Your vacation photographs should not be just a hodgepodge of random snapshots from throughout your trip, but rather a chronological progression of your vacation, or perhaps a storyline of sorts. Arrange your photographs in the framework of beginning, middle, and end. It makes them so much more interesting.
As you take your photographs, it's best to keep a journal of what the subject is and where and when it was taken. Doing so will help when organizing your photographs later. You can use the date/time stamp on your camera for the beginning and end of each roll, if your camera has that possibility.
Although a chronological order is usually the best for a photographic travel journal, sometimes surprise and discovery add extra excitement to your photograph collection. Common view of famous landmarks can be interspersed with close up shots. Portraits can be mixed with groups. And ordinary scenes can be mixed with aerial photographs. Perhaps you can have a theme, or a section of your journal that is theme-specific, such as museums, animals, or portraits.
Although most people put photographs in their travel journals, feel free to add in other trip mementos such as labeled restaurant napkins, postcards, and even photographs from others! They might have a view that you didn't consider. Perhaps they might have a specific scene, location, or object which you were unable to get or were unaware of.
Of course, the first step to any successful travel journal is to book you vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Travel Photography: Museums
You probably go on a vacation not planning on visiting a museum, but sometimes it really intrigues you. There might be a special display theme going on, or a specific artist that you've always appreciated. Why not learn about getting the best photographs in a museum setting?
Some museums don't even allow cameras, so call ahead to be sure. Besides, those that do probably invest quite a bit in lighting, so using your flash wouldn't really help your photograph much. And, although they might allow cameras, they might not allow flash, anyways.
The best photographs would also come from the best film for the display room and its architecture. Skylights and windows light some rooms naturally, so a daylight film would be best and provide very natural colours. Tungsten-balanced film is best if the main lighting is from tungsten fixtures otherwise the colours would be too warm in your photograph.
Paintings are not as easy to shoot effectively with a camera, so opt for the postcards and posters of those. Therefore,the best subjects to photograph in museums are sculptures, fossils and skeletons, and room views of nearly entire rooms.
Another thing you must remember in museums is that there are many others around who would like to see the displays as well, maybe even photographers themselves. Try to respect the privacy and concentration of the many people who are deeply engrossed in the subjects and those who are studying them in great detail. Work as quickly and quietly as possible.
So, when you're ready to attack the least popular vacation destinations of museums, first you need to book that vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !
Some museums don't even allow cameras, so call ahead to be sure. Besides, those that do probably invest quite a bit in lighting, so using your flash wouldn't really help your photograph much. And, although they might allow cameras, they might not allow flash, anyways.
The best photographs would also come from the best film for the display room and its architecture. Skylights and windows light some rooms naturally, so a daylight film would be best and provide very natural colours. Tungsten-balanced film is best if the main lighting is from tungsten fixtures otherwise the colours would be too warm in your photograph.
Paintings are not as easy to shoot effectively with a camera, so opt for the postcards and posters of those. Therefore,the best subjects to photograph in museums are sculptures, fossils and skeletons, and room views of nearly entire rooms.
Another thing you must remember in museums is that there are many others around who would like to see the displays as well, maybe even photographers themselves. Try to respect the privacy and concentration of the many people who are deeply engrossed in the subjects and those who are studying them in great detail. Work as quickly and quietly as possible.
So, when you're ready to attack the least popular vacation destinations of museums, first you need to book that vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !
Friday, September 24, 2010
Travel Photography: Dramatic Lighting
Sometimes when you are traveling, you are in just the right place at the right time to photograph a truly spectacular moment of photographic genius. A natural light show or lighting that will surely transform your photo album forever.
Sunbeams bursting through dark storm clouds, a mesmerizing sunset, sunlight flooding through windows and illuminating everything inside, or like a spotlight on a specific object. It's absolutely amazing the way things turn out sometimes.
It would be wonderful if you would know where and when things would happen, but you don't exactly have enough time to wait for that precise moment either. Just before and after storms are often the best opportunities to find some dramatic scenes. Cathedrals also have remarkable explosions of light on sunny days when the sunlight pierces through high windows. Sometimes even pre-dawn and post-dusk times make for interesting photographs too.
Since dramatic lighting lasts for only a couple of minutes, or even as little as a few seconds, you cannot worry too much about framing your picture, or composing the best scene. In fact, you shouldn't even worry about the shadows, but rather concentrate on the lighting itself.
And before you go on that vacation, it might be good to practice every so often. Once you're ready, book at www.kingarthur.myttn.com and let's see what kind of photographic drama you can capture!
