Work Abroad

Though taking too many photos of the same noun (i.e. person, place or thing) is still one of the cardinal sins of travel photography, that does not mean that a photographer should not have a happy trigger (or snapping) finger. Afterwards you’ll have a wider selection of images to choose and edit from before submitting the best images for publication.

Do what it takes to make those flora photos look more striking http://www.flickr.com/photos/28481088@N00/

And the advent of such programs as Photoshop and ACDSee means that it’s not a good idea to give up on a photo—with many of our pictures a slight change in contrast, sharpness or borders makes a dramatic difference. A lot of the photo programs have a simple auto correct option which is a blessing for those of us neither willing nor able to shell out cash to learn how to develop our own photos.

Don’t be afraid to kneel, stoop, squat, bend over or do whatever else it takes to make your images more telling—the most basic example of this is getting down on one knee when shooting young kids to assure they’re shown at eye level. When shooting wildlife or flora you may very well even have to get all your clothes dirty, but don’t let lethargy and a lack of creativity keep you from being a better travel photographer.

Some pictures aren't worth your health and safety http://www.flickr.com/photos/mjbaird/

Usually common sense is enough to avoid your photography from being hazardous to your physical safety (e.g. don’t snap photos of sensitive government facilities or illegal street transactions), and, if for some reason you do get into trouble in a foreign locale for using your camera, try to contact your consulate regarding the malfeasance ASAP.

But keep in mind that the camera you carry is one of the items most easily converted into cash for the average thief. The higher the quality of your camera and size of your lens, the higher the risk of unwanted attention from crooks.

Back to Top - More Work Abroad Articles - Print this page