Create amazing HDR photographs with Skylum’s Aurora HDR 2019. Purchase today and save plus get a free bundle of training, LUTs and Looks too! What do Route 66 and Aurora 2019 have in common? Both provide countless opportunities for enthusiastic photographers to explore the realms of High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography. Why? Because high contrast subjects, such as vintage buildings shot under a mid-day sun, night scenes with neon signs, and magical landscapes photographed during the golden hour are the heart and soul of Route 66 and of … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer — Route 66 meets Aurora 2019
TravelingPhotographerColumn
The Traveling Photographer: Driving Route 66, part 2
This summer my two friends and I did it. We drove Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. It took us about two weeks, which isn't much time since we made a detour to the south rim of the Grand Canyon and spent an entire day at the Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert. Due to our limited time, we found it very important to pre-plan our days and set priorities, leaving room for some flexibility. Preparation for the trip While planning the trip I accumulated a small duffel bag filled with guidebooks and maps. The bag came with me … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Driving Route 66, part 2
Traveling Photographer in Japan: Kyoto and Arashiyama
In our prior posts, I suggested starting points for exploring the sprawling metropolis that is Tokyo, modern Japan’s capital. If you missed those posts, here are links: Tokyo & Tsukiji and Tackling Tokyo Kyoto is another essential element in exploring Japan. Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan for over a millennium, until the mid-19th century and is ringed by historic and beautiful temples and gardens, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Unlike Tokyo, which is served by a comprehensive subway network, the Kyoto subway … [Read more...] about Traveling Photographer in Japan: Kyoto and Arashiyama
The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Guidelines
As traveling photographers, we all wear many hats—landscape photographer, bird photographer, portrait photographer, food photographer, etc. We may feel comfortable in some of the hats we wear, and some hats just don’t seem to fit well at all. I had my roots in landscape and nature photography then moved on to cityscapes. Photographing people on the streets in the places I visited always seemed a tough fit. So I pushed hard--taking a class, watching videos, reading some books, and making lots of pictures--to figure out how to get good shots … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Guidelines
Japan for the Traveling Photographer Part 1: Why go?
Japan is a destination that has drawn us back again and again. We recently returned from our 7th trip over the last 25 years, the last 5 being in the past 4 years. This accelerated pace reflects several factors, including having family there (my mother is Japanese and her family is there), studying Japanese (slooowly) and Japan being a safe and user-friendly destination. But wait, that’s easy for you to say, you speak some Japanese and you have family there! That’s true, and while that has made it easier, I’d still argue that Japan is a … [Read more...] about Japan for the Traveling Photographer Part 1: Why go?
The Traveling Photographer: Driving Route 66
Route 66 cut through the heartland of the US, from Chicago to Los Angeles. Known as the "Main Street of America" or the "Mother Road," it was established in 1926 and became popularized by the Route 66 television show which aired in the 1960s and the song “Get your Kicks on Route 66" by American songwriter Bobby Troup. Although the original Route 66 was removed from the highway system in 1985, stretches of the route remain accessible off of the interstate. Along these stretches are bits and pieces of Americana, weathered buildings … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Driving Route 66
Shooting in Svalbard: Part 3 (What camera gear to bring?)
Svalbard is a beautiful landscape destination, with jagged mountains, fjords, glaciers, and icebergs. At the same time, it is a terrific wildlife destination, one of the few in the world where you can see and photograph walruses, Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer, and of course, the marquee species, the polar bear. It will be up to your boat’s captain and your trip’s expedition leader to determine your shooting situation. With polar bears, this will often be from the mother ship, or occasionally from a zodiac for a bear on the … [Read more...] about Shooting in Svalbard: Part 3 (What camera gear to bring?)