Sunbeams bursting through dark storm clouds, a mesmerizing sunset, sunlight flooding through windows and illuminating everything inside, or like a spotlight on a specific object. It's absolutely amazing the way things turn out sometimes.
It would be wonderful if you would know where and when things would happen, but you don't exactly have enough time to wait for that precise moment either. Just before and after storms are often the best opportunities to find some dramatic scenes. Cathedrals also have remarkable explosions of light on sunny days when the sunlight pierces through high windows. Sometimes even pre-dawn and post-dusk times make for interesting photographs too.
Since dramatic lighting lasts for only a couple of minutes, or even as little as a few seconds, you cannot worry too much about framing your picture, or composing the best scene. In fact, you shouldn't even worry about the shadows, but rather concentrate on the lighting itself.
And before you go on that vacation, it might be good to practice every so often. Once you're ready, book at www.kingarthur.myttn.com and let's see what kind of photographic drama you can capture!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
5 Tips to Finding Low Airfare
Airlines are not having price wars right now, and are really making huge profits with all of their excess fees. How is it even possible any more to save a few dollars when you fly? Here are five tips to finding the few low airfares that are available:
Tip #1: Often a nearby airport is considerably less expensive than the one nearest your exact destination. Boston (BOS) for example, you can also look into Providence, RI (PVD) or Manchester, NH (MHT). For Miami (MIA), many people use Ft. Lauderdale (FLL). Or, for Los Angeles (LAX), many people use Ontario (ONT) or Orange County (SNA), or even Burbank (BUR).
Tip #2: Book as early as possible. The lowest prices are for only a small number of seats, and once those seats are sold, the prices go up. American discount fares are for reservations made 7, 14, or even 21 days in advance, and international fares at 30 days in advance.
Tip #3: Sometimes traveling a day earlier or later, on both your departing and returning flights, can save you a good bit of money. It's surprising what difference a single day could make!
Tip #4: Most of the low fares require that you stay over Saturday night, for some reason, but there are a number of special low fares that require you stay only three nights. Try to adjust your flights to include the weekend, and see if your fares go down. It can't hurt.
Tip #5: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are usually the least expensive days to fly on. Sometimes a Saturday flight might have a special rate, too. Although, for the most part, the Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday block is most likely and most often the least expensive days to fly.
And why not book your next flight over at www.kingarthur.myttn.com and see what kind of deal the right website can get you too!
Tip #1: Often a nearby airport is considerably less expensive than the one nearest your exact destination. Boston (BOS) for example, you can also look into Providence, RI (PVD) or Manchester, NH (MHT). For Miami (MIA), many people use Ft. Lauderdale (FLL). Or, for Los Angeles (LAX), many people use Ontario (ONT) or Orange County (SNA), or even Burbank (BUR).
Tip #2: Book as early as possible. The lowest prices are for only a small number of seats, and once those seats are sold, the prices go up. American discount fares are for reservations made 7, 14, or even 21 days in advance, and international fares at 30 days in advance.
Tip #3: Sometimes traveling a day earlier or later, on both your departing and returning flights, can save you a good bit of money. It's surprising what difference a single day could make!
Tip #4: Most of the low fares require that you stay over Saturday night, for some reason, but there are a number of special low fares that require you stay only three nights. Try to adjust your flights to include the weekend, and see if your fares go down. It can't hurt.
Tip #5: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are usually the least expensive days to fly on. Sometimes a Saturday flight might have a special rate, too. Although, for the most part, the Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday block is most likely and most often the least expensive days to fly.
And why not book your next flight over at www.kingarthur.myttn.com and see what kind of deal the right website can get you too!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Travel Photography: Animals
Domestic animals, both household pets and farm-working animals, are some subjects which are not photographed all that often any more. However, sometimes the scene is just so memorable, you just have to get a photograph. And the zoos and aquariums are also wonderful opportunistic places.
For animals especially, the best viewpoint is pushed back a little bit so you can see some of the surrounding scenery and identify the place in your photograph. Dogs, cows, camels, llamas, and buffalo are all good subjects in this case.
For wildlife, however, the secret to their best photographs is getting as close as possible to make recognizable and dramatic compositions. A long lens, perhaps as high as 600mm, would be a great asset to your collection.
Make sure your cameras are set before you compose your photograph. Animals might be more used to people, but they won't stand around waiting for you to set up every little detail.
Even though zoos and aquariums aren't out in the wild, you can still get some wonderful photographs of animals you might not get to see otherwise. And you won't need such long lenses either.
Sometimes it's interesting to put the animal inside the obvious enclosure, and other times it's better to put it in views that don;t allow their enclosures to be seen.
