I love traveling, but what I love most about traveling is sharing photos of my trip. From extended vacations, to short weekend trips with family, I always travel with a camera. You just never know when a photo opportunity will arise.
Of course, when traveling with a camera, there are many things to keep in mind. Here are just a few tips to help keep your camera safe during your next vacation.
1. Keep it close. Keep your camera and equipment near you at all times. In fact, don't just hang your camera strap on your shoulder, place the strap around your neck and pass one arm through the strap.
2. Stealth mode. Keep your camera equipment in a case or bag that doesn't scream "expensive stuff inside". I carry a Lowepro Flipside backpack when traveling. The cool thing about this backpack, is that the main compartment can only be accessed from the "flip-side" of the bag (the side that rests on your back). This is perfect for over-crowded buses and trains.
3. Airport security. Do not pack your digital camera in a checked-bag. Keep it with you at all times. Airport x-ray scanners will not affect your memory cards, so don't be afraid to take your camera on the plane with you. Film cameras, however, are a different story. Check TSA policies and warnings before traveling with film.
4. Weather. Check the forecast of the areas in which you'll be traveling. Bring the appropriate protection for your camera if you think you'll be out in the elements. A waterproof case or plastic bag will suffice if it's raining. If you're traveling someplace where the temperature will be near or below freezing, bring lots of batteries. Batteries drain much faster in colder temperatures.
5. Insurance. Consider getting insurance for your camera equipment. Your camera typically sees a lot of action on vacations. This increases your chances of dropping or mishandling your camera. It also increases the chances of your camera being stolen. Make sure your insurance plan properly protects your photo equipment.
Taking Your Digital Camera On The Road
Beautiful Moab
After living in Colorado for years, I finally made a trip to Moab, Utah. Wow! Moab is a photographer's paradise. My wife and a few friends of ours decided we should all take a long weekend and visit Moab. I'm so glad we did! Of course, photographing on vacation with friends means a lot of mid-afternoon shots, which isn't the best time of day for photos. I knew that would be the case so I brought along a neutral-density filter as well as my polarizer filter.
I brought the neutral density filter to help cut the amount of light coming into the lens, and the polarizer filter to help restore some blue back to a mid-afternoon sky. The polarizer can also help increase color saturation and contrast. As it turns out, I was able to use the polarizer filter for most of the trip.
After a few days of camping, hiking, and biking, we were ready to get back home. I'm sure I'll be visiting Moab again, hopefully sooner than later.
More Moab photos can be found here - 1focustree.smugmug.com/Travel
Steamboat Winter
FocusTree Photography Accepted To WPJA
FocusTree Photography was just accepted as a member of both the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA) and the Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (AGWPJA).
The Wedding Photojournalist Association (www.wpja.com) represents the most discriminating talent around the world technically, creatively and visually. Qualified members hold industry-leading standards, skills and business integrity.
The Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association (www.agwpja.com) is a group of international wedding photojournalists, who capture unscripted wedding moments as they happen, and excel in the art of post-production image processing. The AGWPJA is comprised of outstanding wedding photographers, who are at the forefront of the wedding photography industry when it comes to enhancing images.
We are truly honored to be accepted as members of these prestigious organizations.
2009 Colorado Hispanic Bar Association Banquet
Recently, FocusTree Photography was asked to photograph the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association banquet for the third consecutive year. I really enjoy photographing this event because of all the community leaders and influential people attending. A diverse mix of people were on-hand to honor local businesses, professors, politicians, lawyers, and judges who have all made a difference in the lives of minorities. Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and Senator Michael Bennet were both present at this year's banquet, and both gave great speeches on the challenges facing Colorado and our nation.
Some of the photos from the evening appeared in the following week's issue of Law Week Colorado.
Robin & Steve's Wedding
After a long drive to Beaver Creek, Colorado, we met-up with Robin & Steve at the hotel. After checking-in, we walked down to the chapel where they would be getting married the next day. We were fortunate that the officiant was also there. After a tour of the grounds, we were off to the rehearsal dinner.
The next morning, we accompanied Robin at her hotel to record the bridal brunch and to photograph all the preparations. We then spent part of the day marking locations for the formal photos. Since the wedding was going to be in the evening, we wanted to do most of the formals before the ceremony to take advantage of the daylight and the beautiful surroundings.
Once the formals were done, we headed to the chapel. The ceremony was very quaint and romantic. After being announced, Robin and Steve walked out of the chapel to the song, "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles. It was a great way to end a beautful ceremony.
Sabrina & Jason's Wedding
Sabrina and Jason are one of the most fun couples we've had the pleasure of photographing. They both live in California, but they were getting married in Denver, CO. Since they weren't planning to arrive in Denver until the week of their wedding, we spent a lot of time learning about them from their mothers. By the time we actually met at the rehearsal, it felt as though we were old friends reuniting.
Since the wedding was only 24 hours away, we had to decide quickly on when and where to take engagement photos. I stole the couple away from the rehearsal and took a few stunning engagement photos. After a night of dancing and celebrating, we were all looking forward to the "big day".
As luck would have it, a public rally of some sort was taking place adjacent to the wedding location. Well, that put a damper on our planned photo spots, but nevertheless the show must go on. We found a couple other beautiful locations nearby and got wonderful photos of the bride, groom, and the wedding party. The reception was full of wonderfully funny toasts, an incredible band, and lots of dancing.
Congratulations, Sabrina and Jason!
Photographing Jade
High school senior, Jade, hired FocusTree to take a few senior photos, as well as a few glamour shots for her personal use. After we captured the school photos based on their requirements, it was time to have some fun. Jade hopped in front of the camera with glamour and style like a model on a mission. :o) Lights! Camera! Action!
Robin and Steve Engagement Photos
When Robin asked if we would photograph her and Steve at their favorite restaurant, I thought to myself, "Sweet! This should be fun." It's always fun and challenging to do photography in unfamiliar environments. The restaurant was rather dark inside so I used Nikon's wireless flash system to help illuminate the couple while still retaining the ambience of the room. It worked very well!
As I tell all my clients, I'm a huge fan of natural lighting - especially on a slightly overcast day. We took a number of photos inside the restaurant before heading outside. To my joyous surprise, the clouds had moved-in while we were taking photos inside. The colors of the building and surrounding decorations immediately began to show their radiance and beautiful color. It was great.
I'll be photographing Robin and Steve's wedding in October, so stay tuned. 
Evening Rainbow
Normally, I don't take scenic sky photos from my neighborhood street, but when I saw this rainbow at dusk, I thought this could make a neat photo. I jumped out of my car (poised in the photo), grabbed my camera and took this really cool shot. I don't remember if there was a filter on the lens or not, but it looks like there may have been a polarizer on the lens. Either way, I like the dark, yet colorful scenery. One day I'll photograph a nice big Harvest Moon.
