Top Adventure Travel Jobs

There are many different kinds of adventure travel jobs out there and finding the right one is easy. Adventure travel in general has really caught on so finding adventure travel jobs is no where near as hard as it used to be and there is such a demand for talented and fun people to help guide people on their trips. No matter where you live in the world there are probably some fantastic adventure travel jobs in your area. That does not mean that you have to stay put though, by all means travel the world and enjoy the adventure travel jobs that can be found elsewhere. Some of the top adventure travel jobs can be found where there are horses. Everyone loves horses but they can be a little frightening, especially if you have not been on them before. Once you get up o the horse you realize just how tall they really are, it is high up there! There are all kinds of adventure travel jobs that include working on a working ranch. You will get to take people out trekking through the mountains, the plains and maybe even the desert, depending on where your adventure travel job is. This is a great way to get back to nature and commune with some fabulous animals and people all at the same time.
Tip! Learn some local phrases. If you are traveling to a country with a foreign language, it's always nice to know some of the local phrases.

There are also many different adventure travel jobs that include real honest to goodness wilderness. Some of the finest and most exciting of all adventure travel jobs include going camping, real roughing it. That kind of thing may not be for me but it is certainly a favorite type of adventure travel for many. Some people even like to go so far as to catch their own food each day, that is real adventure for you, building your own shelter and finding water and such. This is another great idea for you to check into when looking for fantastic adventure travel jobs.

One of the most famous kinds of adventure travel jobs are mountain climbing ones. How many people love to go rock and mountain climbing? Millions and all of them had to start somewhere and that somewhere usually included a teacher or a guide of some sort, well you can become that teacher. There are all kinds of great adventure travel jobs in this area of expertise. If you love to climb then perhaps this is for you, you may not end up leading expeditions up Everest but who knows, if you are good enough and you work up enough experience in your adventure travel jobs you just might after all.
Tip! Before getting a new travel insurance policy, one should double check his existing insurance policies. There might be some coverage with regards to traveling in the existing policies that one possess and it would be a waste of money to pay for something that has already been covered.

There is no limit to the adventure travel jobs that you can work at if you put your heart and soul into it. As long as you are fun to be around and you know what you are doing, you will never be short of adventure travel jobs to choose from. Just make sure to get some great references from every one of the adventure travel jobs that you work at.

How To Get An Exciting Career In International Travel Nursing

If the excitement of international travel appeals to you, then you might want to think of being an international travel nurse. Of course, finding a placement agency is going to be the first key to doing that, and in a detailed search, only agencies placing nurses from overseas into the United States came into play. However, if the program works the same way, the placement agency or employer will make all arrangements for your travel and the obtaining of your visa and green card to allow you perform your assignment internationally. You will also need a work permit, which will be obtained for you as well.

International travel nursing can provide a worldwide wealth of knowledge, especially if you are interested in working in some of the poorer countries instead of those with a wealth of riches to offer. The challenges of working in a country that speaks a different language, has a different culture, and has different medical needs can be crucial to the expansion of your nursing knowledge. The development of worldwide knowledge that you are able to take home with you can make the experience one that will allow you to greater utilize the skills that you have learned. Becoming an international travel nurse can also provide you with a scope of knowledge in the travel field, allowing you to travel while at the same time, performing the job that you love. Perhaps you have something to offer the country where you are placed, and can bring back some of their knowledge as well. The combination of the two knowledge bases can ultimately be beneficial to patients on both sides of the global community. The sharing of knowledge in the medical field is the key to the entire world knowing how to treat the diseases that plague our people, and the utilization of international travel nurses, both into other countries, and from other countries into the United States, will make that happen. Each has knowledge to share, and a skill that is unique, so the working together of the two cultures can only improve what each country is already practicing.
Tip! Be aware of the voltage that's used for the country you're traveling to. If you are taking anything that requires an outlet; cell phone, computer, video camera, etc.

International travel nursing can be a rewarding experience for both the nurse and the people she is sent to serve both culturally and medically. The placement agency knows how important this is and will strive to make certain that each nurse is placed where the needs can best be met within the scope of her desires. If nursing in another country appeals to you, be sure to contact one of the companies that places nurses internationally and be on your way to an unforgettable cultural experience while expanding the scope of your medical knowledge.
Tip! Check what travel documentation you will need and get everything in order. Carry two forms of photo identification in two separate places.

Sandy Sizemore writes on many consumer related topics including health care. You can find travel nursing companies and info on international travel nursing and more by visiting our health care website.

Tips On How To Start A Career In International Travel Nursing

If you are a nurse who enjoys traveling, you may want to consider a travel nursing position. Many travel nurse placement agencies offer positions that range anywhere from four to thirteen weeks depending on the case. This type of position offers the opportunity to expand your horizons while obtaining more experience in your chosen field.

