Travel Photography Subjects: Odd/Whacky/Other

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This is it!? The last post in the Travel Photography Subjects series.? I hope you have enjoyed the other post and found some useful subjects you will be inspired to shoot on your next trip.? If you missed any of the previous 20 subjects, here are the links for you: Water, Old People, Young People, Religion, Sports, Socializing, Icons, Rich, Poor, Transportation, Economy, Food, Food Preparation, Weather, Art, Modern Vs. Traditional, Downtown, Views, History and Architecture.

The twenty-first Travel Photography Subject is Odd/Whacky/Other.? It?s a catchall of sorts but it also a reminder to not take myself so seriously when traveling.? And when traveling, there is ultimately a lot that seems odd or whacky or just down right different.? Most travel is that way, I believe.?? While looking for all the ?serious? subjects in this series, it is important to have a row on the checklist for the subjects that just don?t fit.

What I and you consider odd/whacky/other is going to differ and that is the best way to have it.? This category really lets an individual?s personality shine as it shows what tickles the fancy of that particular photographer.? Whacky can be someone doing something funny, or just a juxtaposition that seems humorous (as in my example up top).? Odd is just that, odd to you.? And Other, well, Other is something of a copout, I admit.? But it is also a good reminder to break out of the mold that I have been forming with this list over the last six months.

For me, the twenty-one items on this list comprise a solid foundation for which to build a coherent photographic travel narrative.? I want to again thank Catherine Karnow for introducing me to a version of this list on which I have expanded and adapted.? As I look forward to more travels in 2011 to Nepal, Bhutan, Italy, Hawaii, Peru, to name a few locations, this list will always be in my back pocket with another copy in my photobag.

Here is a copy of the list in table format to help you in your travel photography endeavors.? Happy shooting!!

Subject	Shot?
Water
Old People
Young People
Religion
Sports
Socializing
Icons
Rich
Poor
Transportation
Economy
Food
Food Preparation
Weather
Art
Modern vs. Traditional
Downtown
Views
History
Architecture
Odd/Whacky/Other

Post from: Digital Photography School

View the original article here

Travel Photography Subjects: Odd/Whacky/Other

This is it!  The last post in the Travel Photography Subjects series.  I hope you have enjoyed the other post and found some useful subjects you will be inspired to shoot on your next trip.  If you missed any of the previous 20 subjects, here are the links for you: Water, Old People, Young People, Religion, Sports, Socializing, Icons, Rich, Poor, Transportation, Economy, Food, Food Preparation, Weather, Art, Modern Vs. Traditional, Downtown, Views, History and Architecture.

The twenty-first Travel Photography Subject is Odd/Whacky/Other.  It’s a catchall of sorts but it also a reminder to not take myself so seriously when traveling.  And when traveling, there is ultimately a lot that seems odd or whacky or just down right different.  Most travel is that way, I believe.   While looking for all the ‘serious’ subjects in this series, it is important to have a row on the checklist for the subjects that just don’t fit.

What I and you consider odd/whacky/other is going to differ and that is the best way to have it.  This category really lets an individual’s personality shine as it shows what tickles the fancy of that particular photographer.  Whacky can be someone doing something funny, or just a juxtaposition that seems humorous (as in my example up top).  Odd is just that, odd to you.  And Other, well, Other is something of a copout, I admit.  But it is also a good reminder to break out of the mold that I have been forming with this list over the last six months.

For me, the twenty-one items on this list comprise a solid foundation for which to build a coherent photographic travel narrative.  I want to again thank Catherine Karnow for introducing me to a version of this list on which I have expanded and adapted.  As I look forward to more travels in 2011 to Nepal, Bhutan, Italy, Hawaii, Peru, to name a few locations, this list will always be in my back pocket with another copy in my photobag.

Here is a copy of the list in table format to help you in your travel photography endeavors.  Happy shooting!!

View the original article here

Travel Photography Subjects: Architecture

Rounding the corner and heading to the finish of this 21 post series, today’s Travel Photography Subject is Architecture. Photographing architecture is more than just taking pictures of every building you during your travels. A bit of background: I am not an architecture expert and I don’t pretend to be. And this post will not be a lesson in architecture because I honestly can’t tell Baroque from Romantic. But I do notice patterns.

