I was chatting recently with a man who had been taking photographs as a hobby all his life and yet had never been outside the USA to do it. This was his first trip outside the USA – and he had come to New Zealand. I was quite stunned: the man was about 50.
Now, in the modern world I suspect that he is an exception. I doubt that so many people grow up today and never visit even the country next door during their life. It set me thinking, however, on the subject of photo tours overseas.
For the photographer, whatever their skill level, travelling is part of the hobby. It makes great sense because there is nothing quite like travel to get the creative process moving again and give you that zest for capturing images. A trip abroad often re-awakens that urge we all feel when we first pick up a camera but which seems to get somehow over-ridden by the demands of modern life.
A photography holiday will give you new challenges you have never experienced. I went to Canada in the middle of winter and did a week’s guided photo tour to shoot wildlife and scenery. The temperatures hit -43 Centigrade – which is about the same in Fahrenheit!
Once the temperatures get that low, you actually have to start thinking about staying alive as well as taking the shot. I recall taking a glove off to adjust something and within a single minute the pain in my hand was such that I had to stop and put it back on. Autofocus slows down as lenses freeze up, camera batteries loose charge much faster and moisture and condensation are constant threats.
Luckily, both my Nikon kit and I survived the polar experience and emerged alive and well! I also came home with some great shots – for which most credit goes to the guide I employed for the trip. He made all the accommodation and travel arrangements, did all the driving and was a wildlife spotter extraordinaire.
His services were not cheap – we had to pay his day rate as well as his accommodation and food costs. Fuel and the use of his truck were part of the deal. However, it made travelling in a different country, in the middle of very harsh conditions, driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road and so on all very possible. It was a boon to have someone with us who could explain the context and the scenery, answer any questions we had and generally help us get to know his country a bit as well as helping us cope with weather that was very different to that we are used to.
When vacation time rolls by next, you could do what the man at the beginning of the article did – book a photography holiday to New Zealand with a professional photographer. Get them to arrange all the accommodation to suit your needs and to take you to all the great places you won’t find in the guidebook.
Want to contact a professional photographer today about your New Zealand photography holiday? Travelling Light Photography specialise inphoto tours of New Zealand for all photographers.
