TRICKS OF THE TRADE: THE 5 BEST TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS WITH DAVID ALAN HARVEY
David Alan Harvey’s photographs spark the human psyche. His books Cuba and Divided Soul capture the blood and sweat of a cultural migration. He shot 45 photo essays for National Geographic magazine, from the world of hip-hop to French teenagers. His 2012 award-winning book (based on a true story) broke new ground in photo book form and design. Harvey is the founder and editor of Burn Magazine, which features and funds the work of emerging photographers. Today, he shares 5 of the best travel photography tips he has collected throughout his years in the field.
Photos courtesy of David Alan Harvey and Magnum Photos. All rights reserved.
Almost every photographer I see has way too much gear. I am very minimalist and can shoot any magazine assignment with one camera and one prime lens. Too much gear gets in the way of actually seeing pictures. Unless you are shooting sports or wildlife, do not handicap yourself. Use your eyes and your feet, they’re the best “gear”out there.
2. I always make friends with the first person I meet when going to a foreign country.
It just sets the mood right. So, it could be the baggage handler, could be the shoeshine boy or could be a taxi driver. By making friends with the first person, you get an instant feel for the culture, and if you are smiling with person #1, you will most likely be smiling with person #2, and so it goes.
3. Always take a warm jacket to the tropics and a swim suit to the Arctic.
First off, every trip is an adventure. You really do not know for sure where it will take you. You might meet somebody in the jungle who talks you into heading for Canada. Pack light, yet take one of something for a climate where you do not think you are going. Serendipity is the spice of life!
4. Never leave home without duct/gaffer tape.
Next to your camera, this is your most valuable accessory. The uses are endless. You can fix holes in leaky boats and tents, repair broken windows and mark your luggage for fast I.D. off the belt.
5. Don’t look or act like an unwary tourist.
Appear confident yet not arrogant. Wear solid white or black or beige when you are out on the streets. Do not carry a camera around your neck with a big zoom lens. Have “situational awareness” and know where you are going before you go there. Do not open up large maps on busy street corners, it’s a dead giveaway that you are from out of town.
