PHOTOGRAPHING EXOTIC LOCALES THE EASY WAY

PHOTOGRAPHING EXOTIC LOCALES THE EASY WAY - TAKE A WORKSHOP - The photograph illustrating this article was taken by yours truly in northern Thailand where I was privileged to participate in a ten day photography workshop. Pictured are Chuck Feil, the workshop facilitator and workshop participant Curt Stetter aboard an Asian elephant bound for a remote hill tribe village. When traveling to a remote locale, there are distinct advantages to a photography workshop as opposed to either traveling on your own or as part of a tour group. Attempting to find your way around alone in a strange land can be quite frustrating and, in some instances, dangerous. Traveling with a tour group has advantages. However, with a group that is not focused on photography, your options for capturing the locale on film (or sensor) are still quite limited. With a good photo workshop, you're accessing the talent and expertize of a trained professional who is also familiar with the locale you're visiting. Workshops offer you an environment in which you can work with the confidence that comes from knowing that the nuts and bolts involved in putting together a photo excursion to say the African Congo have been attended to. You can then focus on the job of capturing great images. You'll also be learning from an experienced professional and bonding with other workshop participants. And yes, a two week long workshop in India is going to be relatively expensive. But it will also reward you with an experience you'll never forget, perhaps a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience what it's like to photo document s far away land and its native culture. So dive into the deep end of the pool. Research what's available and choose a workshop that suits your needs, then go for it. I promise, you won't be disappointed. LARRY ELKINS - ELKINSPHOTOS FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY