Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time
While most commercial photographers know about copyright laws and the use of a model for their images, it seems the answer isn’t so clear when it comes to Travel Photography. So if you’re travelling the world with your camera, what laws apply – for you and for your subject?
You might need to consider what it means… taking photos of people in a foreign country, photos that you may one day print, sell or publish.
With the recent polemics surrounding a certain image that won a photography competition this week, I feel like we need to talk about travel photography. About people photography, in our case. And to set up boundaries as to what’s acceptable in both cases. Honestly, in my opinion, it’s a matter of common sense – but it seems that’s not enough. We still witness some shocking scenes in the world of travel photography these days.
Let me be clear: My goal isn’t to attack or criticise any specific, or specific group, of photographers. I don’t know these people. I’ve never met them. But the whole circus that events such as these have created is, in my book, very disturbing, which is why I feel it’s important to discuss the topic in general.
Lomography has come up with some interesting products in the past couple of years. The latest addition to their family is the Lomogon 2.5/32 Art lens. It’s a handcrafted 32mm f/2.5 lens aimed particularly at travel and street photographers, but of course, it can be used for many other genres. Aside from reasonable price and compact design, the most interesting feature of this lens is probably its perfectly circular bokeh.
You’ll find and hear plenty of travel photography tips all over the internet. Many of them are useful, but others may sound pretty obvious. This is why Mitchell Kanashkevich has created this video with seven travel photography tips you aren’t likely to hear very often.
There is a particular obstacle that stands in the way of almost all travel, documentary and cultural photographers alike and, for some reason, no one seems to be willing to talk about it – so I’m going to.
The way I see it, that obstacle could be best described as ‘Misconception’. No matter how hard I try to prepare for what may lay ahead in my photography projects, it never ceases to amaze me how much of a difference there is between what I think I’m going to find and what is really out there. So many times places I thought would be completely isolated from the outside world were overrun by travelers, and cultures I thought would be extremely protective of their arts turned out to be some of the most hospitable and welcoming people I ever met. My last photography journey in Ethiopia was a perfect example of just how these misconceptions can affect a photography project.
Traveling the world, taking photos and getting paid for it sounds like a dream come true. Well, if this is your dream, pay attention. A UK-based family is looking for a photographer to travel the world with them and capture their family moments. They’re paying £80,000 (over $101,000) per year, plus travel, food and accommodation fees.
When you’re traveling, everything is new to you and there’s so much to photograph: nature, landscapes, cities, and of course: the people. It seems like a dream come true, but it can be a real challenge to photograph people in a country new to you and in a different culture. There are so many nuances to keep in mind and many potential misunderstandings.
In this video, Mitchell Kanashkevich discusses all the hard truths about photographing people while you’re traveling. But he also offers solutions to overcome challenges and end up with splendid photos, memorable experiences, and perhaps even some new friendships.
If you don’t post photos from your vacation to Instagram and Facebook, it’s like you didn’t even travel, right? And if selfies from amazing locations just don’t do the trick anymore, Sweet Escape may be the solution. This startup connects travelers with professional photographers at locations all over the globe, and it bets that people are ready to pay to raise their travel photos to a higher level.
Well executed travel photography can definitely be exhilarating, but it is not as leisurely as most people imagine. Here are some suggestions that should help maximize results.
First and foremost is research; do plenty of it beforehand. Trying to find that little-known road or hike while already on location will cut into valuable shooting time. Lack of research will also increase the chances of one just driving by a turnoff that could have yielded amazing vistas.
Our world is a magical place filled with beauty. Following the Great Silk Road, photographer Alex Pflaum ended up in Bulunkul, the coldest town of Central Asia and one of the most remote places in the world. He had a Leica Sofort camera with him and used it in two best possible ways: to tell the story of this wonderful place and its villagers, but also to break the language barrier with them.
You can find out more about John on his website and follow his adventures on YouTube and Facebook.
can change a lens mid-rappel, swap a memory card while treading water, or use a camel as a light stand.
To see more of his work please visit his studio website blurMEDIAphotography, or follow him on Twitter, 500px, Google Plus or YouTube.
JP’s photography is available for licensing at Stocksy United.
Find my work on My website or follow me on Facebook or My page
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