How To Become A Travel Photographer
A talented travel photographer captures the mood of a time and place. It takes superior skill to convey the true portrayal of a land and its culture. Here are tips on how you can join the ranks of travel photographers who do justice to their subjects.
Acquire the Right Equipment
Your biggest investment is going to be the acquisition of a good camera. A digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) is recommended as magazines prefer submissions of large resolution photos, essential for printing and enlarging.
A DSLR camera offers superb image quality in addition to which it allows for interchangeable lenses. You will need a variety of lenses such as wide-angle and a standard zoom. A tripod is important for stability.
Study Of Photography Techniques
In order to excel at the trade, you need to have a sound knowledge of your equipment. Knowing your camera means getting familiar with the right settings to use and most importantly capturing images creatively. Important too is the ability to have a good grasp of photo editing. There are excellent books available that share useful tips. Alternatively, you can check out the available online classes.
The Practical Approach
Photography is a creative skill that is best learned practically. Hence, experiment with the operations of your camera and find out how it performs in different light conditions, outdoors, indoors, and in different types of environments.
It is crucial to learn how to change the settings rapidly to capture a unique image. In order to expand your experience, take pictures wherever you are, and put together a portfolio as you go along.
Decide What Are You Want to Specialize In
Once you have built up your skills, work on developing a style that is uniquely yours so as to stand out from the crowd. Whatever your style, your photographs should have a consistent mark of quality. They should show evidence of your passion and creativity. Your goal is to create masterpieces that stand out.
You Need To Travel
Begin building your experience by taking photographs as you travel. You do not need to plan trips to exotic destinations; go down to the park, take a walk in the countryside, or go downtown. You can also plan weekend excursions to the beach or to the mountains. Take pictures wherever you are, and with time, you will improve your technique.
Build a Portfolio
Your ultimate goal is to promote your skills, therefore you need to showcase them in a portfolio which is visual proof of your quality and style. Building a website is important as this is where you can display your photos and publish your work. Incorporate your brand name, logo, and other vital details on your website for maximum visibility.
Start Generating Income
An excellent way to get started is by selling your work to stock image libraries. That way when your pictures are purchased you will earn a commission. You can also contact the editors of Travel magazines and submit your work to them for appraisal.
Stretch your mind by embracing travel photography and in the process inspire others to explore the riches of history and culture of other lands. Without a doubt, you will find fulfillment and make a living in the process.
5 Places of Interest to visit in Kuala Lumpur
The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a magnificent, exotic city that offers a myriad of attractions. Not only is it a shopper’s paradise, but it also offers culture, history and vibrant nightlife. If you are making a brief stopover in Kuala Lumpur, here are 5 ‘must- sees’ to keep in mind:
China Town
Also known as Chee Cheong Kai, this colorful, fun market is the ideal location from where you can soak up the atmosphere as you mingle with the bustling crowd of locals and tourists. In addition to the market, this neighborhood offers temples, a wide selection of hawker stalls and eateries. The vibe continues from daytime into the night as people dine on street food, haggle away, shop for cheap clothes, souvenirs, and imitation designer goods that the market is known for.
Petaling Street market is the vibrant center of Chinatown, a chaotic but exciting place to wander around. Sample delicious offerings such as deep-fried chicken feet, coconut pancakes and stir-fries as you watch the Chinese dragons dance around you.
Petronas Twin Towers
Once the tallest buildings in the world, these are twin skyscrapers that were designed by the architect Cesar Pelli. The two towers consist of 88 stories of a circular structure with a pyramid-shaped pinnacle topped by a steel spire. The towers are 1,483ft high, and they are linked by a sky bridge.
You will marvel at the spectacular designs of the exterior as well as the interior. In addition, the views of the city from the observation deck at level 86 are outstanding.
Aquaria KLCC
This is a state of the aquarium that is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. The aquarium is designed to take you through varied watery landscapes such as the Amazon basin, and coral reefs.It is home to over 150 species of marine life, the most thrilling attractions of which include sharks, blue rays, sea horses and others.
You will have an opportunity to hold live corals and starfish to get a feel of their texture.At the ‘Jewels of the Jungle’ area you can check out the reptiles and insects such as the tarantula and many others.
