Don’t miss your chance to enter the drawing to receive your favorite image from this series.
All you have to do to qualify is leave a comment, and we will randomly select TWO people to receive their print of choice.
(US mailing addresses only, sorry)
WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13th
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One of the many reasons I love Central Oregon is for all the outdoor activities at my fingertips. Because I’ve been shooting a lot of stock images recently, It’s been a great chance for me to bring my camera along to the activities I love doing. Recently, I went kayaking and rock climbing with some friends. Here are some of the picts that resulted. (note: i am not the person doing the dangerous climb that’s silhouetted, I am however, the girl in the shot showing off my rear!) Not as impressive, I know.
Yesterday, I read a great little article by Real Simple called 10 Things Every Traveler Should Do. After thinking about the ins-and-outs of being a travel photographer, I decided to write a blog post for the traveling photographer in you. These tips are relevant whether you’re an expert photographer or novice, or whether you’re traveling to a tropical island, main city, or remote village.
{All the images seen below are from my recent excursion to Delhi, India and taken during a 2 hour window of time. I hope you enjoy.}
1. Let jet lag become your friend.
Say what!? I mean it. Instead of lying awake at 4am, staring at your ceiling fan, get moving! Explore the streets with your camera while rarely-seen, early-morning life happens. Not only is the light buttery and soft, but you are bound to see something that few other travelers will see.
2. Walk the city with your camera or take the local transport.
Where I’d never recommend walking down a dark alley where you might not feel comfortable, there are some incredible things to see and photograph when you get off the main strip. Sometimes (okay, most often) that means walking down that little side street or taking the unbeaten path. This first image was captured off the main road in the old city, where life was a little calmer, and there was a chance to really take my time photographing people.
Plus, I found the BEST chapatti (flat Indian bread) from an outdoor vendor that sticks the bread to the walls of a clay oven beneath him. I would have never otherwise experienced this little piece of heaven if I didn’t let myself roam.
3. Get low.
As you are on foot, noticing and observing life around you, don’t just snap scenes from the same angle. Physically getting lower to the ground can help create a more intimate image, even on a busy street.
4. Shoot from the hip (or higher) to get something unique.
If you really want to capture something different, try shooting from your waist or above your head. Photographing from your waist will ensure you don’t disrupt real life moments. Nothing says “stop what you’re doing and smile for the camera” like a big lens pointed right at you. Shooting from your waist can help avoid loosing the realness of your scene as people carry on in a normal fashion. It may take a few tries to get it right, but usually worth the effort. Shooting from above your head might seem silly, but I have come to love the results. This technique really gives a unique perspective, and allows you, as the photographer to get an image that you might not have otherwise thought to capture. Take this scene for instance. From the perspective of my rickshaw, I had very limited visibility, but from over-head, I was able to capture a typical Delhi street scene from a unique vantage point.
5. Tell a story or find a theme.
Drinking chai is a quintessential part of life for most Indians. It happens often, and it happens pretty much anywhere. Capturing a few images during my walk that relates to the making and enjoyment of chai lends for a nice story to fully capture this part of Indian culture. If possible, shoot a diversity of imagery, ranging from wide angles to close details. It helps your audience feel more connected and have a better understanding of these real life moments. Don’t be afraid to interact and ask for portraits too.
BONUS TIP:
Don’t be rude. Respect the culture. Although I would like to think this little bonus tip would go without saying, you’d be surprised. On a recent trip to Nepal, I was walking around the famous Boudhanath (Boudha) stupa, when I noticed a very interesting thing happen right in front of me. An elderly Tibetan nun was doing her circumambulations around the stupa (holy, prayerful walk in a clockwise direction) when a young tourist came up to her face with his camera and snapped a photo. There was no interaction, no asking of permission, and no thank you afterwards. As I was thinking how rude this was, the scenario that followed was priceless. As the young guy happily walked off, obviously pleased with his new photo, the old woman shot her walking cane up in his direction as if trying to whack him with it. She was so displeased that she kept trying to catch up with him, despite her slow limp, and continued to wave her cane in protest. The young man was clueless.
//Keep this discussion going. I’d love to hear if this information was helpful or if you have any travel photography questions or suggestions you would like to share. Feel free to comment below.//
Introducing my new promotional piece…designed by the talented Studio Absolute. Enjoy!