Aquariums, and the zoo's reptile glass enclosures, do have two problems you won't find outside. The dark lighting and the thick glass. Flash will only be reflected, so that won't work. If you have an SLR (single lens reflex) camera, however, someone can hold a flash against the glass, and you can put your lens right up to the glass.
Incidentally, the times when most animals are most active are early and late in the day, and just before feeding times.
Whether the animals are in a distant state, or a nearby country, you will need to make some travel arrangement first. Why not book it at www.kingarthur.myttn.com and save a few dollars for feed money?
For animals especially, the best viewpoint is pushed back a little bit so you can see some of the surrounding scenery and identify the place in your photograph. Dogs, cows, camels, llamas, and buffalo are all good subjects in this case.
For wildlife, however, the secret to their best photographs is getting as close as possible to make recognizable and dramatic compositions. A long lens, perhaps as high as 600mm, would be a great asset to your collection.
Make sure your cameras are set before you compose your photograph. Animals might be more used to people, but they won't stand around waiting for you to set up every little detail.
Even though zoos and aquariums aren't out in the wild, you can still get some wonderful photographs of animals you might not get to see otherwise. And you won't need such long lenses either.
Sometimes it's interesting to put the animal inside the obvious enclosure, and other times it's better to put it in views that don;t allow their enclosures to be seen.
Aquariums, and the zoo's reptile glass enclosures, do have two problems you won't find outside. The dark lighting and the thick glass. Flash will only be reflected, so that won't work. If you have an SLR (single lens reflex) camera, however, someone can hold a flash against the glass, and you can put your lens right up to the glass.
Incidentally, the times when most animals are most active are early and late in the day, and just before feeding times.
Whether the animals are in a distant state, or a nearby country, you will need to make some travel arrangement first. Why not book it at www.kingarthur.myttn.com and save a few dollars for feed money?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Travel Photography: Underground
There are numerous very interesting and very beautiful caves and caverns all over the world. Some of them are even quite popular. Either way, they're all a "hole in the wall". They can be quite photogenic, but the lighting underground is an entirely different story.
Some of the caverns are lit with limited lights in vast spaces. In such a space, flash is useless unless you are doing a closeup. Unfortunately, even if your flash is strong enough to light up a considerable amount, the brightness of the flash would likely wash out the lighting colours themselves. Tripods are not usually allowed, unless you have a private tour or go during their slow season.
Spelunking, the actual sport of cave exploration, is a wonderful way to see more out of the way, smaller caves and caverns. However, you must always go with experienced cave explorers, and your camera equipment is NOT as important as is your climbing equipment.
The best way to light areas is to use your flash multiple times and leave your lens open and locked to get as much light into your camera as possible. Caves are just too dark to see much without considerable lighting.
Camera protection in caves and caverns is also vitally important. First, the atmosphere can be rather dusty. It IS underground and among the rocks and dirt, after all. And since caves are also usually created by water, it's also very humid in them. Finally, the rocks themselves are very hard, and knocking your camera against them will certainly damage them. Store your camera in padded cases, locked plastic bags, and acrylic underwater camera protection. Those are certainly the best options to use.
So, when you're ready to go spelunking and exploring for yourself, you first need to book that vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !
Some of the caverns are lit with limited lights in vast spaces. In such a space, flash is useless unless you are doing a closeup. Unfortunately, even if your flash is strong enough to light up a considerable amount, the brightness of the flash would likely wash out the lighting colours themselves. Tripods are not usually allowed, unless you have a private tour or go during their slow season.
Spelunking, the actual sport of cave exploration, is a wonderful way to see more out of the way, smaller caves and caverns. However, you must always go with experienced cave explorers, and your camera equipment is NOT as important as is your climbing equipment.
The best way to light areas is to use your flash multiple times and leave your lens open and locked to get as much light into your camera as possible. Caves are just too dark to see much without considerable lighting.
Camera protection in caves and caverns is also vitally important. First, the atmosphere can be rather dusty. It IS underground and among the rocks and dirt, after all. And since caves are also usually created by water, it's also very humid in them. Finally, the rocks themselves are very hard, and knocking your camera against them will certainly damage them. Store your camera in padded cases, locked plastic bags, and acrylic underwater camera protection. Those are certainly the best options to use.
So, when you're ready to go spelunking and exploring for yourself, you first need to book that vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Travel Photography: Underwater
Underwater photography is sometimes the most interesting and exciting format while you are on vacation. And it follows most of the standard photographic rules, assuming you are 12 feet or less below the surface. And it really shouldn't cost you much money either.