The highlight of the tour is the walkthrough a 90m tunnel which is inside a giant tank. As you walk along, you will be surrounded by huge stingrays and sand tiger sharks.
The National Museum
A perfect way to get acquainted with Malaysian history, arts, and culture is to visit the National Museum which was opened in 1963. The museum building was designed to resemble an old Malay palace. The front facade has striking murals made of Italian glass mosaic.
The museum has four main galleries that trace the history of Malaysia from prehistoric to modern times, and it is famous for its artifacts from the Harappan civilization.
KL Forest Eco Park
This is the sole remaining tropical rainforest in the center of Kuala Lumpur. A remarkable attraction, this park was gazetted as a forest reserve in 1906 and is home to numerous varieties of trees, creepers, and bamboo. The highlight here is the canopy walk, a 200m high aerial bridge that hangs above the forest reserve.
There is so much more to explore in Kuala Lumpur. However, to truly appreciate the eclectic blend of culture and class, you may need to plan a longer visit so as to do it justice.
6 of the Best Places in the World to Celebrate New Years’ Eve
In most countries of the world, people usher in the New Year with pomp and festivity. This is to bid farewell to the old year and mark the start of a brand new one. However, there are certain destinations that are renowned for throwing a good party. Here are 6 of the best places in the world to celebrate New year’s Eve.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is famous for its harbor, striking landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour bridge. In addition, Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are world-famous. They can be viewed from a number of strategic points.
The main one is the Darling Harbor event that is preceded by flame and light shows from 7 pm on. The is a family-friendly event and it is alcohol-free. The Sydney New Year’s Eve celebrations can also be enjoyed from onboard a cruise on Sydney Harbor or from one of the parties that are held at Sydney Harbour Island.
Cape Town
Cape Town offers a wide selection of activities on New’s Year Eve, hence you will be spoilt for choice. The biggest party takes place at the V&A Waterfront where festivities begin as early as 5 pm with performances from dancers, musicians, and live bands. The evening comes alive with floats, there is a selection of restaurants to choose from, and there are also food trucks available. At 12 midnight, the beautiful Waterfront area is lit up by an amazing fireworks display.
New York
This is one of the most exciting cities to be in on New Year’s Eve. The annual celebration at Times Square is legendary. It has become a tradition and millions of people worldwide are glued to their screens to watch the descent of the Waterford Crystal ball.
New Year’s Eve celebrations were first held at Times Square in 1904, but the first ball was not lowered until 1907. You can also watch the fireworks display from the Brooklyn bridge. Alternatively, take a cruise past the Statue of Liberty, or head to Central Park for more fireworks.
London
New Year’s Eve fireworks in London are an incredible sight. They take place along the Thames and can be enjoyed from rooftop bars and boat parties. In addition, those without tickets can watch the fireworks from the Tower Bridge or Southwark Bridge. The display lasts around 15 minutes.
Apart from observing the fireworks display, many pass the evening watching one of the New Year’s Eve shows and concerts that are staged at this time. Others enjoy a meal at one of London’s numerous Michelin-starred restaurants.
Bangkok
The place to go for the countdown in Bangkok is Central World Shopping Plaza. Bangkok is renowned for putting together a show that attracts millions from around the world. Crowds start arriving at the venue from early evening and the scene is abuzz with live bands, DJs, and a lively beer garden. Rooftop bars with bubbly flowing freely, add to the magic.
Whatever destination you choose, do remember to make your reservations well in advance. Also, do remember to stay safe in crowded places, always aware of your surroundings. Most importantly, leave your valuables at home, and this will give you the peace of mind to enjoy the festivities to the maximum
Best Solo Travel Destinations
Solo travel has many advantages. It is a great way to make friends, savor new cuisines without distraction and sleep in if you so wish. You can also change your schedule as you go along without the fear of inconveniencing travel partners.
However, for reasons of safety, suitable accommodation, and other considerations, not all destinations are necessarily equal when it comes to solo travel. Following is a list of 5 of the best solo travel destinations.