In terms of compensation, the traveling nurses tends to make anywhere between 10-15% more than the staff nurse with incentives and bonuses added to the package. For many nurses, being a travel nurse opens the opportunity to see parts of the country they would not ordinarily see in the course of normal employment. If you aren't able to travel because of children or financial obligations, you can still experience the thrill of being a travel nurse by accepting assignments closer to home. Of course, when you are able to do so, you can ask for assignments in other cities or states. That is one of the benefits of being a travel nurse with a placement agency: it leaves you in control of which assignments you accept. Unlike a staff position, you are not required to report to work every day as per a set schedule unless you are on an assignment. When you are in between assignments, the choice is yours to accept or decline, and often times with a travel nurse, bonuses are paid to those who complete assignments. Are the assignments always in hospitals or nursing homes? That depends on the assignment, but the potential is also there for private duty. Some nurses prefer private duty cases, and in many cases, the pay is higher than it is in a facility-based assignment. Let the placement agency know if you prefer a particular kind of environment because they will try to accommodate you whenever possible. The key role is to meet the needs of both the patient or facility and the nurse. The more comfortable the nurse is with the position to which she has been assigned, the easier it will be for her to perform her job.

Travel nursing opens up many opportunities in the field, and for the nurse who is good at what she does, and not adverse to relocation, opportunities in other states as a staff nurse may be a thought to consider. This is a good way to feel the waters and see if you like different scenery before making the permanent decision to move to an unfamiliar place. This type of position is not for everyone, but if you like to travel and try different things, this is the kind of position you will love. Not only will you see other parts of the country, you will experience a completely different world of individuality in the new people you will meet.
Tip! Germany An old favorite that still can pull its weight with the tourism crowd and one of only two European entries that made the list, Germany has much to offer. More than just Oktoberfest, beer and sausages, travelers can delight in specialties from each of the country's regions.

Sandy Sizemore writes on many consumer related topics including health care. You can find travel nursing companies and info on international travel nursing and more by visiting our health care website.

Paid Travel for Adventurous University Graduates

Is it possible for recent university graduates to get a job where they can save over $1000 a month, get flown around the world, and have their accommodations furnished and paid for?

If this seems too good to be true, you're right about one thing: it is good, but, in fact, it also happens to be true.

Almost everyone has heard of teaching English as a second language overseas. But, most people don't think that it applies to them. "Most people think that you have to be a certified teacher, or have some special training, when in fact, university graduates of any major are able to do this," says Jason Cresswell, co-owner and CEO of Access South Korea Now (ASK Now Inc.). According to Cresswell, who himself spent five years teaching in South Korea, the main qualifications are that the applicant be a native English speaker, be a graduate of university, and have a passport from a country where English is the first language (Canada, the United States, U.K., Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa). Beyond that, the person must be willing to commit to a year in another country.

When asked why the schools are willing to pay such a good salary to recent grads, and even pay for their flight and apartment, Cresswell responds, "English is the international language. Korean people are ambitious and aspire to travel, do business outside of their borders, and be part of the global community. In order to accomplish these goals, they must be able to communicate in English."
Tip! Learn some local phrases. If you are traveling to a country with a foreign language, it's always nice to know some of the local phrases.

So that explains the demand end of the equation, how about supply? "Take a survey amongst your friends. See how many of them who have graduated would be willing to pack their bags and leave the comfort of their familiar surroundings in exchange for a place and culture they know nothing about."

While it's true that most people aren't able to pack up and leave for a year, there are those who are perfectly suited to this. ASK Now's website, www.asknow.ca, features comments from some of those whom Cresswell and company have sent to South Korea. "I'm the VIP foreigner wherever I go." "We're not sure if one year is long enough to see everything." "We have learned the Westerner mantra, Beware of Soju (Korean alcohol)" and "We went to Japan and met a bunch of other foreigners there."

Reading the comments, you can tell immediately that the type of person suited for this opportunity is adventurous, curious, and looking for a major change in their life.
Tip! Season choice. Traveling in Thailand Islands during the low season can save you up to 25% of the accommodation costs (up to 25$ per bungalow per night if you choose high standard – not luxury - accommodation).

It is not only money that is a motivator. Travel, exposure to a new culture, and having a stand-out resume are also reasons people go.

"It's great for those just entering the full-time job market. They spend a year or two paying off student loans, return home, and stand out immediately from their competition when applying for a job," says Cresswell.

An employer faced with choosing between two candidates with similar education would be very likely to favor a candidate with international work experience. It shows the person can adapt to change, is independent, and can be trusted to finish what they start.

What if you can't speak Korean? "No problem," says Cresswell. "My first year in Korea, I barely learned any Korean. On the plane ride home after my first year, I decided I would be going back and that I should learn some more of the language. I did. It made my experience much better. Actually, it allowed me to meet, and eventually marry my wife who didn't speak English."
Tip! Personalized Service: A good travel consultant is someone who takes the time to listen to exactly what it is you want. But it is not only what you 'say' you want.

Cresswell married his wife, So Young, a Korean model, after a courtship in Korean. "Learning the language worked out well for me," he understates.

When asked about the cost of using his company's services, Cresswell responds, "Free. And if you deal with a company that wants to charge you to find a job, you should discontinue your relationship with them. We are paid by the schools to find qualified, quality candidates."

If you're intrigued by this opportunity and you can picture yourself packing your bags, visit http://www.asknow.ca to learn more. According to the website, qualified and eager candidates can begin their new life in as little as a month.

Jason Cresswell is co-owner and CEO of ASK Now Inc., a company that helps university graduates find employment teaching English in South Korea. He spent 5 years teaching and traveling to countries such as South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan. He is married to a Korean model, speaks Korean, and divides his time between Canada and South Korea. Jason is available for interviews for radio, television, newspaper, magazine, and other media.
Tip! Transportation from the airport will have been included with your travel package, follow everyone else outside and look for your tour staff who will guide you to your proper bus or taxi driver.

