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.
Author Bio:- Steve Grant is webmaster to www.geoffrossphotography.com. Geoff Ross is an acclaimed Australian landscape photographer, specializing in stunning Wildlife Photography . For more stunning landscape photography and related distinct articles feel free to visit www.geoffrossphotography.com or write to webmaster: webmastergrant@gmail.com. Yours comments and suggestions will be highly appreciated.
