Top Tips
I have been taking photographs for almost half a century and photographed most countries of the world in the last thirty years.
During this time I've picked up a fair few tips and tricks to help with both photography and travel.
Photographic Tip
Even the most basic of cameras now have flash guns built in. Use this when taking portraits to lighten the shadows caused by hats and the like. This is called fill flash. If your camera allows it dial in an underexposure value of -0.7 to -1.5 (check the menu) so the face doesn't appear washed out. Alternatively hold a piece of paper tissue over the flash to soften it (but don't obstruct the lens).
Travel Tip
Toilet facilities in some countries can be a bit basic. It may be worth carrying a small packet of alcohol-free wet wipes, a small bar of soap (often found in hotel rooms) and a small packet of paper tissues.
Photographic Tip
Often photographs of buildings lack interest because there is an empty foreground of grass or even worse concrete. Try putting a person or a statue in that area. Even a gravestone has more interest than nothing!
Photographic Tip
A single lens camera, especially with lenses, spare batteries and film as well as water, coats, hats, sunscreen etc etc can be heavy on a long day. A small rucsac is better than a shoulder bag - it is more balanced, comfortable and results in less backache!
Travel Tip
Carry some emergency drugs such as loperamide, paracetamol etc with you. When you need them you can guarentee the hotel won't have them and the shops will be shut, Carry them in your hand baggage when travelling by plane. Having them in the hold when you have an attack of Montezuma's revenge doesn't help,
Travel Tip
Always carry something with you that has the hotel name, address and telephone number with you. When you want to go back you can show this to the taxi driver. Do not use an electronic key card, especially if it is the holder with your room number - doing so puts you at risk of being robbed.