Jason Cresswell ASK Now Inc. jason@asknow.ca http://www.asknow.ca 705-673-7179 or 705-662-2043

Not Happy With Your Nursing Career or Need to Start One? Travel Nurses are in Great Demand!

If you are a nurse or plan to be one you may want to check out travel nurses. The benefits are huge and the demand for nurses in the United States is in dire need.

In the United States the number of young people entering the nursing field has declined, so much so, that it is feared that when the baby boomer nurses, who will soon retire, will put an immense strain on the medical profession. With this great demand come many incentives to entice nurses to relocate, for example:

1) If you are coming from another country, you can be sponsored to obtain visa green cards and a social security number that will allow you to start work immediately. If you have a husband and children, they also can get green cards so they can remain with you and live and work in the States.

2) The agency can assist you with moving expenses and help find a suitable lodging for you and your family.
Tip! Even if you are traveling domestically don't be shy in looking for discounts. There are many off-season discounts available.

3) Free dental, health and life insurance are often offered as an incentive,

4) 401Ks with company matches may be offered to you.

5) License and NCLEX reimbursements may be offered to you.

6) Great pay!

It helps greatly to have experience in your field because if you do become a travel nurse you can be placed in a new hospital or facility and work in your specialized field immediately.

If you are not an experienced nurse then you may want to get that under your belt. Some hospitals want you to contract with them, but if you have any desire to relocate then you may want to pass that up and continue to train for that much needed experience. Some agencies will also place therapists and technicians.

If you are the adventurous type of person and want to experience many different facilities then you can be placed for 8 to 13 weeks at a particular place where your accommodations are taken care of for you. If you provide your own accommodations then you can get a generous subsidy for it. You can discuss what type of assignment you want and how long you want to do it and how many facilities you would like to work at. When your assignment is done you may want to consider a permanent residence or you may decide to resume a new assignment at a later date.
Tip! You'll want to have your travel insurance information. Be sure to keep a copy of your travel insurance at home as well as on your trip so that a family member can access it if necessary.

You will be providing a much needed service, travel to different parts of the country and meet lots of new people. It is an excellent way to find out the opportunities available and what kind of pay range there is and possibly relocating permanently.

Willie is a researcher, writer and artist that has an interest in putting information on health and well being into the hands of the public. http://www.nursingcareerresources.info

Travel and Scenic Photography 101

When you're driving through the mountains somewhere, and you notice a car parked half off the road and some guy leaning to the left to avoid a branch with his Rebel 2000 camera in the act of focusing, you've met me. I do this because, to me, a trip isn't fulfilling unless I've preserved that beauty for posterity. I'd like to share some of the techniques that make scenic photography such a wonderful artform - simple, yet elegant.

First off, equipment. As much as the cheapo disposable camera beckons, get real. These cameras have fisheye lenses which I call "spam" lenses. They cram everything in, with equal blurriness and boringness. Good photos are sharp, unless you use blur for artistic effect. Sharp comes from an adjustable lens. It can be a fixed lens or a zoom, but it must focus specially for each picture. Fixed lenses are limiting for scenic pictures, where to frame the shot you may need to move long distances. Imagine using a fixed lens on the Washington Monument, when you're half a block away! Zooms get my vote, even though they often don't have as wide an aperture, which limits their capabilities in low light situations.

Practically speaking, an SLR is the absolute best. They are lightweight, and can be used with top quality lenses. Film SLRs tend to be less expensive, but have the limitations of film, meaning you have to get it developed and so forth. Digital SLRs are VERY expensive, so for the budget conscious either go with a film SLR or a high quality basic digital camera. With digital, resolution is also a critical factor, so look at the specs before you buy.

OK, we've got the camera, emotions are running high, and that's great, but not too great! Sometimes I find a spot that is so wonderful, I start shooting like a madman, only to be disappointed by the pictures. What happened? Emotions. When you experience a place, there are sounds, aromas and breezes as well as the visuals of the spot. Needless to say, you can't photograph all of these elements, only the visual. When overwhelmed by the spectacle of a scenic hotspot, we are often overwhelmed by all of these elements.
Tip! Season choice. Traveling in Thailand Islands during the low season can save you up to 25% of the accommodation costs (up to 25$ per bungalow per night if you choose high standard – not luxury - accommodation).

So what to do? Look through your camera. The viewfinder does not lie (usually). Try to see what you are looking at as the finished picture. Most people perfunctorily take pictures, hoping that somehow the shot will come out great. If you wonder how the pictures came out when you are on the way to the drug store to get them, you're doing something wrong. At the moment you click the pic, you should know exactly what you will get. (Of course with digital, that's not a trick!).
Tip! If traveling with children, bring along an updated photograph of each child in the event that you become separated from them.

Now, I was a tad dishonest in saying that you can't capture all of the elements of a scene. You can hint at them. For starters, motion. Yes, even in a still picture, there is motion. Something happened before, during and after your picture. In a mountain vista scene, you may find something that hints at motion, whether it be a branch of a tree that has been swaying in the breeze, or a river flowing through the valley below. These add a sense of motion.

