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