Travelling tips anyone?

I will be another heretic here: Have you considered digital?

If you are planning an long, round-the-world trip, you will be packing a lot of film, and bringing that all home, unless you mail it ahead of you (in which case, you will be worrying about xrays). Then you will have all that film to process and post-process when you get back. With digital, you can do your photoshop work as you go along, on a laptop, during downtime in the hotel, or on the plane. Then back up. You can also upload it to your blog for people to view as your trip progresses, preferably with some "journal entry" info to make it interesting.

Another obvious advantage is the instant feedback. You probably will not have a second chance to reshoot anything you don't get right the first time with film.

I love my rangefinders, but if I were thinking of doing this for a living, I would definitely consider digital.
 
ray_g said:
I will be another heretic here: Have you considered digital?

If you are planning an long, round-the-world trip, you will be packing a lot of film, and bringing that all home, unless you mail it ahead of you (in which case, you will be worrying about xrays). Then you will have all that film to process and post-process when you get back. With digital, you can do your photoshop work as you go along, on a laptop, during downtime in the hotel, or on the plane. Then back up. You can also upload it to your blog for people to view as your trip progresses, preferably with some "journal entry" info to make it interesting.

Another obvious advantage is the instant feedback. You probably will not have a second chance to reshoot anything you don't get right the first time with film.

I love my rangefinders, but if I were thinking of doing this for a living, I would definitely consider digital.
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Certainly digital is an option, but one can't argue that digital will save you from carrying a bunch of rolls of film, and then say that she'll be carrying a laptop.

Film can be mailed "home" and I don't think that mail parcels are x-rayed, but I might be wrong on that.
 
True, Frank. She can just bring a much smaller portable hard drive (or even an iPOD) to back up. A laptop is not eseential, but would be nice to have. It could be used for other things on the trip too -- email or other communication while away on such a long trip is one. My point is - the sooner you get your photos out there, the sooner you will get paid.

When I go on a trip, I come home with a bag of film that I process, scan and photoshop at my leisure. If photography were my main source of revenue, however, any time lost would be lost income, IMHO.
 
canonetc said:
if you are really dying to shoot some medium format, I suggest investing in an old folder like the Zeiss Super Ikonta. They are small, unobtrusive, and if they get ripped off it wont be such as loss as your Bronica. Certo6 on Ebay usually has something good CLA'd for sale.
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This is a great idea - you can see his cameras at http://www.certo6.com/index.html
A "good as new" MF folder will run you about $200, and if you want to shoot MF, it can be carried in a pocket or small bag. Folded, these are as small as a Leica.

John
 
Paula,

Great idea to persue your dream. Sounds like a significant life change.

All of the replies have been great. I want to reinforce a couple that are important to me:

1. The right bag to hold your equipment. I always have a neoprene case on my 35mm SLR camera, and will soon have one for my Mamya 6MF and Leica IIIf. The neoprene absorbs shock from drops and banging into to things, and keeps the camera dry in the rain.

2. I use print film instead of slide film for the increased dynamic range. My choice is Kodak Ultra 100 or 400.

3. I always carry a small point & shoot with auto everything. Currently I use a Contax T3. I have used a Yashica T4.

4. Carry a shower cap from the hotel to cover your camera in the rain.

5. I carry a lead bag for film. Buy the best you can. It makes me happy when the security people say they can't see inside even at the highest xray setting. I always put it through the conveyer separately so they don't search my carry on luggage.

6. The USA embassy numbers are always preprogrammed into my phone...never even came close to needing them...it's just in case.

7. I always carry the address of where I am staying in the local language. Especially in Russia and Asia.

8. Always carry my cash and passport where pick pockets cannot get them. Always keep a copy of my tickets, passport and visas in my luggage.

For traveling I used to carry a Fuji GA645i or GA645Zi. I sold those and now I carry the Mamiya 6MF when I have the room.

Good luck and keep posting during your travels.

- Fitz
 
Paula said:
Thanks for the words of wisdom. Yep it sure makes sense to travel light...but I have this 6x6 and I wonder if I might regret not having it when I'm at say Uluru (Ayres Rock) at sunset!
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My backpacking trip to Oz was with Hassy 501c with 80mm loaded with NPH. That was my only camera, and only lens - no regrets. The best pictures I have ever taken on a holiday. 35mm would have diminished those vast landscapes.

I never really felt the need for extra lenses. But I did do a NASA moon-scape like multi-shot panorama on the top of Ayres rock.

I figured if it broke a second hand 500 body could be easily found or flow in.

Take all the film you need. Consider getting a 220 back to save film volume.

I've also done trips with just a leica and 50mm or 35mm lens and NPH.
The Avatar camera was all I took to china - very happy with the results.
Keep the clutter down - there's nothing worse than juggling lenses.
 