Then there's the "rule of thirds." When you place the main object of the picture smack-dab in the middle, it is static and boring. Place it one third of the way from either side, and you IMPLY motion. Put the horizon in a landscape photo a third of the way up or down, not across the middle.
Tip! You'll want to have your travel insurance information. Be sure to keep a copy of your travel insurance at home as well as on your trip so that a family member can access it if necessary.

Remember, when a person looks at a picture, their eyes move. You want to frame your photo to help that movement. If you can find some lines in the scene, such as a skyline, cloud formation, path through the forest, etcetera, use it interestingly, and with the rule of thirds to draw your viewer's eyes into the picture.

Avoid "summit syndrome." You get to the top of Mount Washington and shoot the majestic vista. Great. The pictures come out ... boring! How? No PERSPECTIVE. Big vistas will be flat unless you have an object in the foreground, such as a rock or a tree, to give them perspective. Then the eye really grasps how big this scene is. People enjoying the view is a real winner, because the viewer may identify with their emotions, giving the image real impact.
Tip! Keep the kids entertained! Traveling with young ones can be a challenge. You want to have plenty of activities and toys to keep them occupied.

Cheese! Yes, you do have to take the family photos. It's obligatory. But when you do, make sure that they show the LOCATION of the photo. Otherwise, you might as well do it on your driveway. Frame the scene in context, with landmarks as part of the picture. Find a way to tell as story in the picture, such as little Sara climbing up the rocks by the waterfall.
Tip! If possible travel with only one or two credit cards.

Finally, any element in the picture that hints at more senses than just the visual will make it remarkable. Actor headshots for example, tell a story about the subject. You can almost hear them saying their next lines. If you photograph a garden, the viewer may experience the aroma of the flowers. A tourist street with an accordion player on the corner may have your amazed friends whistling "Dixie."

In summation, picture taking on travel is recording the experience in a satisfying way. Use motion, perspective, sensory, storytelling and so forth, to bring your photos to life. Oh, and needless to say, make your job easy and go to great places! See you at the overlook!

Seth Lutnick is a photographer, composer, and performer. He has taken thousands of scenic photos, recorded two albums of original music, and appeared on stage, TV and film. Visit his website - www.getitdone.biz - for more detailed plans on photography, music, health and education, and extensive product links for the resources to fulfill your goals.

Better Travel Photos With the Light in the Morning and Late Afternoon

You probably know the yellow "National Geographic" magazine. If you browse through its colorful pages you can see that many of the pictures are taken in the low, warm light of mornings and late afternoons or evenings.

The photographers of National Geographic are among the best we have. You can easily mimic this practice and create much more interesting pictures than most people bring home from travels. The low light will model the landscape you see for your eyes, so for example the plough furrows or differences in topography and texture are highlighted.

As a traveling photographer I know, that even on a photographic mission time is limited and your circumstances are often less that optimal.

I can recommend you to take the pictures you must take during the day. And then take a walk around your hotel or campground during the last two hrs. before sunset and shoot additional pictures in this special light. Try to do the same next morning before breakfast. In that way you will combine the best possibilities.
Tip! Internet. With the widespread use of the world wide web, travel prices have gone down considerably.

With a digital camera you can easily delete the less successful pictures later.

Low light gives long shadows, so be careful with these. Normally you should not expect parts of a picture to show up properly in both strong shadows and in full sunlight.

If your digital camera allows the raw format you will keep more details in shadows to work with in Photoshop later if you choose the raw format instead of the usual jpeg compression. But it depends on how much you like to optimize your pictures at home in a picture editor program.

In practice you should avoid the heavy shadows. When you shoot your photos in cities the big buildings are among the difficult objects. So take them from an angle without the big shadows, if possible.
Tip! Know the policy. One should know whether things like international coverage, emergency evacuation, accidental death, remains repatriation and family travel insurance are covered by the policy.

If you follow these instructions I am sure that the appeal of your travel pictures will increase.

Have good travels and enjoy your travel photography during the trip as well as afterwards.

Soren Breiting is a traveling stock photographer. See examples of Soren's travel pictures in his photo galleries at A-Z Fotos, http://www.azFOTOS.com and read about pictures and marketing in Soren's ezine ‘Stock Photo News' at http://www.StockPhotoNews.com

Travel Light To Get Those Images

What do you take with you when you go out on a photography trip? I guess this depends on what you are going out for in the first place and how long you are going to be there.

I find that I take my camera most places and some of my most valuable images have been caught whilst on shopping trips. I love getting impromptu shots especially of people.

There are always plenty of people around near where I live together with a number of different street events happening. This is a great opportunity for good images. Consequently, I don't need to lug a heavy tripod around and don't have the need for several flashy lenses.

My "everyday" bag consists of:

My digital camera fitted with 18 - 55mm lens and built-in flash, a skylight and polarising filter, lens cloth, memory card (and spare), fully charged battery (and spare), a small torch, notepad and pen.

It's not much and is easily portable. There are few scenarios that require more equipment. I travel light and reap the benefits of frequent photo opportunities.
Tip! Do not discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information in public within earshot of strangers.

Over the years I have found that because my camera is with me most of the time, it is like I am always on a permanent photography trip. Image opportunities that arise out of the blue can be captured easily because my camera is never far away.
Tip! Park only in well lit and well traveled areas.

Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com.

