Travel Photography - Packing Your Accessories For The Journey

g your camera with you on holiday provides aneed when you are travelling.
great opportunity to capturing on film newAs well as your camera, keep in mind the
landscapes, different cultures and their landmarks.following accessories to travel with:
Whether you are at a beach, rural or city location,Batteries, extra batteries, battery charger,
the pictures will provide a record of thememory card(s)
memorable experience whilst building yourFilm (be careful, film purchased abroad may have
photography skills and expertise. It is alwaysbeen stored under the wrong conditions)
worth learning a few new tips to improve onPortable storage device, external flash
those skills and make those pictures moreTripod (useful for low light situations or when
rewarding.using a strong telephoto lens)
Before you travelPower adapter (if travelling abroad)
Get to know your camera and film well beforeCamera case, waterproof if going to a wet
packing all your accessories to travel with. Be surelocation or beach (purchase silica gel packs from
to test all your equipment before you leave. Onceyour camera accessories store to reduce
you're there on your travels you may not be ablemoisture further)
to repeat the visit for some time.Underwater camera if you are travelling to a
Your film sees things slightly differently from youbeach location (even a small disposable
so get to know the characteristics of the type ofunderwater camera will capture great shots)
film you use. This will help in predicting anyGet a wrist strap for your camera, helps against
differences, in doing so prevent any unpleasantthe possibility of losing your camera.
surprises.Using a flash, as fill flash can be more helpful in
After booking your travel carry out somebroad daylight than at night. Typically an in built
research on the area you are travelling to, makingcamera flashwill have a range of only a few
a list using travel guides, magazines and books willmetres.
help plan for the location you are going to visit.Wide-angle lens, monopod zoom lens
Try relevant web sites, online communities andPurchase the best lens you can afford, these are
newsgroups provide more up-to date informationmore important than a camera with many
to get some first-hand information, travel tips andfeatures.
advice on finding some scenic spots.Take as many spare parts as you can, for
This will save precious time when you are thereexample: second camera body, small pocket
and also help with the type of shots you maytripod, wide angle lens and 50 mm lens incase light
wish to take when you are there, nature picturesconditions are bad. You can always keep these
of animals feeding, sunsets, historical buildings orspare accessories at the hotel if you plan ahead
even fireworks.for your day trip.
Charge camera batteries before you leave, againFilters
this saves time. Take an extra memory card withTo reduce contrast use a neutral density grey
you and clear the memory on both cards beforefilter to cover the bright parts of the picture.
you leave, this will help as with the modern digitalWhen using filters, always take an unfiltered
camera holding so many pictures you can shootversion of the picture aswell (except for UV or
lots of pictures of the same subject. Wait till youdaylight filters).
get home before deciding on and sorting out theA polarising filter may eliminate reflections and
good from the bad before printing them.enhance saturation.
Try learning some of the language. Even a fewAirport X-rays
phrases can go a long way with people as inOn flights, never check in film with your main
many countries people do not expect visitors toluggage there is the possibility that the strong
be able to speak their language and are pleasantlyX-ray machines at airports that scan checked in
surprised as this shows that you are taking anluggage may damage your film. Hand baggage
interest.would be a safer option.
What to packThe damage can range from a lack of sharpness
Make a list of items you want to bring with youor a cast to severe damage.
before travelling. You're guaranteed that whateverWell that's it, I hope some of the above advice
you leave behind will be the travel accessory youmay help in your travel planning.