Being a novice in the field of architecture, when I travel I look for patterns. Patterns in architecture are easier to spot in homogenous areas, where towns were built up in a given period and thus given to that period’s forms. I think here of the cliff-side towns in Greece, the classic whitewash buildings standing out over the Mediterranean. A whole town of the same flavor? Easy to capture.

The challenge comes when trying to get a grip on an area with varied architecture. This happens often in towns more than a couple of hundred years old. As the previous Travel Photography Subject of Modern vs. Traditional pointed out, this mix within a city can be very photogenic. But that old building standing there amongst the modern skyscrapers, is it an anomoly, or are there others like it? And the skyscrapers themselves, sure there are the standard, block style concrete and glass structures famously built in the 70s and 80s. What about more modern designs that escape the dull four sided look?

It is certainly a good idea to learn a bit about the architecture of the location you will be visiting during a trip. With a quick search, I found this resource a handy tool to look up and learn the various styles. I am sure the more astute architecturally inclined in our readership can help with other online resources.

Beyond the subject of architecture itself is the means of photographing it. You may notice in the site I referenced above most of the photos are fairly standard, straight on shots. This is fine for a general feel, but starts tipping into my sore spot of average travel photos. My suggestion with architectural photography is to take those wide angle photos (I certainly did with the picture of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland) but also get into the details. That cathedral has enough ornate details work to fill a full day of shooting, especially in different light. Every building, or bridge or spire need not become a week long photographic obsession, yet more can be learned by zooming in and seeing how the pieces of the puzzle fit together.

I love architecture because it always presents two questions for me; Why and How. These are structures that took time and intent to erect. Someone, likely more than one person, spent time designing with a specific purpose and then another group spent time to bring those ideas to fruition. Explore how it all fits and look for the why, be it ornamental, structural or practical.

I wold love to see your take on different architecture from around the world! Share a photo or a link in the comments section below.

—–

View the original article here

Travel Photography Subjects: Architecture

type="html">

Rounding the corner and heading to the finish of this 21 post series, today’s Travel Photography Subject is Architecture. Photographing architecture is more than just taking pictures of every building you during your travels. A bit of background: I am not an architecture expert and I don’t pretend to be. And this post will not be a lesson in architecture because I honestly can’t tell Baroque from Romantic. But I do notice patterns.

Being a novice in the field of architecture, when I travel I look for patterns. Patterns in architecture are easier to spot in homogenous areas, where towns were built up in a given period and thus given to that period’s forms. I think here of the cliff-side towns in Greece, the classic whitewash buildings standing out over the Mediterranean. A whole town of the same flavor? Easy to capture.

The challenge comes when trying to get a grip on an area with varied architecture. This happens often in towns more than a couple of hundred years old. As the previous Travel Photography Subject of Modern vs. Traditional pointed out, this mix within a city can be very photogenic. But that old building standing there amongst the modern skyscrapers, is it an anomoly, or are there others like it? And the skyscrapers themselves, sure there are the standard, block style concrete and glass structures famously built in the 70s and 80s. What about more modern designs that escape the dull four sided look?

It is certainly a good idea to learn a bit about the architecture of the location you will be visiting during a trip. With a quick search, I found this resource a handy tool to look up and learn the various styles. I am sure the more astute architecturally inclined in our readership can help with other online resources.

Beyond the subject of architecture itself is the means of photographing it. You may notice in the site I referenced above most of the photos are fairly standard, straight on shots. This is fine for a general feel, but starts tipping into my sore spot of average travel photos. My suggestion with architectural photography is to take those wide angle photos (I certainly did with the picture of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland) but also get into the details. That cathedral has enough ornate details work to fill a full day of shooting, especially in different light. Every building, or bridge or spire need not become a week long photographic obsession, yet more can be learned by zooming in and seeing how the pieces of the puzzle fit together.

I love architecture because it always presents two questions for me; Why and How. These are structures that took time and intent to erect. Someone, likely more than one person, spent time designing with a specific purpose and then another group spent time to bring those ideas to fruition. Explore how it all fits and look for the why, be it ornamental, structural or practical.