Introduction to Travel Photography

If you're a traveler and a photographer you're blessed with the opportunity of a lifetime to capture moments in time from throughout the world and allow others to experience the world through your photography. Your adventures will become others dreams and inspiration. Often a particular photograph could make someone want to follow in your footsteps. Just one photograph could trigger the travel bug in someone and the next thing you know, you, the photographer, and enhancing people's lives through the use of your camera.

Besides the impact travel photography has on others, it's also very rewarding to the travel photographer. Chances are you would have had a camera on you anyways, so why not apply the creative principles of art photography to help enhance the pictures you take.

How to take the best travel photographs There are two types of travel photography.

1) The "stand in front of that sweetie" brand and the "spontaneous and interesting" brand. Unfortunately most travel photography falls into the former category. We've all seen this type of photographer before, and regrettably most of us are guilty of it as well. We will try and capture the shot of something for no other purpose than to just prove we were there. The result is an often scripted, uncomfortable, predictable and visually boring picture. These types of pictures clog photo albums. Page one; the family in front of a water fountain. Page 2; the family in front of a monument. Page 3; the family in front of a sign that says something only funny to tourist. Congratulations, you've taken the same shots, in the same position as thousands and sometimes millions of other people. Let's now turn our attention to the other brand of travel photography, the spontaneous and interesting brand.

2) with this type of photography you are still free to capture the tourist site and you are still allowed to include yourself in the picture. However, there will be a stark difference in both composition and character engagement. Let's say for example that you and your family have gone on a kayaking for the day. Some people may line the kayaks up, gear up and stand in front of the kayaks, throw their thumbs in the air and "click". The picture is taken. When you get home to look at your shot you realize that the picture didn't capture the peacefulness of kayaking, the calming backdrop of mountains or the scared look on sisters face when she had to duck under a log. You've simply captured proof that you've been there and done that. A better idea would be to have someone on shore (because you probably don't want a camera in a kayak unless you're very skilled), and have them take pictures of the action while its happening. Even if you have to recreate events, it is still better than the scripted and visually boring alternative. Obviously capturing the moment spontaneously is best, but recreation finds itself in second place if that's the only other option.
Tip! You'll want to have your travel insurance information. Be sure to keep a copy of your travel insurance at home as well as on your trip so that a family member can access it if necessary.

Likewise if you're in Rome and you'd like to get a picture of your friend and the Coliseum all in one, try quickly pulling out your camera while they are looking at the size of the structure and snap a shot of the wonder and curiosity in their eyes. Often this takes some preplanning with however you're with. You will need to tell them; "Look, when I take out the camera I don't want you to stop what you're doing and "say cheese". Just keep doing what you're doing because I'm trying to capture our unpredictable and beautiful life as it unfolds". It may take a couple of times before they stop turning and looking your way, but once you get this down pat as a team, your pictures will turn out much better.
Tip! Learn some local phrases. If you are traveling to a country with a foreign language, it's always nice to know some of the local phrases.

John S Stare Online Photography School http://www.starephotography.com

Travel Photography: What to Keep in Mind

Just came from a Recent out of town trip and decided that It would be a good idea to share the things you need to do, prepare for your Travel Assignment or Vacation.

What to prepare when you travel?

1. You should have a good Traveling bag for your camera gear. Putting everything in order will help you in those situations when you need to find your gear or accessories fast. Good Cases and Travel bags also protect your gear from the elements.

2. Scout the place before you travel. Most Travel Destinations have been photographed before or someone may have went there in the past. Look for guides, warnings or anything online to give you a glimpse of what to expect. Looking at photos of others will give you a window to view where you are going so you can start imagining how you will take your signature shot of the Place. 3. Bring the Right Gear. Why bring a macro lens if you won't use it? It will only make your bag heavy and hard to carry long distances. Bring only what you need.

4. Bring a Good Tripod or monopod for those shots that need the extra stability like night shots or low light level shots.

5. Wear Comfortable clothes that will keep you warm and dry while you shoot. Wear comfortable shoes that you can use for walking long distances. Some people prefer to bring Photographers Vest which is a practical idea knowing that you have so many compartments to place your accessories.
Tip! Check what travel documentation you will need and get everything in order. Carry two forms of photo identification in two separate places.

6. Bring only the accessories you need. Graduated filters, polarizers, warming filters bring only what is necessary. Special filters like expodisc or whitebalance card may not be used in outdoor situations for travel photography.

7. Bring Extra Set of Batteries, Water, Gum or candy, a clean cloth for lenses. You will never know when your next store, or break will come if you are shooting travel, It is best to keep stock of the things that you will be needing while waiting. Water to quench your thirst, Gum or candy to keep you from starving and a clean cloth or towel to keep you and your lenses dry.

8. I usually psyche my self up by listening to music that gets me into the mood to shoot. You can do this or maybe view some of your favorite photos or maybe read books on the destination you are going to.

10. There is safety in numbers. Find out who else is going to your destination, if it is a fiesta, festival or some event there will always be other photographers there.

11. Have emergency numbers ready. Not that anything will happen to you but it would be good to have some numbers handy. If you travel abroad, keep your embassy numbers. If you travel to a province or a nearby city it would be good to keep numbers of relatives that live nearby or maybe the number of the hotel that you stay in.
Tip! Customer Advocacy: If you encounter problems with any part of your travel experience, a travel consultant is there to advocate for you. I once had clients try to check in to their Cancun Resort, only to be told that the resort had overbooked and they would have to be accommodated at a 'nearby' property.