I don't want to repeat any of the useful tips above.
I would add the following though:

1. Insure your equipment for replacement value and have your customs officer stamp your passport with the list of equipment taken with you. This way, you avoid being hassled for customs if/when you return.

2. Take along a small 35mm as back-up, such as a Minox GT or similar. This way, you don't have to have two full-sized cameras with you.

3. In some places of the world, the US flag will not be welcomed and you will be a target for harassment. Do not wear a t-shirt with the UK or US flag on it.

4. Get a collapsible tripod like the Cullman Magic I or II.

5. Take along necessary medication plus preventive medicine.

6. Take along a couple of insulated food bags they have at grocery stores for storing food cold. It is invaluable for keeping film cool when in hot climates. The larger sized bags allow you to keep the entire camera gear cool.

7. Take along ziploc bags to keep equioment away from water.

8. Make use of the RFF and PN to make some new friends "there" before leaving. You will be surprised how friendly and helpful RFF and PN members can be.

9. Get an international driver's license so that you can drive a car overseas (when needed).

Have fun.
 
Paula

Greetings from the south of London.

I only travel as far as the Greek Islands, but the following might be helpful.

I carry my film and camera(s) through airport security as hand luggage in a cheap insulated bag designed to carry six standard 330ml cans of soft drink - after about Easter you will be able to pick these up for a few pounds in any of the larger supermarkets. These don't look like camera bags at all, especially the ones with non-photography logos on. and get ignored. You can get bigger ones too and even insulated haversacks - check out Cotton Traders mail order. I also put in the bag on the travel to and from my destination and home an ice pack suitably frozen wrapped in a plastic bag to avoid condensation. I keep the X-ray vulnerable film on the top and ask for it to be hand-checked at security at Gatwick. I always phone Gatwick in advance and explain my requirement to security - so far they have always advised 'Ask for a hand check and ask for the supervisor in case of difficulty'. The security bods normally bleat and say the all film is safe - stand your ground and show them the packs with the 'Do not X-ray' information on and ask for the Supervisor to check - there will be a short delay whilst the Supervisor is found. The supervisor will normally complain a bit too, but will hand check eventually once they've found their sniffer gizmo. Check even low speed films - some Fuji 400ASA films are X-ray sensitive. I then keep my film in the fridge in Greece (I stay in self-catering accomodation), keeping exposed film in the freezer section and repeat the process on the way back. For speed I get the Tour Rep at the airport to explain my odd requirement to the Greek police people manning the X-ray machine for hand-checking the X-ray vulnerable film - all has gone well so far.

Regards

Andrew C. More
 
Hi Paula,

Im doing the exact same thing as you. Quit my job and travelling the world!

I leave in June 2006 heading to thailand, china, india, europe and the usa.

Im Australian - I can give you heaps of advice on anything you may want to know about Australia. There are many places in each capital city to buy film from and have it processed. Prices are about the same as in the US. A roll of Kodak TMAX 400 120 - would be about AUD$7.00 and to develop a roll of film (develop only, cut and sleeve) is AUD$7.50. Similar prices, maybe slightly cheaper, for 35mm film.

Where are you going to be heading in Australia?
I would highly recommend coming to Western Australia. It seems to be forgotten about for a lot of tourists because its so far away from the east cost (about a AUD$180.00 flight one way). I live in Perth and grew up in little towns across the south coast of Western Australia. The land is completely different to the east coast, we have the most amazing natural beauty, the most amazing coastlines and national parks. I would not live anywhere else in the world.

I am taking a Mamiya 6 and a digital slr. I bought the Mamiya 6 especially for this trip.
I am taking about 120 - 150rolls of 120 film with me to get me through Asia, once I arrive in london I will be getting all my films developed and restocking up.

I would not get any films developed in Asian countries (singapore would be fine though), I also would not buy any films if I can avoid it as you will not know the quality of the film - it could already been heat affected.
 
Bring toilet paper in your bag (and never leave "home" without it)!

Take out travel insurance.

Bring a set of clean underwear and socks in your bag (you sweat and a clean pair is sooooo nice after a full day).

In India you can buy chains and padlocks to secure your bags to the posts in the train. 3rd class sleeper is great! The entire Indian middle class travels that way.

Speak a few words in the local language. Yes, no, please, excuse me, thank you.

For a backpack I'd go for one that closes on the back side instead of on the easily reachable outside. There're only a handful of those but I never trust crowds when I'm carrying such a bag.

More to come, later. Gotta work now. 🙂
 
just out of curiosity, what is it, how do you people figure ways of escaping the miserable race?

Is it money?

If I could find a way, some open door, even horribly sketchy, I'd be gone before sunrise.
 
Forgot to mention this : get a dry bag - a small waterproof canoe bag.
http://www.seallinegear.com/dry_bags.asp?Action=SeeBag&Category=DryBags
This will keep dust and water out when conditions get bad.

