Summer Place, Bejing, China By Rosa Lym.Howard Moo Young, Contributor
TRAVEL AND photography seem to go hand in hand, as most people who travel love to take pictures.
And why not. Most photographers love to leave town, it's only natural as a change of scenery is always good for the eyes.
Whether it's a drive into the rural parishes, travelling to your favourite waterfalls, white sand beach, curry goat feed, going back to your roots or holiday overseas, the opportunities for great travel photographs lie in the palm of your hands.
Jamaica is blessed with good weather practically all year round, except for the few rainy days that also set the stage for exceptional images. Nevertheless, you don't have to take shots that look like the typical postcards on sale at the tourist shops. Here are a few tips that will help you get better pictures, especially when travelling abroad or to a new location:
GET TO KNOW THE LOCATION
A little research before you leave on that trip can help you come up with better photographs, even though you always want to keep your eyes open for good photo possibilities. Visit the Internet and you can get all kinds of useful information about your destination including points of interest, viewing photographs done by others, and much more.
Your travel agent or the embassy could be quite helpful in supplying you with brochures, booklets, etc. You can also visit the library or bookstore for travel books about your destination.
ALONG THE WAY
The moment you embark on your journey, you should be able to find lots of subject matter while en route.
Take pictures at the airport, harbour, train station, or subway station and shoot from your plane, ship, train or car along the way.
Don't try to drive and shoot at the same time (unless you're a passenger) and remember it's difficult to look for pictures while keeping your eyes on the road ahead.
You can get interesting images through the windows as you
travel along. A fast film and high-speed shutter can help eliminate the blur, unless you want to create the effect of speed.
THE 'NOT SO BIG' PICTURE
Most people try to get the big picture, the well-publicized sights, the well-known landmarks and the usual postcard stuff.
You can add more interest in your travel collection of photos by capturing a few shots of the little details. Use of the close focusing capabilities of your zoom lenses can help you to zero in on the interesting details of almost any subject wherever you go. Some of these pictures may include the mode of dress, hairstyles, craft, types of food, or an unusual tattoo on someone's arm.
GET PERSONAL
You might want to ask your travelling companion, or another traveller you met along the way to take your photograph with local citizenry as a backdrop or even close up in the picture.
Be sure to photograph the people you encounter along the way. Add human interest and a sense of scale to your pictorial and architectural pictures. Become a photojournalist and tell a story with your pictures.
THE WEATHER
If you arrive at your destination in pouring rain or a snowstorm, it can be depressing but it doesn't have to be a total disaster.
Take advantage of the weather and create some moody shots, try to work on some of those 'detail' shots I spoke about earlier. Keep an eye out and don't let the overcast conditions get you under the weather, let it work for you. Look at the reflections in the water, silhouetted figures with umbrellas, and if you have to use your tripod, do so. Capture the lights of moving vehicles while showing the lit interiors of buildings.
INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
Wherever you travel, you'll find interesting buildings and structures. While photography is prohibited in some locations,
others present great photo opportunities.
If you don't want to take a tripod with you, a monopod can come in handy especially in low light situations. And don't forget your flash unit when permitted. The interiors of some buildings can be just as interesting as the exteriors of others. Wide-angle lenses come in handy in these
situations.
CHOOSING THE BEST TIME
I love to shoot first thing in the morning, just when the sun is low in the sky, casting long, dramatic shadows. This kind of lighting works well on just about all subjects outdoor, whether natural or manmade.
The late afternoon sun works just as well on similar subjects. It's always sensible to check out the weather forecast as well. A proper camera bag will always protect your equipment from the elements and an umbrella may come in handy as well.
ENJOY IT
Keep an eye out for humour as it always adds interest to any photo presentation. Look out for funny signs and humorous situations, as well as for the usual photo opportunities. Have fun!
DON'T DUPLICATE THE FAMOUS STUFF
Go ahead and photograph the famous sights. There's a reason why they are famous, but that doesn't mean that you must duplicate those famous 'postcard' images. They might have been done to death, but you can show them from a different perspective.
Look at them from a different angle, through different lenses, look for details and become creative.
TAKE A WALK
If you're spending a few days in the same location, why not explore the paths that most tourists don't bother to go?
If you don't want to cart your equipment along, a simple point and shoot camera will do. You might want to hike to higher ground or visit the local market or capture peak hour in the city.
