Note to Readers: I have been on an extended trip to the central portion of the U.S. The trip was primarily for a short-term work assignment and secondarily for pleasure. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the trip, I was not able to keep up with my weekly posting. However, the material that I will be posting over the next several weeks deals with the trip and how you can write and take photographs during similar experiences. Thank you for your patience with my brief absence.
INCIDENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON A TRIP
Every photographer who desires to do more than just take snapshots certainly wants to go on a “photo safari” trip. Despite the name “photo safari”, this is not necessarily a trip to Africa (although it could be if that’s your goal) but it is simply a trip where photography is the primary reason for the trip. Often the target destination is a location that is exotic to the photographer, or has rare animals, or that is extremely photogenic. Places like the Grand Canyon, Alaska, or another continent usually make up the bulk of these bucket list wishes.
Certainly no one is selfish enough to want to turn every family vacation into a mini photo safari. Often there are various constraints that would make this impossible; whether it be the time available, an event that is the focus, the other people on the trip, or something similar. However, there are some techniques or strategies that a photographer can utilize to have some dedicated photo time on a trip. It only requires a bit of planning and negotiation before the trip, and some openness to the possibilities while on the trip.
Two planning tactics are to examine your camera choices and your route choices. Most of the time you will not have the leeway to set up elaborate photo opportunities or wait for the perfect moment. Trying to take your full arsenal of multiple camera bodies and lenses does not really fit into this concept of “incidental photography”. Think carefully about limiting yourself to a high-quality point-and-shoot camera or one camera body and maybe two lenses (a medium prime and a telephoto). Another part of pre-trip planning is your route. You may be able to build in an extra hour or so of travel time to get off the highway and take advantage of a few photo opportunities. There are many tools for the internet that will suggest places or objects to photograph, we each have our favorite subjects. Use those tools to make photography plans that fit around the overall purpose of the trip.
Sometimes you may have restraints on your overall time that will impact when and where you can stop to photograph. For example, you may have a compressed driving schedule, or limited free time at your destination, or lack access to a vehicle (if you are flying). Your method of travel, your route, and/or your destination will all impact your available time and your photographic subjects. These constraints may also be a factor in your choice of specific equipment (like taking a monopod instead of a tripod). In general, a lighter gear load is a better choice for this type of photography.
A break from your daily routine, like a trip or a vacation, can invigorate your photography. Changing your location or your perspective on equipment can yield some positive results. This variety of incidental photography can produce stunning photographs when you allow for spontaneity and flexibility. Give it a try on your next trip outside your usual photographic locations.