12. One of the important things to consider when traveling in this digital age is that you should consider your shooting capacity and your memory storage solutions. How big your files are and how often you shoot will leave you needing more and more memory cards. There are digital wallets available in the market but I still prefer to download them to my laptop or burn them to CD for multiple backups.
Tip! Internet. With the widespread use of the world wide web, travel prices have gone down considerably.

13. Like any other shoot, this is something you should enjoy and make the most out of. Don't Let it pressure you, go with the flow and do what you do best.. Take good photos!

Anton Sheker is a photographer based in Philippines. For more Photography Lessons, tips and tricks visit his site online at http://www.photo.net.ph/blogalicious.

Anton Sheker is also founder and member of the World Photo Directory http://www.worldphotodirectory.com

How To Avoid This Number One Mistake Others Have With Travel Photography

I spoke not long ago about travel photography. I'd like to discuss a particular problem with travel photography, and it's not with the camera, it's with us.

One thing that you might notice whilst travelling is the lighting differences between the place you are visiting and home. Your digital camera 'light settings' will still be set to where you came from, not where you are when you are travelling to.

Last year I went London on business and while I was there I discovered something very important. I had my trusty Sony set to an E/V of 1.0+. This really means, in English, that I had the eye of the camera adjusted to reduce some light because light here in Australia is so bright. I realised what a bright environment we live in down under when I went overseas. In a nutshell I had my camera set to 'Australian light settings', not 'UK light settings.' It's not really called a 'light setting', but I'll use that term for the purpose of simplicity. When I got to London I looked at the viewfinder and everything looked really dark. I was confused at first but had a suspicion. So I took a few test shots to try out my feeling about what was happening. I was right I had the camera on the wrong setting for London light. My first test shots I focused the camera at the brightest part of the object I was taking and took the shot. As a result my pictures came out either too bright or too dark.
Tip! Do not discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information in public within earshot of strangers.

I then took the E/V up to 1.7+ and got the right shots. I got the right shots because I adjusted the amount of light that was coming into the camera. And to me, coming from such a bright place and going to London to me, seemed a darker place generally. Not bright, glary light like Melbourne. However this light is fantastic for digital photography if you have filtered light like this. In Australia we are constantly ranting "the polariser! the polariser!" But in London, at times, I could get away with not having it on the camera at all.

So please remember the first thing you do with that digital when you are travelling is to look at what you have the camera set to accept new lighting conditions. You may need to adjust the aperture if you are going from one continent and one season to another. Each season has a different light and varies from country to country.
Tip! Know the policy. One should know whether things like international coverage, emergency evacuation, accidental death, remains repatriation and family travel insurance are covered by the policy.

Have a great day.

Amy Renfrey

www.digitalphotographysuccess.com

Travel Photography for Amateurs

When traveling, many people take a camera along so they can bring home pictures to remember their trip. If you're looking for a way to turn so-so snapshots to fabulous photos, take a moment to review these tips.

Before You Leave

Make sure you're familiar with how your camera works. If you haven't read the manual, do it. You may find that your camera has capabilities you didn't know about, or you may find answers to questions that have been bothering you.

When you pack for your trip, bring your manual, extra camera batteries or a battery charger, and digital storage cards or film for your camera. If you plan on taking lots of digital photos and you have a laptop, it may be a wise idea to bring it so you can download your images and reuse your cards. For air travel, pack your camera gear in a carry-on bag, especially if you're fortunate enough to own sophisticated equipment. Even locked, checked luggage can be broken into, and if your equipment is stolen, most airlines will not reimburse you. Avoid putting your camera in a jacket pocket, too, since it's easy to leave a jacket on the plane or in the airport. Before you exit the plane, double-check to make sure you have all your things.

If you have enough gear to warrant a camera bag, try to find one that doesn't scream, "I'm a camera bag. Steal me!" You may want to consider a backpack-like style because they're easy to carry around all day, leave your hands free, and appear relatively inconspicuous.
Tip! Know the policy. One should know whether things like international coverage, emergency evacuation, accidental death, remains repatriation and family travel insurance are covered by the policy.

Camera Settings

Your camera's automatic settings control the f-stop and shutter speed for you. The f-stop determines how blurry the background looks. The smaller the number (like 5.6), the more the background blurs. The larger the number (like 16), the sharper everything in the picture is. Neither one is inherently better than the other; it all depends on what you're photographing and what effect you want.

Shutter speed refers to how quickly the camera's shutter opens and closes. The higher the shutter speed, the faster it takes the picture. To freeze action, you need to shoot at a minimum of 125. Below 60, you need a tripod to keep the image sharp because your hand will move enough to affect the picture.

Point-and-shoot cameras may not allow you to adjust both settings yourself. However, understanding your camera's automatic settings can help you control how your photos look. For instance, portrait settings are designed to keep the main subject sharp and blur the background, while landscape settings keep everything sharp. Shoot a variety of subjects on each of your camera's settings to see what they do and what you like.

Some cameras have semi-automatic settings which allow you to set either the f-stop or the shutter speed yourself, while the camera sets the other one. These are often ideal: you still have a good amount of control over how your image looks, but you don't have to worry about meter-reading or quickly changing light conditions.
Tip! Customer Advocacy: If you encounter problems with any part of your travel experience, a travel consultant is there to advocate for you. I once had clients try to check in to their Cancun Resort, only to be told that the resort had overbooked and they would have to be accommodated at a 'nearby' property.