Portugal
Excellent quality hostels make this an ideal destination for the solo traveler. In addition, there are incredible beaches, lively nightlife, and English is also widely spoken. The vibrant city of Lisbon offers charming cobbled streets and historical sites waiting to be explored.
There is a wide selection of centrally located hostels in Lisbon, some of which offer round-the-table social dinners for the nights you do not wish to dine alone.
Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city to the north is small, safe, and friendly. Book a walking tour to get acquainted with this World Heritage site with its picturesque old town and its famous 6 bridges.
During the tour, you can also get to meet other travelers and make new friends. Alternatively, you can explore the riverside area and dine at one of the numerous iconic restaurants found there.
Bali
The solo traveler seeking a quiet retreat for reflection and a chance to recharge will find that Bali and particularly Ubud is the perfect destination. The Ubud district is tranquil, surrounded by a rain forest, green hills, and rice terraces.
Renown as the cultural center of Bali, Ubud is safe and offers numerous activities for the solo traveler such as visits to museums and galleries, night spas, fine dining, and mountain climbing.
Paris, France
Enjoy the cultural gems of Paris at your own pace. Home to some of the world’s greatest museums, Paris offers historic treasures that will keep you busy for days. A centrally located B&B is recommended for the convenience of having the best sites within walking distance.
In addition, numerous hostels come highly recommended that offer pristine private rooms amongst other amenities. Relax at a pavement café, watching the world go by as you bond with the locals.
Costa Rica
The most visited destination in South America, Costa Rica offers quality accommodation, safety, and a well-developed infrastructure for the solo traveler. It is easy to get around, and you will find that most of the locals are friendly and helpful to strangers.
Nature lovers will be enthralled by the rainforests, the exotic wildlife, and birdlife. There are also beautiful waterfalls to be seen, unique sights such as suspension bridges and volcanoes and beach resorts on both the Pacific as well as the Caribbean coasts.
Queenstown, New Zealand
An adventurous solo traveler seeking an adrenaline- filled breakaway will find it in Queenstown. Here, you have the opportunity to go paragliding, bungee jumping, zip lining or even ride the biggest swing in the world over the Nevis River.
Or perhaps, you prefer to savor the joys of this charming resort town renowned for its unusually large number of bars found here, concentrated in an area that measures a mere 1.45 miles. For a quiet afternoon, you can take a stroll around Queenstown gardens and enjoy the rose gardens, gazebo and duck pond.
There is no doubt that it takes courage to venture out as a solo traveler. However, stepping out of your comfort zone opens up the opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Orange County, California Travel Guide
Situated on the West Coast of the US, Orange County is the smallest county in Southern California. From the sparkling Pacific Ocean to the Santa Ana Mountains, Orange County is a collection of small cities. To the south is San Diego and to the north is Los Angeles but this city has a unique flavor and attitude of its own.
For thousands of years, Orange County has been home to Native Americans. With the construction of Mission San Juan Capistrano in 1776, Europeans took hold here. Ravaged by droughts, floods, and earthquakes, this self sufficient and determined settlement never lost faith. Here are some must-see attractions in Orange County, California.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach began attracting vacationers in the late 1800s. In the past, half of the residents here are artists and they established a creative community which still thrives today. Laguna possesses a natural light, spirit, and beauty that can serve as an inexhaustible source of inspiration.
Crystal Cove
Crystal Cove is a little to the north and early Californian beach culture time capsule. It is a park of pristine coastline and features a historic collection of classic beach as well as the jetsam and flotsam of the ocean.
Newport Beach
This is an upscale coastline that features boutiques, fabulous bars, and famous pier. The Newport Harbor is some blocks from this beach. It used to be a busy maritime port but now filled with pleasure craft. It is hard to imagine that an acre lot here once sold for a dollar looking at the stunning homes that line the shore.
Huntington Beach
Once dotted with oil derricks, the only oil on Huntington Beach now is suntan lotion. The all-year round waves on this beach has inspired hit songs such as the Surf City by the Beach Boyd Dean and Jan. Huntington hosts its own pro series and the locals here are crazy about beach volleyball.
Theme Parks
The theme parks in this county make it a great vacation destination. Disneyland Park is one of such theme parks and it is only 35 miles from Los Angeles. Another one is Knott’s Berry Farm. It started as a collection of relocated ghost towns but now many family’s favorites.
