Monthly Newsletter - December 2008

Taking photographs is one of the favorite activities of visitors to Latin America. Whether it’s capturing memories with fellow travelers or collecting pictures of the sights they have seen, few travelers leave without their trusted digital camera. At Latin America for Less, we want you to have the best possible experience when practicing this hobby. For this reason, we have come up with some suggestions to help the amateur travel photographer make the most out of their trip.

• Plan on bringing your camera in some sort of accessory bag or pack to store your camera. Don’t worry if its not one that is specifically customized for your camera. Often those with expensive equipment will store it in a plain accessory bag or backpack so as to not attract attention.
• Many travelers will pack more than one charged battery for their camera. Those going on more rugged trips may not know when the next time they can charge their camera will be. Regardless of your travel style, no one wants to be caught with a dead camera when the possibility for that perfect shot comes along.
• Be sure you have plenty of storage space. It’s vacation; don’t restrain yourself on how many pictures you take. For people with very limited storage space, it can be a nightmare having to decide which pictures to delete in order to take new ones.
• Having plenty of storage space will also let you be more creative with your shots. Take pictures of the same thing at different angles or with different zooms. Play around with taking pictures and you might notice that taking a shot a certain way might work better than your original picture.
• Take pictures of something mundane that may remind you of a special moment. Everyone visiting Machu Picchu is going to have pictures of the Incan Citadel. Maybe a picture of a meal or a curious sight will make your photo collection from the trip more special and unique.
• If you like to take well-composed pictures at night, it might be worth the investment in a small portable tripod. These can often be stored along with your camera in your carrying case. If you don’t have one, try using a sturdy pole or tree as a way to restrain your camera.

• Be respectful of what pictures you take. Ask locals for permission before taking their pictures. Sometimes locals, especially those dressed in traditional attire, charge a small fee or ask for candy if you take their picture. Don’t be surprised if people get angry if you take their photo without their permission.
• In some Latin American countries, it is against the law to take pictures of military officers or military bases.
• Be mindful of your flash. This light can be damaging to priceless works of art or startle animals in their natural habitats. The continued use of flash in such cases can seriously deteriorate the experience of visiting the sites in the future. Having an animal hide because of imprudent flash use can quickly make you one of the more unpopular members of a tour group.
• Be mindful that a camera is an expensive piece of equipment and to have it with you or in a safe place at all times. It might also be wise to keep your camera in your carry-on when traveling by plane.
• Know how to use your camera before your trip. There is no point in spending half your vacation reading the user’s manual. Brush up on digital photography tips before leaving for your adventure.
• Most important of all, remember to have fun and take in the experience of visiting a new country. Take in the beauty of the country in all ways possible. Photos will not be able to capture the smells, tastes and other senses you will experience on your trip

By
Alex Seeger

If you have any questions regarding his article, please write to him at alex@peruforless.com.

Sources:
10 Travel Photography Quick Tips
Travel Photography

PAST NEWSLETTERS:

• Newsletter November 2008
• Newsletter October 2008
• Newsletter September 2008
• Newsletter August 2008
• Newsletter July 2008
• Newsletter June 2008
• Newsletter May 2008
• Newsletter April 2008
• Newsletter February 2008
• Newsletter January 2008