The second concern is the new high-output X-ray machines being used for checked baggage. NEVER put film into checked baggage. Even in a lead-lined bag, the new X-ray machines automatically increase the dose and destroy film by leaving a fog band across it if anything suspicious is detected. Always carry film with you and request a hand inspection. Take your film out of the box and plastic canisters, and put the rolls into plastic baggies. This way, security personnel can easily see what you're carrying and will be far more likely to accommodate you. The Sweeteners
• Work the Light. Photographers often use the term "sweet light" to describe the sun's illumination at sunrise and sunset. The sky and landscape are painted with a golden glow of warm color, while the low angle of light reveals textures. This quality of light creates long shadows, adding intrigue to your photo subjects.
Watching the world awaken as the sun rises over the horizon is a wonderful experience. Everything is bathed in warm tones, making even the mundane more interesting. The sounds of the day have yet to begin, instilling a peaceful feeling. A similar type of light occurs at sunset, so use both to capture great travel shots.
• Details, Details. An often overlooked subject is the detail within a landscape, city scene, or even people. In addition to shooting a grand scenic of foreground flowers leading to distant mountains, try shooting only the flowers. Then move in closer to take shots of sections of flowers. While strolling through the historical sections of a city, look for interesting door knobs, fence posts or other items. Weather-weary faces make great subjects, but don't overlook a person's hands that have toiled over the years. The "intimate landscape" can often net better imagery than a clichéd rendition.
• Photograph the People. As a portrait photographer, my goal is to capture the essence of one's soul and disposition. This can be done by telling a story through my subject's eyes and expression. By engaging them in conversation, gesturing and making eye contact, I try to communicate the look I'd like my subjects to convey. To get this across, I refer to the translation card taped to my camera.
Trying to show scale in scenic images is often frustrating, especially in areas of the world where the landscape is abstract. By including people, you can portray a sense of scale. Whether it's a traveling companion, fellow photographer, a family member, or even yourself, it's a good idea to include people in some of your shots. When traveling with family, set the camera on self-timer and take some group shots of everyone in each location (these photos may result in a potential holiday card come December).
• Fill-Flash. Not every image on a trip can be made during the sweet light hours of sunrise and sunset. Time constraints and subject matter sometimes necessitate that photos be taken at midday. During this time, the light is harsh and contrasty. To soften this harshness, use flash to fill in the deep shadow areas—it works wonderfully with people to eliminate dark areas under noses and to add light to deep eye sockets. Other small subjects in contrasty light can be vastly improved by using fill-flash. In order to be effective, the subject needs to be within the flash range. Depending on the contrast of dark to light tones, I dial the flash down to somewhere between -2/3 to -2 stops. By balancing the flash with the ambient light, you'll get more natural-looking results.
• Capture the Flavor. Regardless of the destination, every location has distinct characteristics, and translating these to film is your goal. Whether it's a grand western scenic or an Amazon rain forest, the feeling that the area radiates will improve your images. Start by walking around without the intention of taking pictures. With every step, look forward, backward, left and right, and try to absorb what's going on. Watch the way the light strikes each subject. Be observant of peoples' interactions and how they respond to you when you make eye contact. This brief exercise will greatly improve your chances of capturing the extraordinary, rather than the mediocre.
• Keep Records. When I first became serious about photography, I had recently returned from a trip with 15-20 rolls of exposed film. I mailed out the processing envelopes, and anxiously awaited their return. While viewing the results, I was frustrated not to be able to recall the exact location of each frame. Like a stubborn dog that can't learn new tricks, I did the same thing the following trip. After that I began to number the rolls and, upon getting them back from the lab, I compared them to my itinerary. I've since fine-tuned this system to be more detailed. Before leaving on a trip, I place a peel-and-stick label on each cassette, allowing me to record the date, roll number and subject information. I've found this system to be organized and efficient.
Another way to help me track what I shoot is to photograph road signs, tourist icons, or other items that denote specific locations—this gives me a chronological order of where I've been. Additionally, a hand-held tape recorder is very helpful. It helps me record what's on each roll, and each time I experiment with something new, I can record camera settings and techniques. When I get back to the hotel, I transfer this to text. Not having to write down information on the spot allows me to stay more focused on my photography.
The Finished Pastry
• The Presentation. The trip is over. The images are marked, sorted and cataloged. Now what? With the rapid growth in digital technology, your options as to what can be done with photos have increased.
The quickest way to share your favorite travel pictures is to scan and e-mail them to friends and family. Burning your best photos to a CD allows a direct connection to the computer with most image-processing programs. Other ways to work with images digitally are to create screen savers, Web pages, greeting cards, calendars and more.
For those not yet immersed in the digital world of photography, conventional print-making is still a cost-effective way of making excellent, long-lasting enlargements. Displaying matted and framed prints on a wall is a great way to share your journey with friends and family. Using the best scenic or family shot to create a holiday card is fun, and creating an album of the trip is a good way of recording the journey. Slide shows are wonderful to take to hospitals, schools, camera clubs or other places where people can appreciate your endeavors.
As every baker has unique secret ingredients, photographers have different tools that make his/her particular travel photography a winning recipe. By using the ingredients I've shared—along with your own fine-tuning—I hope your travel images will be greatly enjoyed by everyone.
