BY CLAY LARROY
There
is nothing more exciting than travelling. Whether you are going for a road trip
to see something new in your own state, or heading off to somewhere for the
very first time to visit a city you have always dreamed of, there are some travel basics that you should
know. Travel in the
off seasons from November to April, to avoid crowds, save money and enjoy
temperate weather. In those months, many families with children cannot travel
due to school commitments, making many tourist attractions much less crowded.
This may also result in lower costs for airfare and hotels. When you are ready to
plan a vacation contact me!
Selecting
a Tour and a Tour Operator
Travelers
have many options in terms of tour operators. Each operator offers slightly
different services and assists travelers to different extents in attaining
their unique individual goals. When choosing an operator, your travel
consultant will ask you to think carefully about a number of important issues
and to ask yourself some critical questions to make your decision
well-informed. Note that although it is possible to take photographs on any
trip, a true photography tour centers on photo and camera opportunities and is
typically lead by a knowledgeable guide well-versed in both photography and the
local geography, lighting, culture and history.
Your
starting point should be to define your goals and expectations for the tour.
While some participants expect technical photography lessons, others want lots
of free time to explore the destination’s surroundings on their own. Similarly,
while some are content with spending hours of their time indoors learning to
improve their work, others would prefer to develop their film once they return
home. Knowing your goals and expectations helps you narrow your plans and find
an operator who will help you achieve precisely what you want to accomplish on
your tour.
Next,
consider your desired level of photographic instruction. Instructors vary as to
the level of training they provide. Some possess vast amounts of technical
knowledge and prefer to focus on the nuances of the art of photography, while
others offer only basic guidance. Think about whether you want your instructor
to ask you to complete various assignments, drop film off at night, and spend
time together to go over your work the next day. Decide if you want your
instructor to stress the art of composition, exposures, and new techniques, or
just turn you loose in the spectacular surroundings you visit.
Also
be sure to ask what the size of your group and its level of experience will be.
A photography tour on a bus with 30 people will be a very different experience
from one in a van with only a few people. Smaller tours generally provide
individual photographers with greater freedom to explore the destinations and
shoot photos on their own and greater access to the group experts and guides.
Larger tours offer participants the opportunity to interact with more
travelers, and are generally less expensive. Determine the tour size you prefer
and find an operator who will accommodate your desires.
It is
advisable to travel with a tour operator who is an expert in the destination
you are planning to visit. This will help you navigate easily and learn as much
as possible about the area. He or she should know where the best photo
opportunities are, and the best time to be at any given location. It’s also
helpful when the operator knows locals and how to communicate with them, is
familiar with wildlife behavior, and knows where to find and photograph
specific animals. You’ll be even better off if he or she knows foreign
languages, can handle foreign currencies, is cognizant of cultural differences,
and knows how to create effective photo opportunities for travelers.
As
for the logistics, some tours arrange for special photo opportunities-such as
with models or animals-for individual members or the group as a whole. Some
also allow photographers the opportunity to take advantage of the best lighting
for their photography and, when traveling on a tour bus, to make those all-important
spur-of-the-moment stops for rare photo opportunities. As far as transportation
is concerned, you may prefer to travel in a van that’s always in go-anywhere,
stop-anytime mode. If you travel in relaxed, flexible fashion and visit the
best out-of-the-way locations, you will be more likely to meet and photograph
the people and places that provide the richest cultural experiences.
Once
you decide on the bigger picture issues, review the possible itineraries
carefully to make sure they contain the right schedules for you. Some operators
custom design their agendas for photography by choosing certain times of the
year, building in extra time for various visits, and allowing interested
travelers to make repeat visits to key hot spots throughout the tour. Keep in
mind that the best times for photography are usually the early morning and late
afternoon, so you may want to confirm that your itinerary includes many photo
opportunities during those times.
Verify
that your operator is experienced in dealing with 35mm, medium, and large photo
formats depending on your choice of media. If you’re attached to your new
digital camera, find out whether your operator caters to digital photographers.
Travelers using digital camera technology will generally require an on-board
screen. Some taking digital photos may also wish to burn back-up CDs and DVDs,
and have recovery software on hand in case of any major disasters. Some
operators conduct Adobe PhotoShop sessions as well.
When
narrowing down your possible tour operators, don’t forget to consider an operator’s
track record of efforts to accommodate travelers. Some photography tour operators
actively assist travelers with carrying their equipment on trails if the going
gets rough and will fetch items from the van for them so they can continue
shooting. Some offer to pick up travelers at the airport, where relevant, and
return them there at the end of the tour. Also consider if an operator will
bring some spare cameras, lenses, and compact flash cards along; such items
will be indispensable if you happen to need back-ups, or to recover lost image
data while out in the field.
Finally,
don’t forget to find out exactly what is included in the total cost. Travel
consultants are familiar with tour operators offering a wide range of travel
arrangements at different prices and will make the numerous inquiries necessary
to help you find the best deal. Some tours include all domestic transportation,
meals, and quality hotels chosen carefully for their convenient access to
exciting photo opportunities. You may want to look for these features in
addition to all the other characteristics you are seeking in an operator’s
services.
Preparing
for Your Photography Tour
You
can, and should, begin your photographic travel adventure before even stepping
outside of your home. Find histories, biographies, plays, and novels taking
place in the destination you’ve chosen, and familiarize yourself with the
distinctive and significant features to photograph after you arrive. Literature
such as picture books and back issues of National Geographic, as
well as any films shot on site, enable you to learn more about and truly enjoy
the trip you are about to take.
Make
sure you have all the equipment you’ll need over the course of the tour. If you’re
going with a photography instructor, be sure to get a pre-trip checklist with
information on the photography gear you will need as well as other general
information you should bear in mind while getting ready for the tour. One
common piece of advice is to err on the cautious side and pack extra film. Also
check your photography equipment and bring the owner’s manual, spare parts, and
extra batteries. And remember to find out whether you’ll need a tripod,
filters, and flashes during the tour. If you’re taking a tripod, you should
also bring a strap so you can carry the tripod over your shoulder when you want
to take a photograph or when you want to be hands free to do something else.
If
you want to take all precautions to insure that your unique set of photos will
survive the trip, go on the tour prepared. In particular, don’t get stuck
without cleaning accessories, notebooks, pens, and plastic zipper bags. If you
think you might want to sell your photographs one day, pack model and property
releases as well.
Since
all of these items will surely add up, make a concerted effort not to pack too
much. While all photographers have their favorite equipment for shooting, keep
in mind that being on the road, often in harsh circumstances, means taking only
the most necessary items along for the trip -- be sure to take only those that
will be most useful and leave the rest of your collection at home. And leave
room in your luggage for souvenirs in case photos are not the only thing you
take home with you.
Photography
tours exist for almost every traveler and photographer. No matter where you’re
going, a photography tour will enable you to capture one-of-a-kind images as a
main objective of your trip. You will finally be up close and personal with the
people and places you’ll photograph - and that you’ll never forget.
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
“The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.”
Andy Warhol
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