Thank you for your emails and questions, I would love to share some of my stories with you. A few of you have asked where my journey started and what equipment I take on assignments. The camera and I have been on a lot of adventures starting at the early age of six when I went on a school trip to Edinburgh Zoo. I have fond memories of being given the family camera and how excited I was to capture the day. The photos didn't turn out very well (camera shake) but you could still make out the iconic penguins. Since then I have always been fascinated by the camera and recording/capturing moments never to be seen again. Did you know not two images taken will be exactly the same? This month exactly twenty years ago I went on my first epic journey around the world including Australia. It was a pivotal time, finishing studying photography full-time for four years and embarking on a new adventure!
Taken during a portraiture studio class
The Camera and I - Australia
There were a lot of firsts! It was an education in itself, discovering new cultures and tasting new cuisine. Seeing the iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, enjoying Christmas on Bondi Beach, and hearing the call of a Koala! My poor SLR camera got put through its paces with water and humidity in the rain forest, sand, and dust at the incredible Pinnacles, and the dramatic change in temperatures, not to mention all the bobbing up and down in my backpack. Today the new SLR camera travels a bit more securely and a lot more discreetly.
The Pinnacles, Western Australia ©MDHarding
Packing
Over the years you discover what you need when it comes to lenses, the best way to carry them from your handbag, shoulder bag, or perhaps rucksack, not forgetting the essential silica gel sachets to absorb any moisture.
There is no one size fits all, what suits one person might not suit you but there could be some informative titbits like putting in silica gel sachets, that you might not have thought of.
One large handbag in tow while traveling in India
Essentials
One of the most beneficial bits of kit I have ever bought is a lens cap keeper. It's so convenient and you will never lose a lens cap again. Have you heard of B & H? It's like a candy store to kids but it's everything for the photographer under one roof and they ship to the UK.
Embrace and Inspire
Do you have a young child, friend, or relative with a love of photography/creative art or perhaps something else? Embrace and encourage them. You never know where it might lead. Sometimes we all need a little help and cultivation in our pursuits and passions. It could be as little as an inspirational movie, book, television documentary, or a teacher that motivates and is passionate about the same subject. My love of travel and photography has never weened, however, it hasn't been all smooth sailing, but if like me, you can ride out the turbulent and sometimes crashing waves there is a journey of a lifetime to be had and enjoy. Follow your heart, your dreams, and don't lose your colour.
There are lots of different routes into photography from full-time and part-time courses at college and university or if you're already in full-time employment what about joining the local photography club? You can gain valuable knowledge and skills while having fun with others and learning different aspects of night photography from fireworks to Christmas lights and much more. Get out their experiment with different filters, lighting, and situations. Happy Snapping.
I hope you enjoyed reading and that it gave you some insight. I would love to hear what your essentials are and if you have any titbits you would like to share. Please email your comments/questions to enquiries@MDHardingTravelPhotography.com