Comments on: Once you can focus, learn this…

By: In the Coracle » » links for 2008-11-08 » “It’s almost like you’re writing a book one post at a time” - Kedge

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 07:01:06 +0000

[...] Once you can focus, learn this… | PixelatedImage Blog "There are skills a photographer needs beyond just an ability to compose, focus, and expose. The more I shoot these international assignments out on the field for NGOs, the more this becomes abundantly clear. Here are the things that immediately come to mind." (tags: photography photojournalism tips) [...]

By: Willy

Willy — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 02:41:56 +0000

Great points. Something that is not noted but I think should be included in every pack, is a field medical kit. The one I tote is 1 lb, 4 oz. Size is 7.0″ x 7.0″ x 2″. Called Savvy Traveler Zone B. It includes items for suture syringe, wound management, blisters, bandages, etc.

http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com

From personal experience, carrying one of these is critical.

Willy.

By: David

David — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:29:23 +0000

Bay – That’s a good question. In short, a little paranoia goes a long way but don’t let it stop you exploring and shooting. Yes, it’s all part of the adventure.

Here’s what I do. First, I tape up my cameras and junkify them a little. Gaffer’s tape works well. It also helps that my cameras are no longer very new looking. Second if I am not carrying them on my person and shooting, they’re in holsters with me, or locked in either my large Stormcase which is then cable-locked to something big, or in my Think Tank Airport Addicted with a large PacSafe protecting it.

If I were doing a trip as you describes I’d be getting a backpack that holds my stuff and allows me to carry it everywhere. I don’t love the idea of leaving things like laptops in a hostel. You really aren’t carrying that much gear – you should be fine. Look into Pacsafe products – especially the theft-proof/slash-proof backpacks – there might be a solution in there for you.

Hope this helps.

By: Bay

Bay — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:02:16 +0000

Hi David,
That’s all really good advice, and I think in some ways applies to people just traveling in those countries – they’re unpredictable and crazy, so you just have to roll with the punches. But, it’s all part of the adventure right?
I did have one question for you. When you’re traveling in ‘dangerous’ places, do you feel conspicuous carrying around an expensive camera? Do you take any measures to protect your gear while you’re on the street (or even in your hotel). I’ve got a 7 month trip through Mexico, Central America and South America coming up and I want to make sure I do things right. We’ll be staying in hostels too, which adds another element into the mix. I’ll be carrying a camera body, 2 lenses, my Macbook and a bunch of accessories.
Thanks, and good luck with the rest of your trip – it sounds like an amazing adventure!
Bay

By: Julien Dorol

Julien Dorol — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:54:50 +0000

Yes david, we can have the best L-serie lenses and a lot of knowledges on composition, if we don’t know how to listen to people and deal with contingencies, we’ll always shoot crap !!

travel photography is about listening and communication…
thanks for these thoughts david.

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:52:56 +0000

Belt and braces at work again! Glad that all that pre trip planning paid off.

Have you had chance to work out what happened to the 5D yet?

By: Matt Brandon

Matt Brandon — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:39:42 +0000

Here, Here! Well said. I once made a “30 min” walk to a waterfall to go swim, also in Nepal. I arrived, after 2 hours, only to find a dead and decomposing dog floating in my swimming spot. Nothing goes as planned.