Insider Interview: James Smith, Photographer

A few weeks ago, we shared some info on the photography tours that Insight Vacations has recently added to their collection. Since then, we’ve met the professional photographer who will be on hand during one of those trips, James Smith. James, who also writes a travel/photography blog (we’re partial to this post about travel agents!), talks with us today about photography tips and his favorite places to shoot in Europe. James has worked in the travel industry for years as a cruise ship photographer and videographer. Now, he’s sharing his knowledge with guests who are passionate about improving their own vacation photography.

photo: Insight Vacations

What camera equipment is worth the baggage fees?

It entirely depends on what kind of photography you're interested in. There are some remarkably good pocket cameras that can make some excellent prints. Even some mobile phones are more than capable. However to get the most of your images, I would bring a digital SLR camera, a mid-range lens (the one that came with the camera will be fine) and a flash for portraits and evening events. A tripod is very useful for low-light shots where the exposure is slower and can blur the photo. It's also great for making panoramic landscape images that need to have a steady horizontal axis. There are lots of tripods that are both lightweight and compact.

They say the best time to shoot is dawn and dusk, for the subtle lighting conditions. Will there be concessions made during the tour to make sure photographers have a chance to shoot during these times?

Great photos are achievable at any time of day, though the strongest contrasts are when the sun is at its lowest. There will be times after the tours for shopping and photography.

The guests can feel free to get up bright and early before breakfast to get a few shots in, though they should be careful not to miss the coach!

Do you have any tips or easy changes that people can make to bring their photos to the next level? What are some common mistakes or pitfalls that budding photographers should avoid?

(1) Never delete a photo from the preview on the back of your digital camera; wait until you see it full size. It might be worth saving or editable to become something special. (2) Always have a spare battery, memory card/film and lens cloth. (3) Take plenty of shots and shoot your subject from different angles. Move around it/them and pick your favourite.

In the destinations of the tour you’re part of, what are your favorite scenes & subjects to shoot?

I'm really looking forward to Rome. Although I've been previously while working for Princess Cruises, it's such a beautiful city and there's enough to keep a Photographer of any level busy for years. I'll have to bring a few memory cards, plenty of batteries and keep snapping. The Vatican often stop people bringing tripods and big equipment in, though the common digital SLRs are so common-place I wouldn't expect any issues.

Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, James!

For more information on this trip, call your FROSCH travel agent, or visit froschvacations.com.

Photography Tours

Maps: Insight Vacations (click to view larger)

Are you a serious or aspiring photographer? Do the terms white balance, bokeh, and f-number roll off the tongue? Do you know what DSLR stands for? Then you’ll love these trips.

Insight Vacations, one of our preferred tour operators, has added two new photography-themed tours to their collection. These trips include all the same highlights, inclusions, and sightseeing you expect on a journey through Europe, but with the added benefit of a photography expert at hand and like-minded fellow photographers as your travel companions.

The two dedicated photography trips—“A Snapshot on Europe,” and “Rome to London in Focus” include first-class accommodations and dining, plus one-of-a-kind experiences like gondola rides, a diamond-cutting demonstration, and private museum tours. The professional photographers will offer tutorials, camera support, and lectures on technique—meaning you’ll get the most out of your equipment, preserving your vacation memories better than ever before.

Ask your FROSCH travel agent for prices and dates!

Caught in the act!

Animal lovers everywhere will recognize the mischievous glint in the eyes of this lioness as she decides that this video camera, set up by Tswalu photographers to capture footage of the Kalahari wildlife, now belongs to her. What big teeth! Here's how it went down: 

Photographer Roger de la Harpe, of Africa Imagery, has been shooting at Tswalu Kalahari for his book about African lions. He wanted to get some close up shots with a small digital video camera so placed it where he knew a pride of lions would soon be passing. As expected the lions came into view. Unexpectedly, and to the horror of Roger who was watching from a distance, one of the lionesses showed an unhealthy interest in the camera. She licked it, gave it a good sniff and then picked it up in her mouth and ran off with it (Via Tswalu Kalahari Blog)

Incidentally, Tswalu, a private game reserve in South Africa, happens to be one of our favorite places to recommend to those looking for an amazing safari experience. It's home to the Malori Sleep Out Deck, known as "the best bed in Africa" and a luxurious outdoor loo with an incredible view. Perhaps as you shower under the stars you'll catch a glimpse of this camera-toting lioness!

6 Steps to Amazing Wildlife Photography

So you've booked your dream vacation-- an African safari, Australian walkabout, or Antarctic expedition-- or maybe you're touring our national parks or even just heading to the beach with the kids. You'll want to savor the experience and preserve the memories by taking the best possible wildlife photos. Here's how. 

Get close.

Obviously, there may be obstacles to getting up close and personal with your subject, especially if your subject is a protected species and/or has sharp teeth! But if you minimize your distance and invest in a decent zoom lens, you’ll be able to fill your frame with beautiful wildlife closeups. 

Creative Commons photo by fwooper

Aim high and get low.

The best way to get a unique, provocative shot is to change your perspective. Kneel or lay on the ground & consider using whatever grass or foliage is nearby to frame your shot. If you get the opportunity to take a hot-air balloon, bush plane, or helicopter ride, bring your camera—just don’t drop it!

Be late to bed and early to rise.

There is something special about photography that’s done at dawn or dusk. Not only is this the time of day that most wildlife is active, the quality of light often imparts a sense of mystery and ephemeral beauty that you just can’t get with the harsher shadows of full daylight.

Hold still.

For blur-free photos and the sharpest focus, use this technique: stabilize your arms on a stationary object, like a wall, the ground, or a car, or tuck them in close to your body to minimize movement. A tripod is superior, of course, but with prohibitive baggage allowances this isn’t always practical. 

Creative Commons photo by szeke

Don't be afraid to edit.

There’s no shame in editing your photos a bit when you get back. Using a free photo editing software, such as Picasa, you can easily crop, sharpen, or adjust the exposure of your pictures, bringing them to the next level of awesomeness.

Exhibit only the best.

Resist the urge to develop every last one of your memory card’s 2,048 photos and foist the stack on every acquaintance you encounter post-vacation. Select the best 10% and upload them to your Facebook account or a photo website such as Flickr. Consider publishing the very best in your own professionally-printed coffee table book.

What are your wildlife photography tips and secrets? Share them by posting a comment below or on our Facebook page!