October 26th, 2002
Taking pictures while traveling. Most people don’t think twice about it. Maybe they should.
I’d decided that before I embark on my world travels I would become a better photographer. Up until recently, I would pretty much just point & shoot, even with the top end consumer Canon Powershot G2 digital camera I bought last year. It can take pretty good pictures when used with little knowledge, under ideal conditions (Meaning proper lighting). But when I bought it, I knew I wanted to go deeper into the craft of photography someday. I’ve recently had my chance.
I believe you can get a head start on learning anything by reading. Photography is no different. Recently, I’ve read books on photography technique and the use of filters. As well as a number of photography magazines. I am now a proud owner of a nice travel tripod, unipod, a couple of tripod heads, as well as different filters (For more accurate color reproduction), and a telephoto and wide angle lens. Tripods are necessary for night shots and the extension lens to capture scenes that a regular camera fails miserably at.
My recent trip to China served as my first testing ground to try out some of this equipment. And this is when I caught myself. We were about to embark on a tour of the Forbidden City in Beijing. I had a tripod on a shoulder strap and a moderately heavy waist pack with my camera, a wide angle lens and some filters. I also had the English audio tour guide (Narrated by James Bond himself - Roger Moore!) around my neck. That combined with my backpack of regular travel essentials and I was beginning to feel more like a pack animal than someone trying to absorb hundreds of years of history. Whenever I changed lens or filters it only felt even more cumbersome.
Fortunately, this happened on our first day. I made some adjustments in how I used my equipment which minimized the affect. Although still not natural enough for me. On a related note - two of the most satisfying moments during the trip were when I didn’t even have my hand on the camera. One was during a boat ride at the Beijing Summer Palace looking off into the hills where a lone pagoda stood. While other people were busy snapping pictures of a building on the right, they were totally oblivious to the tranquility of the distant hills. I was savoring every moment. The other moment was going up the cable car at Huangshan. The mix of light, clouds, and jagged peaks ranks in my book as one of my all time best experiences (See the China report for more information about these places).
I’ve always been somewhat aware about the effects of taking pictures while taking in new experiences. I usually keep my camera in a small belt pouch. Easy to take out, easy to put away.
With a tripod, filter, and extension lens this isn’t possible. Now that I am home, I am revisiting different strategies for how I will carry my gear and when I will use it.
The curse of camera doesn’t just affect those with a lot of gear to think about. Read on below.
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A camera records something for the future at the sacrifice of the present. It is easy to miss the full sensory stimulation of a place while constantly looking for the “photograph.” In many cases these photographs end up being put in a drawer after a whirlwind tour showing a few friends upon return. Photography doesn’t have to intrude upon these special moments or at least its effect can be minimized. I’ve identified a few types of “shooters” to get you started. Look in the mirror - which ones fit you? After all, you can’t fix a problem unless you know what to look for.
Types of Shooters:
Calculator - One who consistently tries to determine the best angle, light, aperture, f-stop, etc... to get the most accurate photograph. The problem with this person is that they run the risk of thinking too technically. I suspect once shooting different types of scenes becomes second nature, the effects of thinking technically are lessened.
Novice Gearhead - Most people with SLR type cameras fit this profile. Although even people with smaller point & shoots could be here too. Cameras slung around your neck put up this artificial barrier between you and the environment. It’s an un-natural weight too. If you don’t think so - try walking around in your everyday life with it. Belt pouches and bags can be a nice solution, but not if the weight makes your pants sag.
Expert Gearhead - Usually fits into the calculator profile too. This person moves past the novice level by toting along a tripod, extra lens, and other doo dads. The right equipment carrying system can help minimize the effects but I don’t think it can ever be eliminated altogether.
Continuous - Usually with a video camera. (Although the more sophisticated digital camera salso have a video mode now too) Eyes always behinds the lens or screen. This is the worst type of traveler in my opinion. It’s not as bad as it used to be now that technology has shrunk cameras down considerably – but the mere act of sticking your eye in a little viewfinder or watching a miniature LCD while walking around can be a very limiting feeling. These people make me wonder why they’re traveling at all. Maybe they should just rent a travel video and watch it.
Run & Gun (Guerilla Photographers) - This photographer just wants the shots. Absorbing the atmosphere or trying to find a deeper understanding is largely irrelevant. This person just wants the photo to put in their album or show their friends.
Movie Star - These are people who always want to be in a photo. Similar to the run & gun except they must be in the picture. Regardless of whether any part of the background is obstructed. How many times have you traveled with someone who is constantly asking you to take their picture? Does it get annoying? It does for me. These people have a secret subconscious desire to be an actor/actress. Either that or they want to prove to their friends that they were actually where they said they were.
Pack Animal - If these travelers are told it’s a good photo opportunity, then it is. Results in beauty oriented shots, not the ugly or unusual (Which tend to be some of the most interesting and telling travel shots) usually. The leader of the pack is often a tour guide. Maybe these people should save themselves the trouble and buy a nice armchair photo book with all the popular sights when they get home or while traveling. It’s all they’ll be shooting anyway.
Groupie - Essentially the group oriented version of the movie star. Pictures with one or two people aren’t good enough. It must be a group shot.
The Chaser - Takes pictures of everything. Not realizing that some of the best pictures are those that remain in the mind.
and:
The Smart Photographer - Realizes how a camera can negatively affect the travel experience and perception of a place. Strives to minimize equipment drag. Knows that taking pictures is not an end within itself (Unless it’s related to your career), but merely an aid to help you recall the experience in the future. Understands that some of the best memories are when the camera isn’t brought or taken out of the bag, and knows that some of the best pictures are things that most people wouldn’t bother to take a photo of. The best photographers understand the limits of their camera and how the image will or will not compare with what is actually being seen by their naked eyes.
Now that I’ve completely ragged on the act of taking pictures while traveling, let me share a couple of potential positive benefits.
1) If you have a good eye for what constitutes a good picture then the mere act of wanting the shot can sometimes take you to spots you might not otherwise venture to.
2) For those with tripods or those who spend a lot of time looking for the right shot than the act of preparing for a picture can enhance if not even exceed the quality of experience at place than if you were to take no picture at all.
With all this said, cameras can be a good way to remember a trip. But next time you travel, put away the camera for a portion of it – even when visiting famous sites. Stop looking for photo opportunities. Better yet, leave it in the hotel room. If you’re skeptical that a camera can be a curse, start “easy,” don’t take it when visiting a place where you know you have a better chance of returning to or a place that is relatively nearby.
Copyright 2002 Wayne Chen