Comments on: Travel Photography Questions

By: jeremy.

jeremy. — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:17:01 +0000

i was wondering how you approach/convince people when there is a lack of common language.
i have been shooting some travel photography too and often find it a challenge.
also, how do you keep an open eye as both traveler and photographer? do you ever worry if your photography is encroaching on someone’s culture or customs?
i’ll post more if i think of them. thanks for the incredible work.
jeremy.
jeremyslome@gmail.com

By: jace rivers

jace rivers — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 12:46:45 +0000

Hey Nick,
These are all great suggestions. I would just reiterate… gear, gear, gear. Having traveled quite a bit, I’m always looking for smaller, lighter, and more efficient ways of getting the shot (No checked baggage).
Also, location scouting is essential when arriving in a new place… where and how to find the most interesting scenes to photograph. How to determine what a place has to offer. Submersing yourself in local culture and finding local resources.
Techniques for keeping your gear and property safe and secure. For instance, how to choose a hotel room, where to put your valuables, etc. Staying with local families.
And lastly, gaining access. Utilizing government offices, tourist offices, obtaining permits, when to just “wing it” and when to use fixers.
I’d love to talk with you more about specifics if you’d like. Good luck!
jace rivers

By: Nick Onken

Nick Onken — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:00:35 +0000

Thank you all for your input.

By: Stephen Vu

Stephen Vu — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:48:44 +0000

off the top of my head:
what image format do you shoot in when you travel?
RAW only? & then you process everything later?
Raw + jpg? so you can get thumbnails faster to browse through?

By: Byron Brydges

Byron Brydges — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:53:45 +0000

Hey Nick,
As having travelled to a few countries and with the world becoming ever smaller with online searches and what not, I am always looking for new/different ideas/places to go within a given country or region. So, to that end:
1. Where in country x could I go (that’s safe) that would be fairly unique photographically speaking? I want to do something different than most.
2. What time of year is best to travel to said location for getting that shot?
3. Are travel fees expensive?
4. How about local dishes?
BTW, I like when travel books are written in the experience of the writer (like a diary).
I even had a few titles for you: Off the beaten path, or The road less travelled (both of which you might find a little cliche).
5. Is it safe? For me, for my gear (dust, water, weather)
6. How to clean your gear on the road.
7. Backing stuff up on the road.
8. Packing the least amount to get the most out of your travels. Ie. if you travel to a hard to reach destination, will you have to carry 100lbs of equipment for 8 hours.
9. Can locals help out in any way? Are they approachable if you wanted to shoot them?
10. What does a typical day consist of?
11. Unlimited vs very tight budget. What can be done with each?
12. Photo planning? What photos do you want to get? Family vacation pic? Detailed foliage, beautiful skies, arresting scenics?
Plan ahead, does this affect your decision as to when you travel and what gear you bring?
13. How to sell your travel pics? Who is the audience?
14. Backups? Do you bring it? Leave it? At least have it at the hotel? Rental gear in the country/region you are in – is it available to you?
15. Photo restrictions in the area you are shooting?
Hope you find some of this useful. Best of luck
Byron Brydges

By: aaronlam

aaronlam — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 23:43:53 +0000

Dear Nick,
Here are things I would suggest covering:
1. Picking a destination…
- road less travel vs common photo ops
- what subject matter are you going encounter (landscape vs street vs wildlife etc)
- budget (cheap trips vs more luxurious ones)
- a list of common photo trip (backpacking Europe, The Adirondacks, Grand Canyon… and maybe some hidden gems that you know of!)
2. Preparation…
- What gear to bring (more than just camera, but computer? memory cards? battery? what other tips do you have?) How does where you are going and what you are shooting going to effect your equipment?
- Learning and understanding local customs/language.
- UNDERSTANDING WHAT LOCAL CUSTOMS SAY ABOUT BEING PHOTOGRAPHED.
- And the all important, what bag to keep your gear in BTW, your rec’d led to another lead, I ended up getting a Jumbo Verispack from http://www.maxpedition.com.
3. Traveling…
- Things to beware of (thiefs, scams etc)
- Flying with gear
- Transporation
Lastly, I think it is interesting to explore the relationship between you as a photographer, the people you are traveling with (if they are photographers too or not and how getting up at 5am to take sunrise pictures is going to effect them) and the subjects around you. How do you keep travel photography fun without be burden with too much equipment and being so consumed with getting the “shots” you forget to enjoy your surroundings (not that I know from experience
Hope that helps and good luck with your pitch.
aaron lam

By: Trever

Trever — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 18:11:11 +0000

Hey Nick,
Daniel covered some great questions….. here are some more….
-the best way to travel with the right gear for the job. Carry-on? And with that, the best way to deal with bringing that much value through customs.
-how do you direct certain shots when there is a language barrier.
-do you have areas mapped out before you go there or do you ask locals for the best spots?
-Do you have a “good for everything” setup you like to bring on more portable shoots as far as gear goes.
-Do you usually have a guide or driver that takes you places and/or meets up with you and are they patient whne you need to wait for the right light ans such for shots?…..
i will have a lot more….
thanks Nick!

By: Nick Onken

Nick Onken — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:08:29 +0000

Thanks Daniel for your input. Can you clarify what you mean by “Balancing personal time with work”? Are you talking about when you’re traveling for a job?

By: Daniel Victor

Daniel Victor — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:36:50 +0000

Hey Nick. I’ve got a few for ya.
-The importance your race plays in whatever area you travel.
-The importance of dress attire, as to not draw attention to yourself. (or to draw attention) I’m not sure what is best.
-The importance, or lack there of ,language.
-Safety and protection of gear.
-Who pays for the trip,food, living expenses?
- Balancing personal time with work
- Approach of portraits (do you ask if you can photograph them?) (do you pay?)(what are the usual reactions)
- Travel buddy?
Im pretty sure Im the target audience for the book. Let me know if u have anymore questions. Id be happy to help. LOVE your work.
-dan