If you are a photographer, then the chances are that you tend to travel a lot. Sometimes due to some new project that you just got that requires you to go to another land. Sometimes to get the extra few clicks to make your work look good. Or maybe you want to add up on your portfolio with some fantastic rare clicks.
When going on a photography tour or even a simple vacation, capturing photos can be an essential way of documenting your journey. Therefore, to achieve the best nature has to offer, you need to prepare the best. Here we will discuss a few tips and tricks that you can use to help you plan for your photo trip:
1. Research hard!
Before you go anywhere, new (or even visiting the same place) research that place thoroughly. Most often, you may have a place in mind before traveling, but by researching, you may end up with a possible few alternatives, even better for that place.
Sometimes people often end up in the wrong place during the wrong time. You may arrive at a location with all your equipment, but then you find out that this is the monsoon season. What horror will that be!
Instead, use google maps and wiki travel to help you better understand where and when you should go—the best time and what places you should be visiting. Use posts of other bloggers to see which spots are worth visiting. You may end up with a list of many new places around that area that even you were unaware of.
2. Find a place to rest
Finding the right place to rest is a crucial aspect when going on a trip. Many people tend to neglect their importance and end up wasting there time.
Suppose you have booked a hotel which locates in the middle of the city. A hotel with all the luxuries you can think of and even more. But the place where you want to go hiking and take amazing photographs is a 3-hour drive from there. And if you plan on going to that place each day, it is going to cost you, your valuable time. It is better to rent a hotel or resting place, near your desired destination. You may not have all the luxuries that the city 5-star hotel has to offer, but it sure will save you a ton of time. And you can utilize that time taking a few extra shots that may end up a masterpiece!
3. Gear up!
Next, we move onto the central part! Your beloved equipment. When it comes to selecting equipment, I usually recommend going slow. The reason being that you can easily withdraw your kit whenever you feel like capturing a shot.
That’s entirely not necessary. If you plan on a trip that’s going to last weeks than it is better to carry more. Whatever you feel you are comfortable carrying. Remember, the more you take, the more careful you need to be with your equipment. If you plan to leave behind a few in your hotel or your car, then make sure they are in a safe place.
- Other items that I suggest you should carry to make your trip effective are:
- Camera charger. The last thing you want to do is forget this. Make sure it is tucked away safely.
- Extra batteries for those long photography sessions
- Lens cloth for dusty and windy places so that you can clean your lens on the go. Thus, Keeping your lens safe.
- Towels to dry up your camera in case the heavens decide to drizzle.
- Make sure you have your neck strap along with you. You can never be too prepared.
4. Make a plan
Drafting a plan will perhaps be the least favorite part of most of us. But making a plan, of things to do, places to visit, can help you and save a lot of time. Sure sitting there and writing the things that you will do on the trip can be very dull, but once you are through writing, you will see the results by yourself.
Making a rough plan can help you picture the shots you have in mind. Things you should include in your plan:
- Places that you plan on visiting on your trip.
- The proper list of equipment you carry. So that you know precisely what you are taking with yourself and cross-check that list every time you decide to switch a place.
- A rough sketch of the shots you are trying to capture or any particular vibe you want to give off your photos.
Conclusion
Going on a trip, whether for a particular project or just for a day off, can be fun. But as a photographer, you need to properly plan these trips so that you are not behind in any way. Going on a vacation, without proper planning, can hinder your trip and cripple all the fun of photography.
Planning a trip, carrying the right equipment, proper researching, and making sure you have an appropriate place to stay. These points are sure to turn your trip into a more valuable one. You can have the most out of your trip while still enjoying your time with your friends and family!
Author Bio
Joseph Mak is a passionate travel photographer with the experience of exploring more than 40 countries. He has been an inspiration to the avid travel photographers for his enchanting storylines, photographs, and travel photography tips.