If you’re a photographer and you’ve never been to India… go! India is full of vibrant colors, rich culture, and beautiful people! I had an amazing time walking and exploring the streets of towns like Jaipur, Udaipur, Puna, Jodphur, and they all have something unique and beautiful to offer. For instance, Jaipur, is the Pink Town, so much of the old Jaipur is painted in pink! Jodphur, on the other hand, is the Blue City, so most of the town’s buildings are blue! Its incredible. Here are a few clips from my time in India! If you’d like to see more, don’t hesitate to ask! I am always a ham to show my photography!
After spending 6 months on a trip
around the world, the last three in Africa, my eyes have been open to the opportunities to help others less fortunate. My husband and I spent those 3 months working in a township called Red Hill, living amongst the Xhosa people. Yes, we lived in a “squatter camp” in a shack, and loved every moment of it… well, almost. We were able to help the people living there rebuild their homes after a huge fire that destroyed all of what meager possessions they had. Our team built 79 homes in 2 short months and witnessed changes in people that last a lifetime. Here are a couple images of the faces I saw on a daily basis. Unforgettable!
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Love love love the colors and the emotions Paula! And I love you! =)
Thanks so much Maddy! Hope you’re doing well!
love these shots. Great work Paula.
I enjoy keeping track of you and Nick and love all the images you post. Travel Safe! Hugs, K
I LOVE these (and hope you guys are thriving even in the midst of winter in northern India.)
You have beautiful feet & an artist’s eye <3
I am caught by the look in his eyes and the semi smile of the boy in the third photo. It seems he is either seeing or thinking of something pleasant. I get to imagine what that is.
Beautiful work! I love seeing your photos/posts on Facebook. I’ll admit I’m rather jealous of your amazing talent. 😉
these are outstanding shots – are you getting a gig w/ Natl. Geographic soon??? I hope you get famous but will still shoot for us! B-)
Ha! That’s the hope Scott! Thanks for the kind words!
Paula, I love these Pictures!
you are a master of your craft!
Oh Rachel, thank you so much! I just adore you!
Paula thank you for sharing these beautiful photos!! You have captured such emotion and done it in such a moving way! My favorite is the one in the middle where the boy is not looking at the camera…..love his eyes, his expression – the joy I see bubbling underneath …. I want that one! 😉
OH Thank you so much Tiffany! I am thrilled you enjoy the imagery. The drawings are completely random and anonymous but I hope you can win the middle one too! It’d be great for the print to have such a loving home 😉
Miss you here in Bend, but LOVE traveling vicariously through you 🙂
Marla
Great to hear from you Marla! Thank you for the kind words! Hope you and your family are doing well!
Mailing Address:
Tibetan Mandala Cafe
McLeod Ganj
India
Haha! Also frequently known as Nick’s office 😉
Love these pictures! I’ve been really loving your shots since you arrived there!
Number three would look really good in the apartment that is now mine and will hopefully be coinhabited by a lovely young woman for the first years of the rest of our journey together.
Love your work, Paula!
Oh and: She lives in the US, so it would actually be a US address.
Your photography allows us to see stuff we only dream of! Thank you Miss Paula!
I look at this little boys and all I can think is I want to take them in my arms and hug and squeeze them. They have such sweet innocent beautiful faces. I can’t imagine them starting a life as a monk at such a young age. You have captured their spirit in your photos. LOVE!
When I look at each of these pictures, I feel I have actually heard a story and can see more than just a picture.
When I look at each of these pictures, it is as if I am hearing a story. These pictures capture for me a deeper look into a life.
Paula = skillz. Love these!
I’ve looked at this many times in the last couple of weeks and I finally gave up on giving feedback because they’re all so beautiful and each has so much to say. I think I like the one of the 4 boys simply because of the color and the sweet serenity on the face of the focal point. That is a great deal of stillness in such a young face!
This would go perfectly in my bedroom with all the pictures of the children from South America. ;-)The colors and expressions are phenomenal! xoxo
Did I make the deadline?!?!
🙂
Love following your and Nick’s journey.
XO
Pick me, pick me!!!
These are wonderful! What a great series!