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Vivid Experience
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Guided photography tours have long been the domain of the wealthy, and have been characterised by luxury, expensive accommodation and catering, and over-priced travel. They are rushed to extremes with itineraries that do not leave time for contemplation and individual exploration, and that shoe-horn photography into a busy schedule. Despite this, serious nature and landscape photographers - be they amateur or professional - have other priorities. Priorities about being in the right place at the right time. Priorities about having time to become familiar with a subject and location so as to open up photographic techniques and opportunities that capture the light, magic and feeling in memorable images. Vivid Adventure Photography Tours was formed to remedy this situation. They have partnered with experienced cultural guides who have been educated in the needs of photographers, and have worked together with them to customise tours to address the void. Accommodation and Catering Luxury accommodation is of little value to photographers who will wish to rise early for that soft morning light. Further, the luxury accommodation is almost always distant from the locations that attracted the photographer to the tours restricting the photographer's ability to be on location for the pre-dawn magic. Luxury catering inhibits the experience of the culture and the exploration of the senses of the outback. One can't feel the crisp evening air of a campfire on a starlight night in a restaurant. One can't smell the damper breads cooking in the coals, or revel in the story telling of a bushman whilst savouring his "bush tucker". So, Vivid Adventure Photography Tours generally are "camping" or "backpacker" accommodation experiences - close to nature, at one with nature, and within a short walk or a short drive to fantastic vantage points from which to shoot the amazing nature and landscape images that the morning will provide. Preparation You'll need to come prepared - working camera gear with 2 days spare batteries and memory/film, tripod, backpacks (or similar) for camera gear are essential, good walking shoes for 2-4 hour hikes, warm clothing for cold desert or alpine nights, infrequent access to bathrooms, good layered outdoor clothing for the extremes of heat and cold, and walking through bush. Photographers can be "precious" types - unwilling to give up hard-learned secrets and teach hard-earned skills. Unsympathetic to ignorance or inexperience they don't always make good teachers. Vivid Photography Guides In contrast, Vivid Photography Guides are experienced and professional communicators. With experience hosting public radio talk-back on Digital Photography and teaching IT subjects, they are well qualified to teach, and are hired for their proven skills and (most importantly) their willingness to share their techniques and workflows with their fellows. They are willing to critique other's work in a constructive manner, and to invite, accept and discuss critiques of their own work. They believe that it is a privilege to share the beauties of mother nature with others - be it by being great photography guides, or by great photography. They are experts on digital photography, and understand the critical differences from film photography in a way that enables them to assist those becoming familiar with new equipment, tools and workflows to produce even more exciting work than they could produce in the old world. [Get some hints and tips now!] Equipment Recommendations
Digital SLR
cameras are recommended but not necessary - it is recommended that you
have a lens of approx 38mm (35mm equivalent) length for wide angle work,
a macro capability if you want to capture "in the small", and 200mm
(35mm equivalent or longer) telephoto lens if you intend to capture
birds and beasts. A tripod is a necessity - we recommend you have
one that is light enough to hike with. Some form of data storage
for your digital images is strongly recommended although we will provide
a laptop for downloading from time to time on a "no liability" basis if
you do not have one. Register Your Interest Now! - Enter the draw for a Thomas Cook Photographer's Vest! |