What to bring
Camera
Digital preferred, but film
is OK. The reason digital would be better is that your images can be
reviewed. Jay will discuss your photos
and help direct you toward stronger images. It also allows him to see
how you are progressing while in the field. We have no arrangements with labs to
develop your film, so there will be no way for you to share your work with Jay and your fellow students.
If you are an accomplished photographer and would prefer using film,
that is up to you. For those of you who are interested, Jay uses a Nikon D2Xs camera with a Nikon 18 - 200 VR lens. Joel, the director of Worldview uses a Nikon D200 also with the 18 - 200 VR. However, all are welcome as long as you are using a camera of greater quality and versatility than a point and shoot. The only prerequisite is that you know how to operate your camera.
Lenses
That's entirely up to you
and how much you feel you want to carry. Keep in mind that we will be
doing a considerable amount of walking. In addition, by limiting the
number of lenses you will develop a greater understanding of what your
lens kit can do and how to maximize the use of what you do have.
Laptop
You are required to bring a
laptop and a card reader to both download the day's images and share
your photos with Jay and your fellow shooters.
Practice downloading your images and using editing software to select
your best shots for a slide presentation.
Backup
It is strongly recommended
that you bring with you a lightweight portable hard drive like the Firelite Smartdisk™ in the 60 or 80 gig size. We recommend you shoot RAW & JPEG files, We'll explain why at the course.
In addition there are many other backup devices on the market both with built in screens and without.
The point is that you don't want to trust your laptop's hard drive
with sole possession of your important images. You know the mantra - As far as computers are
concerned, whether they be desktops or laptops, it is not a matter of
if the drive fails, only when - but it is worth repeating. So be safe and backup each day. Many
of us will backup to a second portable hard drive or DVD disk. It's
worth the effort to take out this type of insurance on your images.
Tripod
If you don't already have
a light and sturdy travel tripod, make the investment. Tripods extend your creative
range by allowing longer exposures and greater depth of field, steadying
an unsteady hand, and allow for low light photography as well as low
angle shots.
Memory Cards and Batteries
Like hard drives, memory cards
can fail or even get lost. Have spares. Test them to make sure they are functioning
properly by filling the memory card full of pictures and downloading them
to your laptop. Go through the backup procedure so you are comfortable
in performing that process efficiently. Have spare batteries and a charger for your rechargeable items.
Flash
A flash is very helpful for
fill in contrasty situations as well as providing light in poorly lit
areas. It is also very helpful by adding another tool to enhance your
creative potential.
Lens and Camera Sensor Cleaning
Supplies
A large blower easily found
in any camera store is the safest way to clear any debris from the sensor. For your lenses,
a lens cleaning solution and lens paper will suffice. Also bring a microfiber cloth made for camera optics.
Adapters for the appropriate
electrical outlets in host country
Check with Magellens or Travelsmith
for the appropriate electrical adapters. In addition bring an extension
cord and power strip that will also work in the host country. There
are sometimes an insufficient number of outlets in the hotel room and
nowadays we travel with many devices that require daily recharging.
Europe generally runs on 220 Volts. Again,
be prepared.
Other helpful items
Small roll of duct tape (available
from Magellans or Travelsmith)
Small bottle of hand sanitizer
Jewelers screwdrivers of different
sizes to tighten loose camera screws
Allen wrenches to fit your
quick release tripod accessories
Swiss army knife and leatherman
tool (in checked baggage)
Sun screen
Insect repellant
Zip lock bags of varying sizes
Cables packaged with your computer and camera
Pen and notepad
Camera manual
Flash manual
Headlamp (can be purchased
in a rock climbing or outdoor recreation store)