With my hassy inside, I used it to: Swim up rivers in Kakadu ; Keep the dust of the Gibb road out; Take the camera to the shower ( room security concerns in backpackers ); Put the camera in the backpacker's hostel safe, when out partying ... etc.
 
Shutterflower, it's lack of responsibilities that gives people the opportunity to do these things. Money comes in handy, of course, but being bound by a family and the mortgage makes it difficult to just quit your job and head off into the sun. Being independently wealthy might be a good place to start, even if you're bound by responsibilities. 🙂
 
John Camp said:
The main thing to do in all those hot climates is to take care of yourself physically. Wear cotton; it breathes. Remember that many of these places get foreign aid from the U.S., and therefore *they like Americans.* You'd do well to take along a few light cotton t-shirts with American flags on the chest; then you could get help when you need it. Also, take some Imodium.

JC
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Except for the Imodium, are you serious in any way JC?
 
The cotton t-shirt (please, without the Stars and Stripes) are a nice idea, but buy them locally. They're dirt cheap in India, Thailand and such. Give them to the children as gifts in small villages that you pass or stay in for the night. Pens, pencils and balloons are also great and don't take up much space. Bring plenty as there are many children in those villages. BTW, children are often very open and curious and like to show you around the place (and show you off to their friends). Make use of that to get some really intimate photos of places where most tourists never come. They also can break the ice for you as they seem to know everyone and will drag you into their houses, temples, shops etc. This gives you plenty of opportunity to shoot and chat. BTW, many people (especially the people below middle class) in Asia are more than willing to pose for your pics, with or without their children. Oblige once and in seconds you'll have more photo opportunities than you have film for. It's great to shoot in Asia. 🙂
 
shutterflower said:
just out of curiosity, what is it, how do you people figure ways of escaping the miserable race?

Is it money?

If I could find a way, some open door, even horribly sketchy, I'd be gone before sunrise.
Click to expand...

Mmmm I'm still asking myself this question! Some say it's about having a lot of guts; I think its more like being slightly mad myself! But really what drove my decision was an overwhelming sense that you only live once and with all this talk in the UK of pensions and having to work until your 105yr I just felt if I didn't do it now maybe I never would!

(And hey the morgage will be waiting for me to return - gulp!)
 
Great tips everyone.

First off Paula, congratulations. I did this 5 years ago and never regretted it for a second. It is responsible for my love of photography. You are making a great life decision, don't let anyone try and tell you differently. (My family made a lot of very persuasive arguments against my going.)

If I repeat a tip it is only because I agree with it strongly.

• No camera bag. Even if you cover the name, everyone knows what it looks like. Get a backpack for your camera and always have it with you.

• 35mm. Medium format is a pain and draws more attention to you. It also says "professional camera" ie: expensive.

• 3 lenses. no more. Make one of them wider than 35mm. 28mm at least, wider if you're going to nepal. A neat trick if you get a 21mm is shooting someone interesting at the edge of the frame candidly.

• Lead bags are a pain. I left my film in a ziplock and tried to get it hand checked. But if they toss it in don't freak out, all my stuff was fine. (even after enduring 2 passes through a burmese x-ray machine.)

• you can get kodak ektachrome anywhere (in asia at least) and it is cheap with a long shelf life and good color. I had it developed along the way and left in strips for space and weight reasons. Always came out fine.

• Delhi, Kathmandu, Bombay, Singapore and Bangkok are good for film, developing and camera equipment. Especially Kathmandu and Singapore.

• travel insurance! if only for your peace of mind. (I tried that backpack as pillow for security trick on an Indian train once. Whatever, I wanted to buy a new camera anyway. It was the slit in my bag that pissed me off most.)

• travel light. As your clothes wear out you can buy new, cheap, stylish stuff all over. You will want your meds, plastic bags, boots and backpack to be western though.

• get off the beaten path. My best shots were from Bangladesh. (No one goes there. Everyone was dying to get their picture taken! Go with a friend and a flask though or you'll be lonely, there's nothing much to do.)

• the people I met who stressed out a lot over getting sick were ALWAYS the ones to get sick. Just try and eat at places where you see all the locals going. You will miss western food horribly but you'll want to avoid western-style restaurants in the 3rd world. At best you'll be dissappointed, at worst you'll be poisoned. I've been both. *except Kathmandu. best western food in south asia bar none!*

• above all, trust your gut. if something feels sketchy, don't do it no matter what. But the opposite also applies. Don't miss out on something cool by being overly paranoid. (for some reason your instincts will be right 99% of the time. Trust them!)
 
About missing western food.... Go to McDonalds' if you really miss western food. It'll cure you for a couple of weeks. 🙂

BTW, in India they don't sell Big Mac. At least I was not able to find a decent beef burger anywhere. I didn't really expect to, either, but it felt odd at first not to be able to roder a Big Mac at a McD's. 🙂
 
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