Preparation for a Travel Assignment

[TheGreatOg]

Once your destination is selected, what process/steps do you go through to prepare? Do you make a list of places you want to shoot? Do you break it down even further with a list of specific shots you want to take? Do you shoot on the fly? Do you make an itinerary with shoot times, etc?

I'm heading to London in a few weeks. It's a self-assignment I'm working on to beef up my portfolio and actually see what I can do with a camera. I'm making a list of places I want to see and shoot while I'm there. But is there more to it? How do you travel photogs approach a new place? Do you go online and research the destination for ideas? If you do, are you worried you'll unconsciously recreate all of the shots you've seen and come up with nothing new?

Any and all insight is very much appreciated.

[Gum6y]

Be aware of the laws of the country you are photographing in. For example in London it is illegal to use a tripod in Trafalgar Square, Parliament Square and around theLondon Eye. It is also illegal in most of the parks. Canary Wharf there is lots of security. Know your rights not even a policeman can confiscate your equipment. They need a court order.

I've been around most places early in the morning no problem, if you are not using a tripod you will have no problems. However I like to shot with a tripod for landscapes.

London has lots of great places to shoot, enjoy. A wide lens is essential in London. There is not alot of room to back into.

[TheGreatOg]

Thanks for the advice Gum6y. It's good to get ideas from someone familiar with my destination. Cheers!

[blueaerodynamique]

I can't afford to travel too often, so when i do I don't want to waste it just hoping I stumble on good locations.
I'm off to Maine and New Hampshire in a couple of weeks and I've done fairly extensive research on the areas. I have found the TripAdviser forums very good and there's usually a photographer or two hanging around that can give a few tips. Do a search and you'll find lots of information there.
Once I know the places I'd like to visit I do a search on places like www.smugmug.com and www.pbase.com as you can see other peoples photos which I find better than the tourism sites. Though I always want to do my own take on a place, it helps to have an idea of what is there. Last time I visited Acadia National Park we just drove around and didn't get to see much off the main road. This time I've printed off some gentle hiking trail guides and hope to get some better photos that way.

[TheGreatOg]

That's really fantastic advice! I've never heard of the tripadvisor forums before. I'll have to stop there next and read up. Thanks for the tips. :)

[adam LC]

Be aware of the laws of the country you are photographing in. For example in London it is illegal to use a tripod in Trafalgar Square, Parliament Square and around theLondon Eye. It is also illegal in most of the parks. Canary Wharf there is lots of security. Know your rights not even a policeman can confiscate your equipment. They need a court order.

I've been around most places early in the morning no problem, if you are not using a tripod you will have no problems. However I like to shot with a tripod for landscapes.

London has lots of great places to shoot, enjoy. A wide lens is essential in London. There is not alot of room to back into.
Wow, I didn't know know that you couldn't use a tripod in those places!?! Maybe because thay think you will trip people up or a tripod mounted weapon or something? idk.

Would they think I'm being anal if I used a monopod?;)

[Gum6y]

Its health and safety and of course money, the mayor of London will grant you a permit for £500 if you want to shoot with a tripod.

I have seen plenty of tourists around London Bridge with tripods and no problems. I have shot from the southbank back onto Westminster and have had police officers walk by no problems.

London Eye and Canary Wharf is a problem as it is private property. The rest blame english law for the parks and the city. Stay away from Hampstead heath they are ****s. Also around Buckingham palace can be an issue.

Anyone else with London experiences?

[TheGreatOg]

Gum6y, we should hook up while I'm there next month so you can show me around personally. You're a fount of info. ;) I second the question about the monopod. I'm taking mine with me, but can I use it?

[Gum6y]

I'm not so clever I got up at 4:30am this morning to shoot Picadilly Circus. Arrived 5:45am, place is deserted setup my tripod, remove my camera from my bag and realize I have left behind the attachment plate.

Was so annoyed I just left and went home again. :(

Any specific questions just ask Becky. London has lots to shoot!