First, you'll need a waterproof camera, such as a one-time use underwater camera which you can find probably in the beach side local shops. They come preloaded with colour film, too. Also, camera companies make reloadable underwater cameras too. Alternatively, you can protect your camera with special plastic bag housing, that protects your camera up to 100 feet below the surface. For deeper than that, they also offer acrylic housing. The casings include a glove so you can use the controls of the camera, and glass windows for the viewfinder and the lens.
The environment underwater is also a bit of a problem to some underwater photographers. Even clear water absorbs the light, and the deeper you get, the less colours you can see. The first colour to disappear is red. For best results, use a fast film, and especially use a flash to restore colours. In fact, deeper than 12 feet, a flash is almost mandatory.
You might have to wait a while to get the best photographs of fish, and when you do encounter a school, they certainly won't wait for you to set your camera. While you are waiting, of if you are just plain impatient, take some great snapshots of underwater still life such as coral, sea anemones, or plants.
The only thing missing from your underwater photography session, then, is booking your vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !
First, you'll need a waterproof camera, such as a one-time use underwater camera which you can find probably in the beach side local shops. They come preloaded with colour film, too. Also, camera companies make reloadable underwater cameras too. Alternatively, you can protect your camera with special plastic bag housing, that protects your camera up to 100 feet below the surface. For deeper than that, they also offer acrylic housing. The casings include a glove so you can use the controls of the camera, and glass windows for the viewfinder and the lens.
The environment underwater is also a bit of a problem to some underwater photographers. Even clear water absorbs the light, and the deeper you get, the less colours you can see. The first colour to disappear is red. For best results, use a fast film, and especially use a flash to restore colours. In fact, deeper than 12 feet, a flash is almost mandatory.
You might have to wait a while to get the best photographs of fish, and when you do encounter a school, they certainly won't wait for you to set your camera. While you are waiting, of if you are just plain impatient, take some great snapshots of underwater still life such as coral, sea anemones, or plants.
The only thing missing from your underwater photography session, then, is booking your vacation at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !
Friday, September 10, 2010
Celebrating Onboard
Many people go on a cruise just to get away from the lifestyle that they already know, and to see new and exotic locations and relax to soft music under the tropical sun. However, a good number of cruisers are there to celebrate. Birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, retirements, graduations, and reunions are all represented on just about every cruise ship.
The make your celebration the best experience possible, it really helps to inform the cruise line ahead of time. Your vacation planner or travel agent can help make your celebration most appropriate by booking a lounge with open or paid bar, hot and cold party food, and even decorations in your stateroom. Of course, the more you want to do, and offer to your special guests, the more time you must spend in your vacation planning process. If a specific lounge is requested, or flowers need to be delivered, the cruise line really needs as much prior notice as possible. Of course, during your cruise, there are numerous staff members and shops that are more than willing to help make your time more enjoyable.
You can order decorations for your stateroom (and with a little pressure some for the lounge as well), special cakes created just for your group, champagne and strawberries for when you have those romantic moments, and of course the more traditional flowers and candies.
Here are some very important things to remember when planning on celebrating onboard a cruise ship:
I can't state it enough, but you really should inform the cruise line of everything possible before you leave, preferably when you book your cruise. Especially important are the names of your guests, the event that you will be celebrating, and the date or dates that you will need the attention.
When you get onboard, talk with the formal store, cruise director, and group coordinator to help you with more of the smaller yet still important details of your celebration. Perhaps they can also offer suggestions and tips to make your celebration even more enjoyable.
If you do not have a time slot booked for every part of your celebration, always check the ship's itinerary and daily activities. There might be a major onboard event, or an elegant supper that evening. Of course daytime and nighttime celebrations, too, make for vastly different atmospheres.
Cruise ships themselves also have luxurious accommodations and onboard luxuries available, especially with prior notice, request, and reservations. Smaller restaurants, those made with reservations, and that must be paid in addition to your cruise, are ideal locations for intimate celebratory moments. Also, the spa is always running special package deals, perhaps as a couple too. Also, the onboard events may also give you an ideal location to make the announcement to the entire ship.
So, whenever you are ready to make that first booking of the cruise, when you will hopefully plan the celebration, book your cruise at www.kingarthur.myttn.com .
The make your celebration the best experience possible, it really helps to inform the cruise line ahead of time. Your vacation planner or travel agent can help make your celebration most appropriate by booking a lounge with open or paid bar, hot and cold party food, and even decorations in your stateroom. Of course, the more you want to do, and offer to your special guests, the more time you must spend in your vacation planning process. If a specific lounge is requested, or flowers need to be delivered, the cruise line really needs as much prior notice as possible. Of course, during your cruise, there are numerous staff members and shops that are more than willing to help make your time more enjoyable.