Lyon Air Museum
Situated next to John Wayne Airport, Lyon Air Museum specializes in automobiles and aircraft from the World War II era.
Discovery Science Center
Explore the inner workings of space flight and Dinosaurs at the Discovery Science Center. You can also count the monkeys at the Santa Ana Zoo.
Bowers Museum
This museum allows you to journey the world of cultures through arts. The Bowers Museum has a relationship with the British Museum and the Smithsonian Institute, so the exhibitions here are always world class.
Crystal Cathedral
Orange County is a city full of surprises when it comes to architecture. This cathedral is many years away from this county’s early adobe churches.
For all of Orange County’s culture, thrill rides, shopping and fabulous architecture, nothing compares to this city’s sunsets. They are free to everyone and pure Californian gold.
How Getting Lost Is Actually a Good Thing
It’s safe to say that getting lost while traveling is one of the worst, as well as one of the most uncomfortable things that could ever happen to a traveler. Generally speaking, most travelers don’t like to be lost. They just don’t like feeling like they have missed something very important, and most importantly, they don’t like feeling vulnerable in an unfamiliar area that is inhabited by people that they have never seen before. We can understand this, because we are all human beings, and we feel the same way. If you are driving around in your car and you lose your way, you will probably get frustrated, won’t you? You will get nervous, snap at your passengers, and say a lot of bad words, and then you will just regret it. But what can you do about it? You just don’t like getting lost – that’s all!
However, the more time you spend on the road, the more you will understand that getting lost is actually not that big of a deal. In fact, getting lost can sometimes be a good thing. Sometimes, getting lost is actually much better than successfully finding everything on the first try. And yes, we are saying that getting lost can actually make your trips much more fun!
Hone Your Problem-Solving Skills
Getting lost in a foreign country sounds like a pretty scary thing, doesn’t it? But instead of looking at it as a devastating situation, you should try looking at it as a great opportunity to hone your travel skills. So, instead of sitting behind the wheel and crying your eyes out, get the map out of your travel backpack and learn how to read it. Also, don’t be afraid to ask people for directions. There are always some nice people out there who are willing to help others. That being said, getting lost in an unfamiliar area is actually a great opportunity to test your problem-solving skills.
Learn How To Handle Stressful Situations
Have you ever wondered if screaming at your travel buddies is actually ever any helpful? While screaming at your travel buddies is actually not a positive thing, it still gives you a chance to see whether or not your travel buddies will be able to handle stressful situations. Stressful travel situations can truly bring out the true colors in everyone. Also, getting lost while traveling allows you to have unexpected adventures. As you can see, getting lost is actually not that bad – it is a great opportunity to experience new things.
What You Need To Know About Backpacking
Did you put your passport in the bag? Is everything hotel and motel-related already sorted out? Did you double check everything, including your flight times? If you have done all of these things, you are almost ready for your upcoming backpacking adventure. But did you notice two little words here – almost ready? Yes, that’s right, because there are still some very important things that you need to do if you want your backpacking adventure to go as smoothly as possible! Planning the trip out in beforehand has been critical to a successful and enjoyable trip. The reason for this is because there is so much more to backpacking than just putting your passport in your travel bag and hitting the road. One very important thing that you need to remember here is that it is your duty to sort everything out, including where you want to go and who you want to go with, as well as where you are going to sleep once you get there.
Another very important thing that you need to do while you are still at home is calculate how much money you have available, as well as how much of it you are willing to spend on your upcoming backpacking adventure. You also need to be prepared for anything and everything, because backpacking is an adventure in its own right. That being said, if you are wondering how to get the most out of your upcoming backpacking adventure, we are very happy to inform you that you came to the right place! And now, here are some tips that should make your upcoming trip easier.
Do the Necessary Research
Spontaneity is one of the biggest parts of any backpacking experience. But this absolutely doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t spend at least a little bit of time doing some research while you are still at home. Not only will a little bit of research give you some necessary information regarding your destination of choice, but it will also give you even more motivation to take that trip that you have always wanted to take.
