Photography News Issue 45

Photography News | Issue 45 | absolutephoto.com

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DaysOut

From safari parks and monuments to track days, air shows and museum visits, the summer months are full of photo opportunities – if you knowwhere and how to take them. That’s why this month PN brings you a host of tips and ideas, all designed to help you make the most of your photo opportunities. From places to go, to how and what to shoot when you’re there, and even presentation ideas for your pics after the event, we’ll get you snapping for success... Out and about

Make the most of some great photo days out in this month’s Buyers’ Guide onP32 ’ ’

Words by Kingsley Singleton Pictures by Kingsley Singleton and Will Cheung

1. Plan your next trip

Research and organisation are vital for a great photo day out Where are you going to go? Youmight have an event lined up, but even so, all successful photo days start with planning. If you’re stuck for ideas, check out your local tourist office, who’ll be happy to help. You can find a list of attractions by region at visitengland.com/destinations and similar sites exist for Scotland, Wales andNorthern Ireland.

Clockwisefromfar left Time your visit to get the kind of light youwant. At Westonbirt Arboretum, in earlyOctober, it was important to arrive as early as possible to get themorning light through the trees, giving a greatmix of contrast and colour. Checking photography access at WightwickManormeant I could arrived prepared, safe in the knowledge that tripod usage was okay, and I could shoot long exposures and bracket for HDR within the house. In themodern age, good planning usually starts online, whether you’re picking a location, or finding outmore about the one you’ve chosen with an image search.

If possible, it’s a good idea to contact sites or organisers first, so that you can checkanyrestrictionsonphotography, like whether you can use flash or a tripod. Try searching for photography of the locationonline, to get some ideas of what works andwhat’s achievable. Timing your visit is also important. If you want pleasing morning or evening light, you’ll need to arrive in good time so you don’t miss it. The same goes for one- off events or programmes: research what’s happening, and get there with plenty of time to get in position and set up. Air shows and track days are a great example; get there early or you’ll have hundreds of other snappers in front of you.

Left You don’t want to be cramming too many lenses into your bag or your day out could feel like a chore – but you don’t want to leave yourself short of focal lengths either. For a range of options, try lenses like 18-135mm, 24-105mm or 28-300mm zooms. Below Packing a small, light travel tripod, such as this Manfrotto Befree Travel Tripod, will expand your shooting options tenfold.

Take the right gear for a successful day out The gear choices you make are as much about why you’re going somewhere as where. The first thing to ask is ‘what are you intending to shoot and how?’ If you’re aiming for a bit of everything, you can easily end up with a back-breaking bag full of kit, and a hodgepodge of images. But streamline your kit and you’ll have a more focused and comfortable day out. 2. Pack for success

bag for long periods, and if you feel like a packmule, you’ll be less likely to enjoy your photography. Match lens choice to subject. So, if you’re shooting wildlife or sports, prioritise your telephoto gear; if your subjects are architectural, you’re more likely to need the wide lenses. Of course, there are lenses that can do it all, covering focal lengths such as 18-200mm, or 28-105mm. These can be very effective, providing lots of options, and work well as a backup to a more dedicated optic such as a 70- 200mm f/2.8, or 50mm f/1.4. If you’re

shooting at a sports or action event, one of thenewbreedof long telezooms is a godsend, spanning focal lengths such as 150-600mm. If you’re planning to shoot long exposures, or bracketed shots for exposure blending and HDR, a tripod isvital,butagainyoucansaveyourself some grief by using a good quality travel model; smaller and lighter than regular legs, they won’t weigh you down and are less likely to get in the way of others. Also remember a spare battery and extramemory cards. And a large umbrella.

If possible, stick to two to three lenses, along with your camera body, but base that decision on weight, too; remember you may be carrying your

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