A Road Scholar's Tips for a Picture-Perfect Photography Adventure
Road Scholar Rachel T. recently embarked on a learning adventure to Yosemite, where she honed her photography skills. She offers her advice to other Road Scholars who are interested in enrolling in a similar program:
A Road Scholar program can be more than just an opportunity to explore somewhere new — you can also explore a new skill or an old passion. Photography is the perfect hobby to practice on a learning adventure. Here are some tips if you’re planning to attend a photography program with Road Scholar for the first time.
1. Get Familiar With Your Personal Equipment & Camera Settings
Learning more about photography through travel is an incredible experience. However, it can be helpful to have a bit of background knowledge before you go so that you have a foundation to work on. Having some familiarity of basic photography terms such as ISO, aperture and shutter speed can help you feel more comfortable handling your own camera. If you consider yourself a photography novice, you might want to check out a Road Scholar At Home program about photography before you attend in person! Bringing along your camera’s instruction manual could be useful as well for reference while you learn on the go.
2. Make Room for More Than Just Your Camera Equipment
Your camera is the last thing you’ll want to forget, but it’s not the only thing you’ll need during your travels; you may need space to store extra clothing layers, snacks, water and other items. Even if your group spends time on a bus, you’ll want to be able to carry these items with you on the ground. Double check before you go that whatever bag you plan to keep on your person during field trips has plenty of room for your equipment and other daily necessities.
3. Take Initiative & Be Creative
Your instructor will provide you with plenty of advice and tips to help you take amazing shots, and they’ll be just as excited as you are to see your own unique ideas. Take advantage of the learning opportunity but be ready to think outside the box and experiment.
5. Consider Bringing a Battery Pack & an Extra Memory Card
Depending on your equipment’s battery life and your current available storage space, you may want to add these items to your packing list. The last thing you want to worry about on long days shooting is whether you’ll run out of battery or space. Just remember that portable power banks must be packed in your carry-on luggage if you’re flying and plan to check a bag.
6. Pack Your Patience & Flexibility
Sometimes the perfect lighting will take time, or weather will change itinerary plans. Be ready to be flexible and trust in your instructor’s expertise. Keep in mind that your best shot might not be the first one you take as well.
7. Learn From Your Fellow Road Scholars
There will be an expert instructor alongside you, but they won’t be the only person on your program with useful advice. You’ll be surrounded by other Road Scholars who share your passion for travel and are eager to learn more about photography, just like you. Some may have previous experience with travel photography or the same equipment as you. Take full advantage of your group travel opportunity to learn from everyone around you and share the valuable insight you have in return.