Eat Local Food
It is pretty much safe to say that you are going to explore all sorts of places during your upcoming trip. This means that you are going to try as many new things as possible, aren’t you? But did you know that you could actually save a lot of money by eating local food? Yes, you read that right!
Don’t Put Too Much Weight On Your Shoulders
We all know that packing too much stuff is never a good idea, right? Well, this is especially the case when you are planning on going on a backpacking adventure. This is because you are going to spend a lot of time on your feet, not in your car. Putting too much pressure on your shoulders would only slow you down.
What You Need To Know About Packing a Carry-On Bag
We all know that packing and preparing for a road trip can be a pretty exhausting task sometimes, right? One of the biggest reasons for this is because the process of packing and preparing for a road trip is usually quite long, and you really need to think about every little detail when doing it. And if you think that packing a carry-on bag for a road trip is much easier than packing a regular travel backpack, we are sorry to break it down to you like this, but you’re wrong. While packing a carry-on bag is not really the most difficult thing in the world, it is definitely not the easiest one either. With this in mind, if you would like to pack your carry-on bag like a pro, you need to posses the right packing skills. The reason for this is because packing a carry-on bag is not just another part of the preparation process – it is a form of art in its own right. If you fancy yourself a wise world-traveler, it will be easy for you to balance the requirements of both the airport and the airlines security systems, and you will know how to keep all of your important items easily accessible at all times.
One of the most important things that you need to remember here is that bigger doesn’t necessarily have to be better. What does this mean? This means that you should try to get a carry-on bag that is just the right size for what you need – not too big, but not too small either. Another thing that you need to keep in mind is that your airline might set a certain limit on the weight of your carry-on bag. With that said, be sure to check the maximum size and weight that you are allowed to carry. And now, here are some things that you should never do when packing a carry-on bag!
Don’t Overpack
Generally speaking, overpacking is never a good idea. This is especially true if you are going on a long trip. Speaking of overpacking, did you know that checked bags are subject to additional fees if they are overweight? That’s right, and carry-on bags are not really safe from this either!
Don’t Bring Any Weapons
Don’t even think about putting any prohibited items in your carry-on bag. When we say prohibited items, we mean things like guns, explosives, or pretty much anything else that could be used as a weapon. After all, you wouldn’t want to end up in a jail or something like that, would you?
Don’t Bring Unnecessary Liquids
Don’t put a full-size bottle of shampoo in your carry-on bag – put it in your checked bag instead. Also, bringing any liquids that are larger than 3.4 ounces wouldn’t be your best idea. So, if you are going to buy a bottle of fresh juice or something like that for the plane, you should do it after you have passed all the security checks, not before.
Top 3 Ways Travel Can Make You a Better Person
We all know that life is filled with moments that both change and define who we are and what we want to be. This is especially the case with people who love to travel on a regular basis. You see, when you are traveling to a new, unfamiliar place, you are completely open to the world and everything that it has to throw your way – and that is one of the moments that can completely change who you are as a person. When you are traveling the globe (whether it be alone or with a group of friends), you get to learn about the world and its cultures, but you also get to learn a lot about yourself.
While it is true that travel changes people in many different ways, there are some certain events that you can expect to occur while you are on the road that will change who you are as a person, and we mean this in the best way possible, even the trusted counselors at Eckert Psychology and Education Centre will agree. For example, when you are traveling the world, you become more independent in so many different ways. You get to learn how to get yourself from point A to point B without spending too much time or money. That being said, here are three more ways travel can make you a better person. Enjoy the ride!
Planning For the Unexpected
While having a travel plan ready is always a good idea, planning every single detail of your trip is almost impossible. With this in mind, you need to know how to plan for the unexpected. Sometimes, the things that you least expected to happen are what actually makes the whole trip much more fun, as well as much more interesting.
Living in the Moment
When it comes to traveling the world, it is kind of like being in love with someone you really care about. The only major difference is between the two is that you don’t get to be intimate with another person, but with a place that you are visiting. You want to explore that place as much as you possibly can.
Price and Value Are Not the Same Things
The cost of your trip might be hundreds or thousands of dollars. It all depends on where you are going. But the value that trip could have on both you and your life could be priceless. As you can see, price and value are two completely different things.