Here we are, back from last week when I started to talk about my lessons learned from traveling with my camera. Well apparently I’ve learned many many lessons, because the blog post ended up going on way too long for one sitting.

So we return for the next 4 lessons learned...

Planning a sunset photo session but going to dinner instead

I talked about getting up at sunrise and how worthwhile that is. Well, sunset is another time to capture some pretty phenomenal lighting if you’re so inclined. And sometimes I was inclined and had good intentions, but ran out of steam by that time of day.

Because unlike the photographers who ONLY make photos during the “golden hours” around sunrise and sunset, I also make photos all day long. So by the time sunset rolls around? I’m pretty freaking tired usually.

Sometimes I rally and go for the sunset photos. But sometimes I opt to go to dinner instead. Do I regret that choice later? I sure don’t. I’m not a big fan of regret - I don’t think it serves us.

And guess what? Sometimes there’s a compromise that can happen. I’ll tell you a little story...

We were visiting the most lovely town of Albi, France. I had every intention of setting up my tripod on a particular bridge for a particular shot of some other bridges, a cathedral...the usual in a small French town. But guess what? I was hungry and tired. So I opted instead to forego the tripod, and just bring my camera. I cranked up the ISO, grabbed my shot (which turned out to be one of my favorites), and headed off for some wine and dinner in a charming little French restaurant.

I remember the dinner fondly (I had duck - damn those French know how to prepare their waterfowl!), the wine, the experience. So do I regret not hanging out with a tripod to capture the “perfect” shot? Not a chance.

Proof that it’s possible to make a lovely sunset photo AND enjoy a nice dinner (Albi, France)

Grumpy, cold, windy but got the shot anyway

Here’s another version of that previous story. We were in London, set up with a tripod for a sunset photo. The day had been cloudy (shocking) and it was getting chilly and I was getting grumpy. I don’t like cold. Not at all. Not a little bit.

So I was grumpy, cold, and hungry (yeah I’m sure Neal was having a good time too). And there I stood, waiting for the sun to go down.

But THIS particular time, I was absolutely, positively determined to make this shot happen. But there wasn’t a lot of light, it wasn’t looking good. I thought many times about packing up and going to dinner.

But I stuck it out. And then? Wow. Once that sun hit the horizon the entire cloud-filled sky lit up with the most brilliant colors. And I got one of my favorite photos of all time.

So I think what I’m saying is to be flexible. Sometimes take the chance to brave your tired and grumpy self and get the shot. Other times? Chuck it and go to dinner. But follow what feels right and don’t do it because you think you should.

Enjoying your experience is the most important part of traveling. The good photos will come if that happens.

I’m definitely glad I waited for this one, it’s one of my favorites.

I don’t like ANY of my photos upon first review

When I come back home after a trip or any photoshoot, I download my photos into Lightroom and then take the first glance. And what do I think after seeing them for the first time? “Wow, those are all awesome!” Au contraire. Usually, I think “crap these are all terrible, I didn’t get any good ones this time.” Yes still.

That inner-critic is still in there, chipping away at my confidence. Now I’ve gotten better at hearing her (I’ve named her Penelope) whereas, in the old days, I didn’t realize those thoughts were separate from me. They were just there and I believed them. Now I recognize them when they start yapping and am able to send them on their merry way.

So I do my first pass and then I wait. And then I do my second pass and start to think “hey that one has potential” and start flagging those. Once I get through flagging the ones that have potential, then I start doing a little editing. Well now, with a little boost, some of these are pretty darn good!

For me, it’s a process. I never love any of my photos right away. But now, after a couple of rounds of culling and some editing, I’ve learned how to fall in love with my photos.

I think my advice here is to learn to recognize the inner critic that’s blasting your work, versus the rational critic who’s saying “let’s learn more about composition, this could be better” or “some are still a little blurry, maybe pull out that lesson on camera settings again”. There’s a difference. One is there to tear you down, and one is there to build you up. Learn how to distinguish between them, and you’ll be a whole lot happier, and a better photographer too.

One of those images that almost got passed over the first time, but now I like it.

I figured out the most comfortable way to carry my camera, and what gear to bring with me

Remember my story about trekking in Peru? With my camera bouncing against my chest continuously unless I held it in my hand? Well, I decided I needed a new system to carry my camera and my gear. So I started to research, and test some things out.

Now this wasn’t a quick nor inexpensive process. But I have finally figured out the holy grail of photography equipment when I travel.

My most prized discovery? The BlackRapid cross-body camera strap. Who knew that life could be so good! I know that sounds dramatic, but that’s how much I love this strap.

Just in case you’re interested, I’ve compiled a list of all my favorite photography tools and gear, including my camera and go-to lens that I mentioned previously. And the tools are linked so you can see more details and pricing and such. You can take a gander at that list here.

Caveat: these are only my preferences, based on my research and experience. Other photographers have very different opinions on gear. Trust me, just do a search for the “best lens for travel” or “best photography backpack” if you don’t believe me.

What you have to do is try out your own stuff. Take my suggestions, do some research, and figure out what works best for you. Because your life will be a WHOLE lot better if you have a streamlined, comfortable system for carrying your camera and extra memory card (well and battery of course!).

One of those shots that I got because I was carrying my camera around on just a normal day. I wouldn’t carry it with me as much as I do if I didn’t have a comfortable system…just sayin.

Wow, who knew THAT would get so long! I sure didn’t when I started this post. Just a few lessons learned, and then? Well, I guess the moral of this story is that I’ve learned a whole lot after many years of making lots of mistakes.

So what are you going to do? Go out and make the same mistakes I did? OR maybe take my lessons, and proceed down a more educated and prepared path than I did. That’s what I’m hoping for anyway!