Svalbard (Walruses, polar bears and glaciers, oh my!): Part 1 (Choosing an expedition)
I remember perfectly when I first fell in love with icy landscapes. It was in Antarctica. I went for the wildlife (who doesn’t love penguins?!), but it was the austere and luminous landscape and light that made me want to return. This was years ago, in 2003. My fellow passengers, on a Lindblad vessel, were a well-traveled bunch. The name Svalbard came up often there in conversation, as in “If you like this, you should also go to Svalbard.” It took some years, but we finally made it to the Arctic a few months ago, in September 2017, … [Read more...] about Svalbard (Walruses, polar bears and glaciers, oh my!): Part 1 (Choosing an expedition)
Svalbard (Part 2-thermal preparation)
Traveling to a polar region, whether the Arctic or the Antarctic, instantly brings to mind glaciers, icebergs, and very possibly snow, sleet or rain. These regions also can have rapidly changing conditions, all in the same day. It takes specialized clothing and gear to comfortably shoot in extreme weather, but you can’t get the shot if you are too cold to venture out on deck when the action is happening. Shore landings may be for several hours, so one needs to be well prepared for staying out in the elements for an extended … [Read more...] about Svalbard (Part 2-thermal preparation)
The Traveling Photographer: Understanding Health Risks and Taking Precautions, Even Close to Home
How many of you research health risks or check with a doctor before leaving on a photo adventure? To my surprise, I have found that many people do not. Getting sick can ruin any travel plans. Getting really sick can significantly impact your life. Some of you may only worry about health risks when traveling to more remote locations, being concerned about diseases such as malaria in the tropics or typhoid fever from contaminated food. However were you aware that there is a measles and mumps outbreak currently in popular destinations in … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Understanding Health Risks and Taking Precautions, Even Close to Home
The Traveling Photographer in Oslo, Norway, Part 2: Art and Culture
Happy New Year!!! In Part 1 of this post, we began our photographic explorations of Oslo at Bygdøy, where many museums devoted to Norwegian maritime history are concentrated. In this post, we'll look at destinations which will appeal to those with artistic, cultural and architectural interests. As at Bygdøy, my workhorse kit was my Fujifilm X-T2 with my wide-angle zoom lens, the Fujifilm XF 10-24 mm f/4 R OIS lens. Vigeland We spent a delightful sunny afternoon becoming acquainted with the work of Norway's favorite sculptor, Gustav … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer in Oslo, Norway, Part 2: Art and Culture
The Traveling Photographer in Oslo, Norway, Part 1: Logistics and Museums
(Editor's note: The Photofocus' column "The Traveling Photographer" is adding an author. Marie Tartar joins her friend Susan Kanfer in writing installments of the popular column.) In September, I spent 3 days with my husband (Photofocus author Steve Eilenberg) and friends in Oslo, Norway’s capital and the gateway to Norway’s photographic and cultural riches. We were en route to Svalbard in the Arctic Circle, an archipelago north of Norway. This being our first time in Norway, laying over a few days let us recover from the journey, as well … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer in Oslo, Norway, Part 1: Logistics and Museums
The Traveling Photographer: Powering Up!
How many times have you pushed the shutter release on your camera, to take that perfect photograph, only to find your battery is dead and you don’t have another. Let’s face it, as photographers we are only as good as the battery power on hand. Battery power can be challenging at times, when traveling. Lots of batteries mean lots of extra weight. Battery chargers take up precious space in your suitcase. Many hotel rooms don't provide enough working electrical outlets to charge all of your devices at the same time. If you are in the wilderness … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Powering Up!
The Traveling Photographer: Seeing Things
Before leaving on a photography trip I always read a photography book that gets my creative juices flowing and my eyes and mind ready for new and exciting challenges. Joel Meyerowitz’s book “Seeing Things” is such a book. The book is labeled “A Kid’s Guide to Looking at Photographs”. I guess I am still a kid then, because it sure opened my eyes a bit bigger. For those who are not familiar with Joel Meyerowitz, he is an award-winning photographer whose work has appeared in over 350 exhibitions in galleries and museums around the world. He is … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Seeing Things
The Traveling Photographer: Returning to the U.S. After Traveling Abroad
If you are returning home to the US after a trip abroad, take notice! Under certain circumstances, you may be charged a duty on your photography gear if you are unable to prove that you were in possession of the gear before leaving the US. You are thinking that sounds crazy. With the price of camera equipment today it could happen to any of us, particularly if your equipment looks or is new. US Customs and Border Protection When you re-enter the U.S.you are allowed a duty-free exemption for the total value of merchandise purchased abroad, … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Returning to the U.S. After Traveling Abroad
The Traveling Photographer: Planning for a Laptop Ban
There is a lot of buzz about the “laptop ban,” a general term used to describe a requirement that electronic devices larger than a smartphone be placed in checked bags for flights into the US and UK from certain countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The ban includes laptops, iPads, and camera equipment. Travel Plan It appears the current ban will not be expanded to include all international flights flying into the US, as had been previously contemplated, if airlines implement stricter security measures. However, it is still important … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Planning for a Laptop Ban
Visiting the National Parks | The Traveling Photographer
The National Parks in the United States provide excellent opportunities for stunning landscape, wildlife, nature photography, and Americana. Here are a few travel tips for those unfamiliar with our parks, and those in need of a refresher. Where and When Try to plan as far ahead as you can. Inside the parks, accommodations and campgrounds typically book quickly and early, particularly for the popular parks in the busy seasons. I booked Grand Canyon nearly 13 months out, prior to my last visit, to get the room I wanted in October. If … [Read more...] about Visiting the National Parks | The Traveling Photographer
The Traveling Photographer: Photographing the Unknown
Travel photography, by its nature, is full of unknowns and new experiences. It crosses many genres of photography such as street, portrait, landscape, nature, wildlife, food, and architecture. Differing skills and equipment may be necessary to get the photos you envision taking while on your trip, depending on circumstances. It can be overwhelming to someone just getting started in photography, and even at times for those of us who have done it for a while. Recently I found myself embarking on such a new adventure, to photograph … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Photographing the Unknown
Gear Tips for the Traveling Photographer
I am always looking for new ways to save space or weight in my baggage, or to ease the challenges I face with my camera gear. I am sure many of you are just like me, so I put together this list of "Gear Tips," in hopes that some of these tips may prove helpful. None of the photos accompanying this post would have been possible without one or more of the items listed below. Gear Tips I travel with camera battery chargers that are smaller and lighter than the chargers that came with my cameras. I bought my chargers on Amazon, and … [Read more...] about Gear Tips for the Traveling Photographer
