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Sunday, December 31, 2023

About Chris' Travel and Photo Tips - A Living Document

Wildlife photography has a boatload of challenges - specifically, being in the right place at the right time with relaxed subjects in the right lighting - and with few other folks around.  Plus, one needs to be armed with the right tools, positive vibes, and best shooting techniques on auto-pilot.  In my humble opinion, it's better to be overly prepared than mildly handicapped because if not, the mental game is compromised.  And when the mental game is off, the fastest camera in the world can't deliver home runs.

When I prep for wildlife safaris/photo trips, there are a zillion things that I do in order to insure success with the least amount of hassles or gotchas.  I'm a list junkie and this started out as the typical what to bring pack list on my first African safari back in 2004.  As you will see, this list continued to grow because the "whys and how" are just as important as the "whats". 

After 45+ photo trips, I painstakingly documented what worked and didn't - ranging from travel prep and logistics to clothing, shooting techniques, tools and workflow - because:
  • Airlines are continually cracking down on carry-on size and weight and I'm always trying to reduce weight;
  • Reducing stress is always top of mind and I want travel adventures to be efficient and comfy; especially, when traveling 40+ hours door:door and when it's impossible to run to a store when something breaks, leaks, is forgotten or is taken; 
  •  I want good value from my investments - especially, since products that weigh the least - aka every ounce counts - usually cost a premium.  I have no affiliation with vendors mentioned.

Since I often get requests for advice, I'm sharing my personal trip planning/prep bible in this living document.  Check back for updates to: 1) Chris' Packing, Travel and Image Storage Tactics which includes Extreme Cold Weather tips, 2) How to Shoot from a Safari Land Rover, Safari Prep and Image Workflow and 3) Avoiding International Air Travel Grief.  Yep, it's a ton to do and think through; but, no pain, no gain.   Note: for faster browsing:  scroll down one page at a time by pressing the fn key + down arrow (Mac) or use Page Up/Down keys.  To scroll super-fast, press the fn key + hold the down arrow. 


Chris Prestegard
www.wildliferhythms.com

19 comments:

  1. Safari is such a good place to travel. You are lucky to go there. Glad you shared your experience there and for your travel tips. Keep posting.

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  2. Nice tips friend. The tips will avoid some problem during vacation. Thank for sharing.

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  3. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me.

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  4. Superb information blog , if you find gaining inspiration of what to shoot difficult, start by taking a walk to the local tourist information centre and ask the staff their where they recommend you visit. Explain what style of photography you enjoy and ask whether there are any local guides or fellow photographers in the area who would be willing to show you some of the sights away from the tourist track.

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  7. Informative blog!...It's present a useful tips...Keep Posting..Thanks for sharing...

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  13. This is such a useful travel tips and the content is impressive. Thank you for sharing this with us.

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  14. Excellent writing. The things you've said here to be overly prepared for photography, otherwise the mental game is compromised and if the mental game is off, the fastest camera in the world can't deliver home runs, was the best inspirational learning things for me.

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