Photography & Binocular Guidelines
For many of us, photography is a natural part of travel. Whether you use a phone camera, a point and shoot or a professional DSLR, these guidelines will help you to prepare for your upcoming holiday.
Camera: Your camera may not have been used for some time so ensure it is working properly before you leave home and take a few test pictures. Bring your camera’s manual along with you if you are unsure.
Camera Protection: Whichever camera you bring it will be of no use if it gets wet. Bring a waterproof bag (sturdy zip-lock bags work for smaller cameras), particularly for trips in the Zodiacs. If your camera gets wet immediately remove the battery. If it was immersed in seawater you should wipe it down with fresh water, then let it dry out overnight before trying to turn it on. If you want to take photos in the rain bring a camera rain cover or plastic bag.
Camera lenses: Bring a microfibre cloth (lens cleaning cloth) or a well-washed handkerchief to clean your lens to remove smudges and dust and wipe off raindrops.
Batteries/Charger: Weak batteries account for a large percentage of camera problems, especially in cold regions. Be sure to pack your charger and / or an extra battery.
Memory Cards/Film: Many of our voyages and tours are to places where you will not be able to buy extra cards /film, so bring more than you expect to need. It is better to bring at least two cards rather than one giant one as memory cards do fail occasionally.
Tripods and Beanbags: Tripods, which are often used to steady cameras with large telephoto lenses are not useful on ships or Zodiacs due to the space required and motion of the ship. If you cannot hand hold your camera, consider bringing a monopod or beanbag. Unlike tripods, beanbags tend to absorb vibrations.
Local Rules: Watch out for signs where photography is not permitted (museums, galleries), or where flash photography is not permitted. In some venues there is a fee to take photographs. In many countries it is forbidden to take photos of military personnel or buildings. If you are unsure ask your guide or our staff.
Etiquette: Be respectful and sensitive when taking photos. People going about their daily lives may be annoyed by close-up photography. Before taking photos of people, you should ask permission first. Hesitation means “no”. Consider having a photo taken with someone rather than of someone. Be especially mindful of taking photos of children; their parents may not appreciate it. Be aware of other people taking photos and try and walk behind them rather than in front of the camera.
Flash Photography: The use of flashes is not permitted in some places, or it might be inappropriate around certain animals. Establish how to turn off your camera’s flash. Usually there is a button with a ‘lightning bolt’ icon.
Binocular Guidelines
A pair of good/high-quality binoculars is highly recommended. Many wildlife sightings require or are significantly enhanced by binoculars. Binoculars are listed by power and brightness, e.g. 7x20 or 10x50; the first number indicates magnification, the second, relative brightness and field of vision. At least 7x-power is best; 7x35 or 8x42 binoculars are excellent choices. Wide-field binoculars allow you to see a wider area making it easier to spot wildlife. For prolonged use, and extra security you might like to use a binocular harness or binocular suspenders instead of a single strap over one shoulder. Compact binoculars, in the 7x20 range, can fit in a pocket and are very lightweight, but sacrifice brightness and field of vision, and can be harder to use than larger models. Centre-focus binoculars are generally easier to use than Individual Focus models. Armoured or rubber-coated models are generally more shock-resistant, and some of these are also waterproof.