Re: Tips for Trip

bworthey wrote:
Hey, gang, I know this is going to be kind of generic and really comes down to somewhat of my skills (which I feel are probably only amatuer, but anyway). I'm about to take a trip out west, and I know I'm going to the Grand Canyon, outside of that, I really don't know (some of you have read about this, its a "surprise trip", we don't know where we are goign till we get there). But I do know we are going to the Grand Canyon. Of course, I don't want to miss any photo opportunities, and am looking for any tips that anyone might have for capturing some great landscape pictures. My camera is a Canon Rebel xti (dSLR), I have two lenses, the standard that came with the camera, 18-55mm; 1:3.5 - 5.6, and a 75-300mm, 1:4-5.6 lens that I bought with the camera as well. I need to get a UV filter for my lenses as well, but that's a separte issue. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I know there are goign to be great opportunities for some really great pictures and I don't want to miss any of them!

B-Worthey


The UV filters are up to you; they're only really useful for protecting the lens front element; the coatings already on the lenses are quite adequate.

The only two things I can recommend over what you already have:

1. Tripod (or monopod)

There is no substitute for a stable support for your camera, especially when taking beautiful landscapes with early morning or late evening light at small apertures.

You *can* get a remote release if you want as it'll avoid jogging the camera when releasing the shutter, although the self timer will usually suffice. The landscape won't go far in 2 seconds. ;-)

2. Polarizer.

These things can be overused with ridiculous cartoon blue skies fading to black at the top, but well used they can make the difference between a so-so picture and an outstanding one.

Otherwise you're pretty set already. Just one other thing: don't forget to enjoy being there yourself. It's too easy to spend a day somewhere wonderful looking for the best shots and at the end of the day realise you have no memories of it, just pictures.


.

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