Howard Moo Young , ContributorFAMILIES THAT have travelled over the years to various parts of Jamaica, or to other countries abroad, have done so with their children from babyhood until they were in their teens. I have had to develop my diplomatic and negotiating skills as a photographer in
dealing with total strangers I've met along the way. It doesn't mean that because you have a partner (and perhaps children) that you are no longer enthusiastic about your photography ... far from that!
Although photography may be a very important part of your travel plans, it's possible that the rest of your family is not that interested. It's very important that photography adds enjoyment to your family's
holiday and doesn't introduce tension. It may be that happy hour is more important to your partner than the majestic sunset on the horizon.
You might come across a potential masterpiece in the late afternoon on your way back to the hotel. Make a note of it, and if by early morning the light is potentially interesting, go out early, take some shots and rejoin the family for breakfast. You will get your "masterpiece" and the family will be well rested.
STRESS, DISCOMFORT
You can be easily distracted from your photographic quest by general stress and any sort of physical discomfort. Try to ignore your personal needs
to the detriment of your photography. Include the children in your travel photography, rather than them becoming an obstacle, many memorable shots can include members of the family. Don't just have them stand in a line to pose for the camera,
they prefer climbing rocks or running up a big sand hill, which can give you the scene you need. Children can break down barriers with strangers and open up opportunities for some great images.
Give your children their own disposable cameras and brief them on the proper use of it, tell them to be choosy about the pictures they take, think carefully before pressing the shutter and let every photograph count, they might even consult you before taking a photograph.
If you have a family that is interested in photography...great! But if no one is, here are some tips: a) Visit places that the whole family will be interested in b) Go off and take pictures by yourself and leave them to get on with their holiday. You can also plan half a day for pictures and the other half for the family.
WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT TO TAKE
It doesn't matter where you're going, take your film with you rather than buying it at your destination. I would recommend that 400 ISO film should be the standard choice as it is ideal on the shady side of the street or indoors. Take 24-exposure films rather than 36-exposure films so that you can load the right choice of film under different situations instead of being stuck with too many unused exposures. You can also take colour slide film or fast black-and-white film. I'm talking to the serious amateur who wants to capture a certain mood in their photographs, and not the person who shoots every picture with flash whether it's full sun, shade or interior. These burnt-out images are only suitable for the family album. Nowadays, the digital camera is fast becoming a regular member of the family, but not all digital cameras will give you the quality you need to preserve those special memories.
COMPACT LIST
1) A 35 mm fixed-focal-length compact camera. It's small and you can get in more because of the wide-angle lens
2) A 35-100 mm zoom compact or similar (35-85mm or 36-115 mm, for example) for the versatility and the telephoto facility
3) A few disposables, single-use compacts including a waterproof camera for pictures by the beach or in the waterfalls.
The advanced photographer should know by now what equipment, including camera bodies, assorted lenses, filters, reflectors, tripod, camera bag, extra batteries and film should be taken to capture the best possible image. A can of insect repellant can be helpful against sand flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. Don't forget your hat, umbrella, sunglasses and proper attire for the environment you will be working in.
PLACES TO VISIT
Don't shoot out all your film on the first few days. Take it easy at first and you'll start to see better pictures as you go along, they'll come. A visit to the zoo, botanical gardens, museums, landmarks, unusual architecture and monuments are make ideal subjects. Look out for dramatic lighting, unusual angles and don't be afraid to ask locals for favours, you would be pleasantly surprised how cooperative some of them can be, it could be an unusual flower or plant in their garden or taking a picture from their balcony. The market is always a good location for colour and activity, or you might want to photograph the interior of the cathedral, or street vendors selling their wares.
The most important thing you can do is to use your eyes and keep looking out for potential images that are different. With a little patience, you will be pleasantly rewarded with pictures that you'll be proud to show off to your family and friends.
REMINDER TO PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIASTS!" Capturing Nature's Bounty" - A JCDC Photography Seminar/Workshop on Landscape, Flora and Fauna with Donnette Zacca and Howard Moo Young, will be held in Mandeville on April 16 & 17, 2005. Contact the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's Head Office at 3-5 Phoenix Avenue for details.
Howard Moo Young is an Advertising/Graphic Design/Photography Consultant with over 40 years experience. Email: mooimages@yahoo.com
