Travel Photography Tips

Travel...thinking of going somewhere? Maybe we can help.

Travel is exciting and fun...? well, at least it should be.

All too often though we hear of instances where the dream becomes a nightmare due to lack of planning or knowledge of what a destination has to offer or how to access it.

Scenic Rim Photography will be developing this page into a series of tips and experiences to help make your adventure less traumatic and stressful. As we develop if you have any queries please feel free to contact us and we will gladly help you if we can.

Planning for a photographic holiday is essential. Not only do you need to consider how many bodies to carry and what lenses to pack, you also need to consider backup, storage, filters, cleaning, batteries...and who is going to carry all of this.

A lot of the answers to these questions depends on whether you are travelling alone, with your spouse/partner, in a group, flying, road by public transport or road by car. Scenic Rim Photography highly reccommends the Virgin Group of airlines for travel, but only if you want great service at a fair price.

Equipment

Camera Bodies: one or more? If space permits 2 is preferred as protection against failure, loss or damage.

Lenses: Where are you going? This will determine focal length and the speed of the lens, plus your personal shooting preferences. The issue of "which lens" could fill several encyclopedia's and still miss something.

Filters: An important part of your kit.

Memory: a myriad of choices now available that can be tailor made to your situation.

Backup: Essential with a wide choice.

Post Processing: Do you want to do this as you go or wait til you get home?

Cable or Remote release: Should be one in every bag.

Torch: Planning on any star trails or night work? Then the right light source is essential.

Camera Bag: Almost as big an issue as lenses. Choose carefully there is a wide range out there each with its own strengths and weaknesses. We use and recommend Delsey. http://www.delseycamerabags.com.

Batteries: Know your camera well, battery life varies a lot depending on useage, ambient temperature and the features your camera has.

Featured Destination

Capitol Reef National Park. Utah.

The "newest" of America's National Parks is well worth the visit and getting to it from Las Vegas via Hwy 12 from Bryce or Hwy's 261 & 95 from Monument Valley is a scenic splendour in itself. Easy access is also from Salt Lake City or Denver, neither of which I have done so can not comment on the scenic properties of those routes.

Capitol Reef is a geological wonder, like the rest of the Colorado Plateau and  a few days can easily be spent hiking and exploring in amongst the variety of  geological features. The Visitor Centre is an essential first stop to get an overview and understanding of the region and what it has to offer. Depending on the time of the year, the outdoor theatre is also a 'must see'.

Access is by vehicle and shanks pony so come prepared. Some of the area is very remote so equip yourself with information, maps and advice from Rangers at the Visitor Centre before venturing into the less travelled parts of this wonderland.

Accommodation is well catered for in Torrey and just out of the town (a mile or two East on Hwy 12) is a group of motels set in amongst a spectacular backdrop.  The Restaurant at the Rim Rock Inn is a good place to eat, the food quality and choice is excellent. We have stayed at both the Rim Rock Inn and Days Inn and found both to be clean, comfortable and each with its own style and ambience. We have no hesitation in recommending either.

The photos that follow are in around the greater Capitol Reef region and along the Burr Trail.

Starting at Mexican Hat, for an authentic fun night stay at the Swinging Grill & Lodge. But DO NOT eat for at least three days beforehand.

The approach to the Moki Dugway is benign, giving no warning as to what lays ahead. 

This sign is the first hint that there may not be a way around and that the only way is....up!. 

The climb is fantastic. Take it slow  and enjoy what unfolds.

The views back over Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley are spectacular. 

and your journey has only just begun.

Natural Bridges National Monument on Hwy 95 is worth a stop.

There is some hiking involved, but its not hard and very rewarding.

The drive onto Hanksville & Torrey is like driving through a book....every corner turns a page on a visual wonderland.

Hiking through Capitol Reef NP you will get to see many features. 

 Sitting through the Visitor Centre audio visual presentations will give you a good understanding of what happened to make this possible.

It is a surreal feeling to be walking around on an ancient ocean floor...at 5,000 feet above sea level. Sort of puts your existence into perspective.

 My good mate John posing for perspective.

 and on it goes. There is much, much more, and I hope this small sample has whetted your appetite to go, see and  experience Capitol Reef for yourself.

Coming soon. The Burr Trail.

Please call back.