Tips & Techniques
TIPS FOR TRAVELING LIGHT
WITH PHOTOGEAR
Whether it's a weekend getaway or a two-week trek across the pond, packing right-and light-is critical to making your trek a success. After all, who wants to lug a bunch of superfluous gear around? Here are a few tips to ensure your gear bag is light, well-equipped and ready to travel:
Think it Through: Imagine your trip for a moment. Think about where you'll be traveling. Do you need to take your DSLR with you or will your compact camera suffice? Do you really need that extra lens or can you do without it? Making a mental checklist of your itinerary can help you decide which items you need and which can be left at home.
Remember the Essentials: Make sure to pack a lens cleaning kit, extra batteries, your charger and extra storage media. These items alone will help you combat the majority of issues that might occur while you're on holiday.
Choose the Right Bag: Traveling light means choosing the right bag for the situation. Would a backpack style help you get through the airports more easily, or is something with wheels that can also accommodate your other items be more appropriate? We've got designs that fit every need and budget here: http://www.artscamerasshop.com
Offloading for Longer Trips: If you're traveling with your laptop, consider offloading your digital pictures on a regular basis. This technique can serve as protection in case your media card is somehow damaged or fails during your trip. Here's another great solution-take your card to the local photo retailer and print a set or two before your return trip home. You'll have one less item on your to-do list and your family will enjoy looking at the photos and reminiscing on the return trip. You can even use the pictures as a mini-scrapbooking project to keep the kids entertained while you travel.
Keep Everything Charged: Dead batteries mean an instant end to picture-taking fun and a battery that dies while you're shooting might even corrupt your digital camera card. Fortunately, we've got a great solution! The PROMASTER GO! Charger is a compact multi-function charger that can charge your DSLR batteries and also serve as a charger or power source for your cell phone or music player. http://www.artscamerasshop.com
Is your passport up to date?
Passports are now required for travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Carribbean. Let the pros at Art's take your passport photo. The Art's staff knows the regulations and does it right the first time. U.S. passports are only $9.99 and completed quickly, while you wait.
FANTASTIC FIREWORKS PHOTOS
There is something a bit magical in a Fourth of July fireworks display. Designed to be a spectacular event celebrating the independence of our great Nation, it's a true slice of Americana that is meant to be photographed and celebrated. If you attended our fireworks workshop and practice shoot at the Big Bang, then you're in good shape for the Fourth of July! If you didn't, then here are a few simple tips to help you capture some spectacular shots:
The Early Bird Gets the Best Location: Try to get to the site a bit early if possible. It will give you time to survey the area and evaluate the best locations for your photography. Professional photographers will often counsel that a little bit of advance planning can make all the difference between a mediocre shot and a magnificent one.
Slow Your Shutter Speed: A long exposure often works best with fireworks since they are moving events and contain bright light. Experiment with keeping the shutter open long but don't overdo it because you can overexpose the image. Each location and event has unique circumstances so keep experimenting as you go along until you find the effect that works for you.
Consider Continuous Shooting: Shooting in burst mode, also called 'continuous mode,' is an excellent way to capture fast moving action or for those events where timing is everything. Shooting in burst mode will increase the odds of getting great images during the fireworks finale.
Forget the Flash: Keep your flash turned off when photographing fireworks. The flash only helps when your subject is a few feet away, and in this case, it may prove to be more of a hindrance than helpful because the flash signals your camera that you need a shorter exposure time, when in fact, you need a little longer.
Try a Tripod: With the combination of low light and fast action (the fireworks), a steady surface can greatly aid in helping you record that perfect image. We offer a number of high quality styles including compact, professional and monopod styles: http://www.artscamerasshop.com
SUMMER TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS:
A Three-part series brought to you by Tamron and Art’s Cameras Plus
Part 1 Shooting in the Big City
By Jennifer Gidman Images by Judy Pishnery
In this installation of Tamron’s Summer Travel Photography Series, Judith Pishnery offers tips and techniques for capturing the urban landscape both here and abroad.
Read More >
Part 2 Shooting International Destinations
By Jennifer Gidman - Images by Richard Martin
In this installation of Tamron’s Summer Travel Photography Series, Richard Martin offers tips and techniques for capturing some of the world’s most exotic people and places.
Read More >
Part 3 Shooting in Our National Parks
By Jennifer Gidman Images by Sandra Nykerk
In this installation of Tamron’s Summer Travel Photography Series, Sandra Nykerk offers tips and techniques for capturing the beauty and emotion in our country’s most awe-inspiring natural treasures.
Read More >