I wold love to see your take on different architecture from around the world! Share a photo or a link in the comments section below.

—–

Previous articles in the Travel Photography Subjects series include Water, Old People, Young People, Religion, Sports, Socializing, Icons, Rich, Poor, Transportation, Economy, Food, Food Preparation, Weather, Art, Modern Vs. Traditional, Downtown, Views and History.? These posts are not intent on telling you everything you need to do, step by step, to capture perfect, cookie-cutter pictures while traveling.? Instead, they are intent on pointing out some vital elements to capture when on the road and highlight thought provoking questions you may want to ask yourself.? My hope is they help guide you to find your own means to better expressing what your travels have meant to you and present that in the best light possible.? Be sure to subscribe to this site to receive the last subject when it posts!

Post from: Digital Photography School

View the original article here

Travel Photography Subjects: History

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This may not seem much of a news flash, but every place you ever visit has a history before you got there. While not a news flash, it’s often easy to forget this concept when traveling. If traveling to a place for the first time, everything is new, even the old stuff.

Most cities are born again and again. Entire countries as well. Complacency leads us to believe there have always been 195 countries on this planet. Yet, only 50 years ago 17 countries claimed independence in Africa alone. Before then, those colonies and protectorates were ruled by various European countries. And before Europeans took over, various forms of rule and daily life existed. Life on this planet is ever changing and its history is being built every day.

When they travel, some people enjoy looking as far into an area’s past as possible. The pyramids of Egypt are a prime example. Thousands of years old, they speak of the longevity of organized society on this planet. Even more recent history is also visible across this area as the Greeks then Romans then others marched through and left a small mark here and there. Some areas are rich in history, some need a harder scratch of the surface to find.

If you are of the curious nature, do just a bit of research before heading out on your next trip. Most guide books will deliver a morsel of history and that may lead to further investigation. Do a bit of research and see if there is a historical society in the location(s) you wish to visit. Making contacts with those deeply interested in history is a great way to get a ‘new’ perspective during your travels.

Photographically speaking, shooting history takes on many forms. It may be as simple as photographing statues representing rules, thought leaders or important people of the past. It may be buildings that have stood the test of time, weather and war. A museum is an easy way to get a quick glimpse into history, both near and far.

Shooting history is slightly different than the previous topic of Modern Vs. Traditional in that history can stand by itself. Also, historical item or locations need not be considered traditional. The Roman ruins of Volubilis in Morocco (Pictured above) have little impact on the traditional way of life in that area of Africa. Yet, those ruins are a clear part of the country’s history, long before it was even a country.

Where have you found history in your travels and captured a particularly pleasing photo? Share it in the comments section below!

—–

Previous articles in the Travel Photography Subjects series include Water, Old People, Young People, Religion, Sports, Socializing, Icons, Rich, Poor, Transportation, Economy, Food, Food Preparation, Weather, Art, Modern Vs. Traditional, Downtown and Views.? These posts are not intent on telling you everything you need to do, step by step, to capture perfect, cookie-cutter pictures while traveling.? Instead, they are intent on pointing out some vital elements to capture when on the road and highlight thought provoking questions you may want to ask yourself.? My hope is they help guide you to find your own means to better expressing what your travels have meant to you and present that in the best light possible.? Be sure to subscribe to this site to receive the last two subjects as they are posted!

Post from: Digital Photography School

View the original article here

Travel Photography Subjects: History

This may not seem much of a news flash, but every place you ever visit has a history before you got there. While not a news flash, it’s often easy to forget this concept when traveling. If traveling to a place for the first time, everything is new, even the old stuff.

Most cities are born again and again. Entire countries as well. Complacency leads us to believe there have always been 195 countries on this planet. Yet, only 50 years ago 17 countries claimed independence in Africa alone. Before then, those colonies and protectorates were ruled by various European countries. And before Europeans took over, various forms of rule and daily life existed. Life on this planet is ever changing and its history is being built every day.

When they travel, some people enjoy looking as far into an area’s past as possible. The pyramids of Egypt are a prime example. Thousands of years old, they speak of the longevity of organized society on this planet. Even more recent history is also visible across this area as the Greeks then Romans then others marched through and left a small mark here and there. Some areas are rich in history, some need a harder scratch of the surface to find.