You can order decorations for your stateroom (and with a little pressure some for the lounge as well), special cakes created just for your group, champagne and strawberries for when you have those romantic moments, and of course the more traditional flowers and candies.
Here are some very important things to remember when planning on celebrating onboard a cruise ship:
I can't state it enough, but you really should inform the cruise line of everything possible before you leave, preferably when you book your cruise. Especially important are the names of your guests, the event that you will be celebrating, and the date or dates that you will need the attention.
When you get onboard, talk with the formal store, cruise director, and group coordinator to help you with more of the smaller yet still important details of your celebration. Perhaps they can also offer suggestions and tips to make your celebration even more enjoyable.
If you do not have a time slot booked for every part of your celebration, always check the ship's itinerary and daily activities. There might be a major onboard event, or an elegant supper that evening. Of course daytime and nighttime celebrations, too, make for vastly different atmospheres.
Cruise ships themselves also have luxurious accommodations and onboard luxuries available, especially with prior notice, request, and reservations. Smaller restaurants, those made with reservations, and that must be paid in addition to your cruise, are ideal locations for intimate celebratory moments. Also, the spa is always running special package deals, perhaps as a couple too. Also, the onboard events may also give you an ideal location to make the announcement to the entire ship.
So, whenever you are ready to make that first booking of the cruise, when you will hopefully plan the celebration, book your cruise at www.kingarthur.myttn.com .
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Travel Photography: Autumn
One of the most common photographic scenes is that of the fantastic autumn colours. Even the same scene can change over the course of three weeks to a month. From just a few trees with limited colours, to most with bright vibrant shades and hues, to the darker colours and dropping leaves. The whole experience lasts the three weeks to a month, but the peak lasts only six to either days. So, make sure you get there in time!
New England is the most common, the most popular, the most famous, and likely the most beautiful autumn countryside in the world. Give yourself much more than a day, preferably a week or more to capture the best colours of the autumn season.
These dates are approximate:
September 20-30 higher Rocky Mountain areas, northern Minnesota, northern New England
October 1-10 mid- to lower-range Rocky Mountains, central Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin and Michigan, higher Appalachian areas, Central Pennsylvania, New York, and most of the rest of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine
October 10-20 higher Sierra and Cascade areas, lower Rocky Mountains, the rest of the Midwest, and central New England
October 20-31 the rest of Washington, Oregon, the mountains of California, lower Ohio and central Mississippi Rivers, interior mid-Atlantic, and southern New England
November 1-10 coastal mid-Atlantic and interior Gulf Coast states
Lighting is sometimes a factor in the colours, though. With such bright colours, you might need to opt for early and late times on sunny days, cloudy days for more muted tones, and a polarizing filter after a rainfall.
Autumn leaves also make for a myriad of photographic techniques, such as a panoramic vista, to a medium shot of just one or two trees, to a closeup of just a few leaves, perhaps with morning new or droplets of rain. Maybe some fog to lend an air of seasonal mystery or the luminescent glow of back-lit leaves over a lake.
Now that you have your cameras all set up for your exciting autumn vacation, let's make sure everything is booked first at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !
New England is the most common, the most popular, the most famous, and likely the most beautiful autumn countryside in the world. Give yourself much more than a day, preferably a week or more to capture the best colours of the autumn season.
These dates are approximate:
September 20-30 higher Rocky Mountain areas, northern Minnesota, northern New England
October 1-10 mid- to lower-range Rocky Mountains, central Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin and Michigan, higher Appalachian areas, Central Pennsylvania, New York, and most of the rest of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine
October 10-20 higher Sierra and Cascade areas, lower Rocky Mountains, the rest of the Midwest, and central New England
October 20-31 the rest of Washington, Oregon, the mountains of California, lower Ohio and central Mississippi Rivers, interior mid-Atlantic, and southern New England
November 1-10 coastal mid-Atlantic and interior Gulf Coast states
Lighting is sometimes a factor in the colours, though. With such bright colours, you might need to opt for early and late times on sunny days, cloudy days for more muted tones, and a polarizing filter after a rainfall.
Autumn leaves also make for a myriad of photographic techniques, such as a panoramic vista, to a medium shot of just one or two trees, to a closeup of just a few leaves, perhaps with morning new or droplets of rain. Maybe some fog to lend an air of seasonal mystery or the luminescent glow of back-lit leaves over a lake.
Now that you have your cameras all set up for your exciting autumn vacation, let's make sure everything is booked first at www.kingarthur.myttn.com !
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