contrastsbetween light and shadows. With this type of shot, it isdifficult to judge the exposure. If you direct your exposuretowards the light, that will leave your shadows without anydepth or definition. Conversely if you use the correct exposurefor shadow, then the light areas will be without detail, givinga vaguely sinister result to the image. Unfortunately yourdrawback here is film, the human eye is capable of registeringcontrast to a ratio of 800:1, slide film is capable of only30:1, which is slightly improved, by going digital at a ratio of40:1. Professional photographs have all passionate views ontheir favourite brand name of film in this situation, but theyare all in accord that you need a slower speed films, as theyrecord better contrast and grain. ISO/ASA rating of a hundred isabout the fastest film to use. It is important that you use agood photovoltaic cell (either a separate light meter or oneinbuilt into the camera. Once the light meter has registered thelight, the camera is capable of indicating the aperture openingrequired, and the shutter speed. The speed of the film is alsotaken into this equation. You need to measure the darkest andthe lightest areas. Your immediate decision is whether tocorrectly expose the dark and emphasize the shadow and leave thelight areas washed out or to correctly expose the light andleave the shadows without definition. Using light correctlygreatly enhances your colors, the diffused lighting just afterand dawn and just before sunset is helpful here. The technicalreasons for this are simple when the sun is nearest to thehorizon; the light has a greater distance to travel throughpollution, ozone, water vapour and dust. This means thatwavelengths at the violet end of the spectrum are morescattered, than the colours at the red end. This allows theblues to absorb more colour than at the red end, so the sunlightappears more golden. To study the more technical aspects oflighting you may like to take an online course. An inexpensive,but invaluable tool for the outdoor photographer is a polarizer,as they improve the ambient lighting. They will always emphasisethe blue of the sky, whilst minimalizing glare. This will allowyou to capture the colors you want to make a saleablephotograph. More importantly it reduces the contrast in aphotograph by creating a more even tone, it restricts the verymuch lighter and darker tones, in the image. Mike Johnston givesan excellent technical explanation of this in his excellentonline course. He has also written an excellent tutorial oncolor theory, which explains the use of color to improve thequality of your outdoor images. Photographers who use digitalimaging will also find this article tremendously helpful inenplaning how to improve the final image with regard to colour.Research is a great tool for the travel photographer, and theInternet is a great help, but don't forget to use localknowledge, ask local taxi drivers, as well as the tourist boardsfor inside information on a location. City photography is alsoincluded in the aspect of travel photography and here taxidrivers' knowledge can be invaluable. You can also try andcoincide a trip with local festivals. If you can oversee avantage point you can use a zoom lens to great effect withoutthe embarrassment of having to foist a camera into someone'sface. Also local festivals give opportunities to capture a partof the local culture.
Start Up a Travel Photography Business
Too many people have the idea that being paid to takephotographs of exotic places is the ideal job. It may take yearsof effort to be paid by magazines such as the NationalGeographic, but are there better ways to become a travelphotographer. As most people have more leisure time, moreholiday time, and more disposable income, the demand for travelphotographs has increased dramatically. Not only are they indemand for travel brochures, but they're also used extensivelyin other advertising copy. Images necessary for sale and publication require rather moreskill than those applied to standard holiday snaps. "The realvoyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes butin having new eyes." Was a quote by the French novelist MarcelProust, and it appears to be of particular use to the travelphotographer. Investigate the possibilities of becoming a contractedphotographer at Lonely Planet Images. Lonely Planet Images is adigital library of travel photography. They have submissionguidelines available for download at their website. They are asubsidiary of what used to known as the Lonely Planet Guide, andcurrently have 400 photographers on contract. You can alsoincrease your chances of breaking into the very lucrative travelmarket, by entering competitions such as the Travel photographerof the Year . There closing date for submissions is September5th 2005. A camera is merely a box, that captures light, and in a studio,it is very easy to manipulate light. The reality of locationphotography is that it is generally expensive; you have theexpenses of air tickets, hotels and meals on top of normalexpenses. At the end of the day you are at the mercy of"weather", no one wants to see their ideal location subject torain clouds. When we talk of light in terms of travel photography we aretalking about intensity, as most travel shots are takenoutdoors, In general there is harsh direct sunlight and diffusedsoft light. Harsh light is when the sun is directional, and itis great for capturing deep contrasts between light and shadows.With this type of shot, it is difficult to judge the exposure.If you direct your exposure towards the light, that will leaveyour shadows without any depth or definition. Conversely if youuse the correct exposure for shadow, then the light areas willbe without detail, giving a vaguely sinister result to theimage. Unfortunately your drawback here is film, the human eyeis capable of registering contrast to a ratio