If you are of the curious nature, do just a bit of research before heading out on your next trip. Most guide books will deliver a morsel of history and that may lead to further investigation. Do a bit of research and see if there is a historical society in the location(s) you wish to visit. Making contacts with those deeply interested in history is a great way to get a ‘new’ perspective during your travels.

Photographically speaking, shooting history takes on many forms. It may be as simple as photographing statues representing rules, thought leaders or important people of the past. It may be buildings that have stood the test of time, weather and war. A museum is an easy way to get a quick glimpse into history, both near and far.

Shooting history is slightly different than the previous topic of Modern Vs. Traditional in that history can stand by itself. Also, historical item or locations need not be considered traditional. The Roman ruins of Volubilis in Morocco (Pictured above) have little impact on the traditional way of life in that area of Africa. Yet, those ruins are a clear part of the country’s history, long before it was even a country.

Where have you found history in your travels and captured a particularly pleasing photo? Share it in the comments section below!

—–

View the original article here

Travel Photography Subjects: Views

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There are only two more posts left, after this one, in the Travel Photography Subjects series. This subject may seem a bit odd, or that we’ve covered it before. But bear with me and I will explain how this subject stands by itself.

Views. Views, to me, represent a broad category but typically something specific. They differ from straight on shots of the Coliseum or the Eiffel Tower. Shots like those are of something and while almost anything you take a picture of can be considered a ‘view’, the idea here is to represent what it is like to be at a location, looking out. In this case, the view from the Eiffel Tower would be a better representation than the photo of it.

There are many famous views in the world of travel. From the Empire State Building, Sears Tower, Petronas Towers. Any man-made tall building will do. We often think of views as being exclusively from tall structures or high places, like a hot air balloon or airplane. But other views can be captivating. The rim of the Grand Canyon or a hammock on the beach in the Caribbean or from the bottom of the locks in the Panama Canal. All of these are quintessential views many of us have seen in a photograph.

While traveling, look for the typical views, but also bring back something different. The view from your hotel/hostel/rental even if it is not some grand sweeping vista. The view from the back of a taxi. The view looking up at all the tall buildings around you or down a crowded alley.

You may also want to run a theme through some of your travels, such as the view from the center of each town you visit. Or the view from the highest hill. Or even the view from a bar stool at the local watering hole.

Whatever you decide as your view of choice, don’t forget to bring back some good shots so others know what the views are like during your travels. Not every photo needs to be a shot of something, some times it is more important to see the view from something.

Share your favorite view shot in the comments section below!

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Previous articles in the Travel Photography Subjects series include Water, Old People, Young People, Religion, Sports, Socializing, Icons, Rich, Poor, Transportation, Economy, Food, Food Preparation, Weather, Art, Modern Vs. Traditional and History. These posts are not intent on telling you everything you need to do, step by step, to capture perfect, cookie-cutter pictures while traveling. Instead, they are intent on pointing out some vital elements to capture when on the road and highlight thought provoking questions you may want to ask yourself. My hope is they help guide you to find your own means to better expressing what your travels have meant to you and present that in the best light possible. Be sure to subscribe to this site to receive the last two subjects as they are posted!

Post from: Digital Photography School

View the original article here

Travel Photography Subjects: Downtown

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My Favorite Downtown: Seattle

?The lights are much brighter there

You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and go

Downtown, things’ll be great when you’re

Downtown, no finer place for sure,

Downtown, everything’s waiting for you?

-Petula Clark

Yes, I really did start this post with a pop song from the 60’s because it is rings in my head every time I come to this Travel Photography Subject on my checklist.

It also demonstrates one person’s view of what downtown is about. Granted, the composer (Tony Hatch) had a certain city in mind when he wrote it, that being New York City. I’m guessing most of us who have visited NYC might have a different view and that’s the great thing about a city’s downtown area. There usually is a variety of action and characters weaving through the fabric that makes up downtown.

When visiting a downtown of any major city you will likely see some common themes. Crowds, shops, skyscrapers, garbage, commerce and a liveliness that sets the tone for the rest of the city. Or maybe the downtown area is depressed, abandoned, clean or well organized. No two cities will be the same, not even the Twin Cities.

