Getting Ready for that Trip of a Lifetime

As photographers we all have places we dream of going and photographing, our photo bucket list if you will. When we get the chance to visit one of these places how do we prepare? Generally we choose these places because we have seen pictures of them and want the chance to take our own. For me such a place is Yosemite National Park. Of course Ansel Adams has some of the most documented photos of the park but there are countless others, and now my opportunity is coming in May. In this post I'm going to address how I prepare for such a visit so that I can make the most of my time by actually taking pictures, not running around looking for a great spot or wondering why when I did find a spot my shot doesn't look as good as others pictures. Hopefully this will aid in others preparation for their bucket list trip.

The first step after setting the dates and making the reservations for lodging is to do research. Yes, the ugly word from school. The one we all thought we were finally done with. I promise there are no written assignments here, simply pure fun. With the internet we have opportunities that no other past generations have enjoyed, instant information and lots of it. Start general and simply do a search of your destination, in my case Yosemite National Park. Having done this I found sites that have detailed explanations of hikes, views, amenities, distances from place to place, maps and of course pictures. I start by getting maps. As I locate information on trails, and see pictures that I would like to have a go at I can mark them on my map. I also get a good idea of distances from place to place. Yosemite is a very large park, I can't possibly see, hike and photograph everything I would like to in 4 days. With that piece of reality hitting me square in the face, I must plan carefully.

Armed with road maps, trail maps, topo maps, shuttle maps and of course just  the general park map, I go looking for the views I most want and what area and trails have the most to offer for the time I have available. Again, the internet is a great source, Flickr is a great start, as is Face Book and professional photographers web sites. Also, printed books. Many photographers make money writing and there are several books out there, especially on very popular areas for photographers, that not only offer ideas of shots but have specific information about how to get there, when is the best time of year, day and some even off advice on camera settings and filters. These books are usually small enough to carry in your backpack, daypack or camera bag. I purchased two such books for less than $10.00 each. (I would not advise ordering these off the internet until you have an opportunity to look through them and make sure they will be helpful. I found mine on the internet, went to the local book store and looked through them and chose the two I purchased from several I found on the internet. One of the books was so bad that it would have been a terrible waste of money.)

Next I will spend weeks, reading and creating my itinerary so that when I arrive at the park I'm going to utilize my time well and not waste time looking for information on the park and how to get around. A word of caution here, don't overbook your schedule, allow for the incredible sky or the wildlife that just happens to show up as you're getting ready to move on. Photography is about the moment, great lighting is not to be wasted because you feel you have to get to the next picture. Your next picture just came to you. Without ever moving your tripod you can create several very different scenes as the lighting changes.

As you are doing your research, don't forget your gear. I posted on facebook that I was starting to get my gear ready, remember my trip isn't until May, and someone posted questioning getting my gear ready so soon. If you are not a professional photographer this might be wise. I discovered that I will need some filters that I do not own in order to really capture Yosemite landscapes well. (Part of my research) After having read this in one of my purchased books on photographing Yosemite I started researching filters. For this I've used You Tube demonstrations and contacted some of my Photographer friends on face book. If you are not on facebook you should sign up and start a circle of friends that you can share your passion of photography. Whatever you do though do not sign up, find a professional and start asking for help. Build a relationship first, you will find it rewarding and that for the most part they will be glad to help on occasion. They will visit your site and comment on the photos you post unsolicited and the feedback is invaluable as you grow in your hobby. (If you want private lessons make sure you find a photographer that does that and pay for it. Remember you expect to be paid for your time in your field. Be courteous when asking for that occasional help.

When you discover that there is camera equipment that you need to purchase, do so in a timely manner so that you have plenty of time to learn to use it. Trying to figure out how to attach a speedlite or combination of filters when the picture is in front of you is a very bad way to learn. I can almost guarantee that the shot will be gone by the time you figure it out at worst and at best the shot didn't come out like you thought because after the fact you learned of another or better way to use the tool.

Now! Go plan that bucket list trip and most of all, Happy Shooting.
Laura