of 800:1, slidefilm is capable of only 30:1, which is slightly improved, bygoing digital at a ratio of 40:1. Professional photographs haveall passionate views on their favourite brand name of film inthis situation, but they are all in accord that you need aslower speed films, as they record better contrast and grain.ISO/ASA rating of a hundred is about the fastest film to use. Itis important that you use a good photovoltaic cell (either aseparate light meter or one inbuilt into the camera). Once thelight meter has registered the light, the camera is capable ofindicating the aperture opening required, and the shutter speed.The speed of the film is also taken into this equation. You needto measure the darkest and the lightest areas. Your immediate decision is whether to correctly expose the darkand emphasize the shadow and leave the light areas washed out orto correctly expose the light and leave the shadows withoutdefinition. Using light correctly greatly enhances your colors,the diffused lighting just after and dawn and just before sunsetis helpful here. The technical reasons for this are simple whenthe sun is nearest to the horizon; the light has a greaterdistance to travel through pollution, ozone, water vapour anddust. This means that wavelengths at the violet end of thespectrum are more scattered, than the colours at the red end.This allows the blues to absorb more colour than at the red end,so the sunlight appears more golden. To study the more technicalaspect of lighting, you may like to take an online course. An inexpensive, but invaluable tool for the outdoor photographeris a polarizer, as they improve the ambient lighting. They willalways emphasise the blue of the sky, whilst minimalizing glare.This will allow you to capture the colors you want to make asaleable photograph. More importantly it reduces the contrast ina photograph by creating a more even tone, it restricts the verymuch lighter and darker tones, in the image. Mike Johnston givesan excellent technical explanation of this in his excellentonline course. He has also written an excellent tutorial oncolor theory, which explains the use of color to improve thequality of your outdoor images. Photographers who use digitalimaging will also find this article tremendously helpful inenplaning how to improve the final image with regard to colour. Research is a great tool for the travel photographer, and theInternet is a great help, but don't forget to use localknowledge, ask local taxi drivers, as well as the tourist boardsfor inside information on a location. City photography is alsoincluded in the aspect of travel photography and here taxidrivers' knowledge can be invaluable. You can also try andcoincide a trip with local festivals. If you can oversee avantage point you can use a zoom lens to great effect withoutthe embarrassment of having to foist a camera into someone'sface. Also local festivals give opportunities to capture a partof the local culture.
Sell Your Travel Photography
Travel photography is not about taking nice snaps that you show to your family and friend. It's about capturing the character and charm of a location. The following are tips that will help improve your travel photography. If your travel images are good there is no reason why you won't be able to sell them.Every year thousands of travel images are destroyed mainly due to the fact that they were not carefully planned and the skills required to take good photography were not used. Sometimes when we are on holidays we may get careless and leave our skills at home. If care and planning is put into your travel shots there is certainly a great chance that they will sell.To sell your images you need to expose them correctly, and also have good colour and composition. Good colour is always important with travel images.Every new city or country we travel to will produce a different test. This is mainly due to the strength of light that will differ from region to region. Light will differ from your home and exposure may in some cases be difficult to calculate. Try to get your hands on a grey card. This will help calculate tough exposures and will not cost you much. You place the grey card in front of the subject that you are taking and then take your exposure reading from it. There are many different things that you can shoot. The following are the main subjects that you should take.Cityscape portraits and landscape shots are the most popular topic, but this means getting up early in the morning. You need to plan carefully and arrive at your destination before most tourists do. Other important subjects are local people, food and drink, buildings and stores and road signs. Portraits of local people in national dress will also sell well.There are many places to sell your images once you return from your trip. If you have a large amount of images it may be better to get a stock photography agency to sell them for you. This will save you a lot of time but the agency will take up to fifty percent of the sale price. Regardless of what percentage they take, stock agencies are the best way. The will have a list of paying customers on their books. They will know which market best suits your images. They will also know the correct prices to charge. There are thousands of agencies out there - be careful with your choice. If possible try and pick one of the bigger agencies. Your images will get a lot more exposure and make your travel photography more profitable. There are many great photographers who make their living from travel photography. They travel from place to place capturing the character of each location they visit. There is no reason why you can't do the same. Every year image publishers are always on the lookout for unique imagery. They will pay good money to secure rights for the image - so it is worthwhile giving it a go.
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