If you’re just passing through, chances are great you will be staying in the tourist area of a downtown, if it has it. Hotels are often crowded together, usually close to a variety of restaurants or other popular attractions. What’s not so obvious for the casual tourist are the other areas of downtown that give it its lifeblood. International districts, financial districts, art districts, city parks, poor areas, rich areas; the list is large when breaking down a city into its elements. While taking in the typical sites, don’t forget to wander a little.

Some good ways to do this are with a taxi, rickshaw, bus or other local transport. Many tour companies can present a wide swath of the city in a small amount of time and impart valuable insight while on the road. A cabbie in a taxi can often do the same. Just agree to a price before getting in for a one hour tour around the less popular areas of town. Explain you want to stop often to take photos and be sure to tell the cabbie if you have any particular interests (art, history, architecture, etc…).

Even if you will only be in town for just a day, on your way to some other exotic region of the country you are visiting, try to spend an hour wandering the city’s downtown area to get a feel for ‘local life’. It may not be as grand as the tourist traps nearby, but it will let you in on a bit of the city’s secrets if you listen and watch.

Do you have a few downtown shots from your travels that you would like to share?? Post them in the comments section below!

——-

Previous articles in the Travel Photography Subjects series include Water, Old People, Young People, Religion, Sports, Socializing, Icons, Rich, Poor, Transportation, Economy, Food, Food Preparation, Weather, Art and Modern Vs. Traditional.? These posts are not intent on telling you everything you need to do, step by step, to capture perfect, cookie-cutter pictures while traveling.? Instead, they are intent on pointing out some vital elements to capture when on the road and highlight thought provoking questions you may want to ask yourself.? My hope is they help guide you to find your own means to better expressing what your travels have meant to you and present that in the best light possible.? Be sure to subscribe to this site to receive the other four subjects as they are posted!

Post from: Digital Photography School

View the original article here

Travel Photography Subjects: Downtown

My Favorite Downtown: Seattle

“The lights are much brighter there
You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and go
Downtown, things’ll be great when you’re
Downtown, no finer place for sure,
Downtown, everything’s waiting for you”

-Petula Clark

Yes, I really did start this post with a pop song from the 60’s because it is rings in my head every time I come to this Travel Photography Subject on my checklist.

It also demonstrates one person’s view of what downtown is about. Granted, the composer (Tony Hatch) had a certain city in mind when he wrote it, that being New York City. I’m guessing most of us who have visited NYC might have a different view and that’s the great thing about a city’s downtown area. There usually is a variety of action and characters weaving through the fabric that makes up downtown.

When visiting a downtown of any major city you will likely see some common themes. Crowds, shops, skyscrapers, garbage, commerce and a liveliness that sets the tone for the rest of the city. Or maybe the downtown area is depressed, abandoned, clean or well organized. No two cities will be the same, not even the Twin Cities.

If you’re just passing through, chances are great you will be staying in the tourist area of a downtown, if it has it. Hotels are often crowded together, usually close to a variety of restaurants or other popular attractions. What’s not so obvious for the casual tourist are the other areas of downtown that give it its lifeblood. International districts, financial districts, art districts, city parks, poor areas, rich areas; the list is large when breaking down a city into its elements. While taking in the typical sites, don’t forget to wander a little.

Some good ways to do this are with a taxi, rickshaw, bus or other local transport. Many tour companies can present a wide swath of the city in a small amount of time and impart valuable insight while on the road. A cabbie in a taxi can often do the same. Just agree to a price before getting in for a one hour tour around the less popular areas of town. Explain you want to stop often to take photos and be sure to tell the cabbie if you have any particular interests (art, history, architecture, etc…).

Even if you will only be in town for just a day, on your way to some other exotic region of the country you are visiting, try to spend an hour wandering the city’s downtown area to get a feel for ‘local life’. It may not be as grand as the tourist traps nearby, but it will let you in on a bit of the city’s secrets if you listen and watch.

Do you have a few downtown shots from your travels that you would like to share?  Post them in the comments section below!

——-

View the original article here