If you can change your camera's settings, you should know about ISO speeds. They control how much light your camera or film needs to take an image. Low numbers like 100 work in bright daylight, while higher numbers like 400 are for cloudy days or possibly indoors. The lower the ISO number, the more detail your photos will have, so set it at the lowest number you can.
Tip! Make sure the stitching is double on the soft golf travel cases.

Composition and Subject Matter

The number one thing you can do to improve your photography is good composition. Camera manuals used to say that you should place your subject in the middle. This was because viewfinders showed more than would end up in your picture, but it usually looks boring.

Instead, imagine three equally-spaced lines running across your image both horizontally and vertically. The places where the lines meet are the strongest areas to place your subject. You don't need to draw lines on your viewfinder to do this, however, just practice putting your subjects off-center. Try taking a few shots from different angles. After a while you'll get the hang of it.
Tip! Do not discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information in public within earshot of strangers.

It's a good idea to shoot slightly more than you want in the picture, because when you get prints, your images may end up getting cropped to fit the print sizes. If you have photo editing software, you can crop it yourself to the right size so that it looks best. Don't go over board with the extra space, though, because printing a small portion of a larger image will result in poor quality.

Generally, the more your subject fills the frame, the better. That's especially true for people and animals. You probably don't care about your companion's vacation wardrobe; what's important is their face. If your camera doesn't have a zoom lens, you'll be more limited in how tight a shot you can get. Pay attention to what's going on in the background. You don't want a stop sign sticking out of someone's head.
Tip! Check what travel documentation you will need and get everything in order. Carry two forms of photo identification in two separate places.

Of course, when you're traveling you also want to see people in the locations. There's nothing wrong with photographing your companions by a famous landmark, but remember to use creative composition. Another great way to break out of the "people standing in a line in front of a monument" snapshot is by taking candid pictures. You'll also get more genuine expressions that way.

Photographing local people can help tell a story about the place you're visiting, especially if you're in an exotic destination. However, many people find it rude to be photographed without permission. If you know that's the case or if someone looks upset about you pointing your camera at them, ask if it's okay to take their picture. A little flattery may be helpful, and some may even ask for money. Don't push it if they say no.

Landscapes also capture the feeling of a place, but too often they fall flat. Having something in the foreground will jazz up your landscapes. A lone fisherman on the lake in front of majestic mountains not only adds interest to the shot, it shows just how huge the mountains actually are. Leading lines are good in any image, and even more so in landscapes. What are they? Things like roads, fences, or a line of trees which begin in the foreground and lead the viewer's eye to the background.
Tip! Germany An old favorite that still can pull its weight with the tourism crowd and one of only two European entries that made the list, Germany has much to offer. More than just Oktoberfest, beer and sausages, travelers can delight in specialties from each of the country's regions.

Remember, interesting photo opportunities are everywhere. A bustling market, a cityscape, details of an object or building, a roadside food shack, or a lizard sunning himself can all make great shots. And while everyone prefers to remember their travels as pleasant experiences, few places are completely idyllic. You may encounter poverty, industrial areas, or locations damaged by natural disasters, war, or terrorism on your trip. Although such subjects aren't the cheeriest, they can yield powerful images that make a statement.

Bon voyage!

Karen Joslin writes for Caribbean-Guide.info, Jamaica-Guide.info, and other Segisys travel Web sites.

© 2006, Interactive Internet Websites, Inc. Article may only be reprinted if it is not modified in any way, and if all links remain live.

Travel Photography Tips and Preparation

I just returned from a trip through Europe as a tour photographer and gained some useful knowledge that could be helpful to any photographers, amateur or professional who are planning a trip. This article deals with: obtaining the necessary equipment, carrying the equipment and always being in the right place at the right time. If you are hoping to get a professional collection of pictures from a vacation or group tour in a far away place you should definitely consider some of these issues. If you would like to see a collection of my personal photos from some of my trips (in which I used these techniques) please visit the wallpaper galleries on picturecorrect.com. -My Personal Equipment Preparation

Through many photography trips I gradually developed a strategy for traveling lightly and conveniently with a sufficient amount of camera equipment. On long trips I typically take along two cameras; one digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera and one small digital point-and-shoot camera. For the SLR camera I take two lenses; one midrange telephoto lens (70-200 mm) and one fixed wide angle lens (24 mm). With these two types of lenses you will be ready for effective people pictures and beautiful landscape and scenery photos.
Tip! If traveling with children, bring along an updated photograph of each child in the event that you become separated from them.

In addition to the cameras I absolutely always have some sort of tripod readily available whether it is the simple mini type or the full size larger type (for traveling you should make sure the tripod is made out of a light-weight material). For memory storage I take a larger memory card for the SLR and typically a smaller capacity card for the point-and-shoot camera. I also recently purchased an ipod so as soon as the memory cards are full I just unload them onto my ipod.

