May 3, 2005

Here are some tips for general travel photography.

Always carry-on your camera equipment. Never check it. Keep your film in clear ziplock bags for easy hand-searching.
The postcard trick: Buy a whole bunch of stamps at the airport when you arrive. Bring a page of labels with preprinted addresses - yours. As you move from place to place, mail yourself postcards with notes on where you were, the date, etc. This information can jog your memory and keep track of your pictures taken.
Keep your lodging costs down by hosteling and camping.
Bring several plastic bags and ziplocks to protect your equipment from bad weather.

Here are some tips for travel photography within the Asia, for visitors.

Bring a macro lens for pictures of the culture
Make sure you bring a bilingual atlas - by this I mean one that has the local character symbols AND the roman alphabet one. This makes it much easier to navigate.
Japan has an excellent train and bus system which reaches just about everywhere. For individuals, the trains are likely your most economic option. For more than three people, a car rental will likely be cheaper. You'll likely need an International Driver's License.
Subways and trains are clean, easy to use, and generally very safe.
Bring a tripod or monopod for long exposures like nightscapes and waterfall shots.
Lodging: In Japan, make sure you try a traditional Japanese Ryokan and Onsen.
GPS navigation in many of parts of Asia like Japan and Korea are phenomenal.
Don't underestimate the monkeys.

Here are some tips for nature photography within the Europe, for visitors.

Monopods are great for travel photography. They are inconspicuous and easy to double as a walking stick. Great for taking pictures in churches and museums where flashes are not allowed, and long exposure nightscapes.
Film and processing costs more in Europe than in the United States, so bring extra film of the type you prefer.
Make sure you bring your wide angle lenses - they're great for architecture and landscape scenes.
Consider renting a GSM cell phone if yours does not work overseas. It's great for calling for more info and changing plans on the fly.
Consider a rail pass if you plan to travel extensively in Europe - you can often hire a car at train stations to get out into the country.
Definately try a Bed * Breakfast for the local specialties, and a hostel for meeting other adventurers.
Bring semi-formal attire. Many places in Europe have dress codes - including restaurants, some museums and churches.
Don't underestimate the pickpockets. Be aware!
Inter-continental flights are very affordable.
The subway systems of many of the larger cities like Paris and London are easy to use and very affordable. They go just about everywhere!

Here are some tips for nature photography within the Africa, for visitors.

Bring more than you need - it's difficult to find professional camera equipment in film.
Consider a beanbag mount and a window-mounted tripod for in-car photography.
Make sure your car and clothing are in earth tones. Bright colors like red tend to scare animals.
Consider some video footage to capture animal behavior and the sounds of Africa.
You'll need at least a 300mm lens for wildlife closeups. A 500mm or a 600mm is ideal.
Stay in your car in national parks, unless you're with a designated armed guide. Take this rule seriously. Everytime you underestimate wildlife, they'll surprise you.
Bring maps and field guides for the plants and animals you might see.
Don't underestimate the hippos.

Here are some tips for nature photography within the United States, for visitors.

If you'll be visiting national parks, consider a National Park pass or a Golden Eagle pass. It lasts for a year and pays for itself after two or three park visits! Check them out here.
Don't underestimate the distance between locations. I'm always amused when I'm abroad. I tell someone I'm from California, and they say something like 'Oh, I've been to Florida once! Do you know...'. If you're visiting, make sure you budget travel time.
Get yourself a road atlas that shows national park and wildlife rec areas. Also the national geographic book series on National and State parks has some great information, including sidetrips.
Get roadside assistance like AAA if you plan to drive around a lot.
TMobile in Starbucks and Borders make for regular internet access stops.
Consider house swapping or the free camping available in many National Forest lands.
Gasoline is cheap compared to much of the world.
Subways on the east coast are quite grand, but west coast subways have never really made it big.

More Who, What, When, Where, How? Entries