Photography Abroad

I got talking to an American man the other day who was a keen photographer. I was amazed to discover that this visit to New Zealand was the first time that he had ever travelled outside the USA. This really stunned me, as he was around 50 years old.

Times have changed and I would imagine that he is a bit of an unusual case: most people grow up having visited at least the country next door, even if they have not been further afield. The meeting prompted me to think about overseas photo tours.

For the photographer, whatever their skill level, travelling is part of the hobby. It makes great sense because there is nothing quite like travel to get the creative process moving again and give you that zest for capturing images. A trip abroad often re-awakens that urge we all feel when we first pick up a camera but which seems to get somehow over-ridden by the demands of modern life.

You can also use a photography holiday to give you challenges that you would not otherwise experience. I went to Canada for a guided photography holiday in the middle of winter! With temperatures dropping as low as minus 43 Centigrade (about the same in Fahrenheit) I sure got challenged!

Once the temperatures get that low, you actually have to start thinking about staying alive as well as taking the shot. I recall taking a glove off to adjust something and within a single minute the pain in my hand was such that I had to stop and put it back on. Autofocus slows down as lenses freeze up, camera batteries loose charge much faster and moisture and condensation are constant threats.

Fortunately, my gear made it through the ordeal safe and sound and is still working happily today. Go Nikon! I also got some excellent images, an achievement due in no small measure to the fact that I had booked an outstanding guide for the trip who made accommodation and travel arrangements long before we arrived, did all the driving and spotted things that I would never have seen.

To hire a guide costs fees like everything in the world these days but doing so can be more cost-effective than it might at first glance seem. As a result, we got straight to the places we needed to go to get the shots (no fun dawdling the scenic route in the middle of an Arctic low pressure pattern!), we had no need to worry about driving on the wrong side in appalling conditions, we had someone who knew what to look for, who could help us with such atypical (for us!) weather and who looked after our safety.

So why not try a New Zealand photography holiday yourself next time you are thinking about vacation time? A trip where everything is arranged for you and you can just concentrate on the amazing scenery and wildlife as your guide immerses you in his world.

Why not contact a professional photographer today about your New Zealand photography holiday? Travelling Light Photography createphoto tours of New Zealand for all photographers.