-Carrying the Equipment

For long trips that are full of photo opportunities I only carry one shoulder bag for my photography equipment. I keep the SLR camera in the bag with the extra lens that I am not currently using. I then carry the smaller point-and-shoot camera in the pocket of my cargo pants or shorts. The newer small digital point-and-shoot style cameras have developed so much that sometimes I feel that the photos I obtain from that camera are better then the SLR camera's photos. If you keep a small camera in your pocket then you will always be ready for spontaneous photo opportunities (mainly people pictures). And that way you won't always have to have a huge camera hanging around your neck which in many places will make you an instant target for professional pick pocketers.
Tip! Be aware of the voltage that's used for the country you're traveling to. If you are taking anything that requires an outlet; cell phone, computer, video camera, etc.

I can't emphasize how important a tripod is on vacation trips. I am thoroughly convinced that the best pictures I have taken have either been at sunset or at night with long shutter speeds made possible by the use of a tripod. It has also come in very handy for architectural photos inside many cathedrals and buildings that have huge areas that are not very well lit.

-Techniques for Professional Travel Photos

Of course for effective photos you should read some articles on composition, exposure, shutter speed, and aperture. But there are also many other issues that I have realized are very important for travel photos. For pictures of landmarks or landscapes you should make sure that you have some kind of foreground and background so your viewers will have a good perspective of what it would be like to visit the site themselves. You should also make sure that you take plenty of photos from one scene with different combinations of exposure settings and angles. I usually only find about 1 photo out of 10 that I really like even though all ten photos are taken of the exact same place. And remember that you will probably want to make sure that you get at least one good photo of each spot since it is likely that you won't return any time soon.
Tip! Expert Guidance: Travel agents are able to provide valuable advice and expert guidance because they deal with travel every day. Additionally, a great agent also networks with other agents, benefiting from their experiences and expertise.

For people pictures it is important to get photos of the people that may be accompanying you on your trip as well as some photos of people native to the area that you are visiting. When people are looking at photos following a trip they like to see both photos of them visiting certain spots as well as close ups of them enjoying themselves or focused mainly on their facial features. On the occasions that I have been hired to accompany a tour and prepare a slide show I found that the photos that the people enjoyed the most were of them enjoying a funny moment or of someone doing something silly that makes them look like an ignorant tourist. But they also enjoyed seeing photos of some of the interesting kinds of people that they met in the foreign environments. One example of this is on my recent visit to Germany I took many pictures of the crazy soccer fans who were cheering in the streets and waving flags.
Tip! Guidebooks. Tried and true, travel guidebooks are a traveler's best friend.

There is a seemingly endless supply of things you can learn about travel photography, but I would say that the most effective technique is just to take a lot of photos and a wide variety of photos.

Richard Schneider is a digital photography enthusiast and founder of http://www.picturecorrect.com/ which offers tips and news about digital photography, digital camera reviews, and photoshop tutorials. Please also visit http://www.picturecorrect.com/freewallpaper.htm where you can find many examples of the techniques described in this article to use as your desktop wallpaper.

Travel Photography Tips

Summer time is the perfect time for snap happy people, and for anyone heading to an exotic destination for a well deserved break. Tourists all over the world capture priceless memories forever and their top-quality images are then stored away never to be seen by anyone.

Travel photography is a great hobby for any holiday goer, and with a few helpful tips you can bring home some great images that you can enjoy forever. If your images are better then normal you may be able to make some cash from them.

The key to travel photography is to make your images appealing to a wider audience than normal. You want to capture the mood and culture of a new place. You need to be able to sell a holiday through a photo.

Tips on what to photograph:

Taking landscape images in a far-off land can be tricky. The light conditions may be very different from what you are used to. Exposure may also be very tricky to calculate. If you are in doubt, bracket your shots to ensure that you will get the perfect image.

Travel photographers should start their day as the sun is rising. This is the best time to capture mood in a landscape image.

Night time urban landscape pictures will always make an interesting shot when exposed correctly. Use a tripod to ensure that your image is sharp.

Food shots can be very memorable, try to include the waiter or anything that you normally don't see at home. The interior and the exterior of restaurants can also be photographed. Take pictures of local signs, buildings and famous landmarks. Be very careful with the position of the sun. Try taking images when the sun is to your side. This will cast long shadows along the front of the building. Use a polarising filter to cut out any glare from the glass in buildings.

Photograph the people. Travel companies are always seeking interesting people images. Photograph people eating food - people working - children playing - local police, fire fighters and any other service people in the area. Make sure that they are doing something interesting.

Visit local markets. This can make very interesting photography. Take plenty of images of the local stalls and the sellers. Take pictures of the different foods and anything else that you think may be unusual.

Travel photography may also be an immense financial trip for the professional photographer. Photo publishers are always seeking new material and are always on the look out for new talent.

When you return home with your images make a copy of each. Label each image with a brief caption. Its best to do this straight away when the holiday is fresh in your head.

Any holiday goer with the ability to use their lens correctly has the potential to sell their images. All you need to know is what makes a good travel image. You don't need to be a top class photographer to profit from taking pictures of far-off places.
Tip! Once you've gotten all your travel discounts on hotels and airfare, you can still save some money on your vacation by buying food at the grocery and cooking it yourself instead of eating out for every meal. Restaurants tend to have cheap food that might not be the healthiest so do your wallet and your health a favor by eating in.

TJ Tierney is an award winning Irish Landscape photographer and a freelance writer. He frequently writes for the photography directory Goldprints.com and the shopping directory Shop 4 us.com

To view or buy some of his images visit his on-line gallery - Pictures of Ireland