Israel trip
Dec 16, 2013 18:45:45 #
I will be going to Israel in January. I would like to have some advice on photographing, Like should I use ND filters, angles and being creative ..... I will be doing photo's for our group and a video with it. I have a friend that is going to edit it and put it to music. Thanks in advance.
Dec 16, 2013 19:03:36 #
I can recommend using a polarized filter for your outside shots. I have had success using one of these to cut glare, sunspots, and general issues from direct sunlight. As I understand it, Israel has some bright sunshine, and I think this would give you better results of your group shots.
Dec 16, 2013 19:04:00 #
I like ND filters to be able to shoot in bright areas with longer shutter speeds. This allows you to get "creamy" water shots and such. It can also help in reducing harshness in midday sun. Harsh shadows, however, might still be a problem. When shooting buildings, I try to shoot them at an angle rather than straight on. It makes the composition more interesting. As for video, I don't know much about it. Hope this helps a little.
Dec 16, 2013 19:04:25 #
I can recommend using a polarized filter for your outside shots. I have had success using one of these to cut glare, sunspots, and general issues from direct sunlight. As I understand it, Israel has some bright sunshine, and I think this would give you better results of your group shots.
Dec 16, 2013 19:17:25 #
Dec 16, 2013 20:48:38 #
Polarizer filter yes!
The promised land is a sun crushed
white desert.....at least it was back in
1960......don't think that part has changed
much ! lol
The promised land is a sun crushed
white desert.....at least it was back in
1960......don't think that part has changed
much ! lol
Dec 16, 2013 21:18:21 #
Dec 17, 2013 06:30:43 #
bioteacher
Loc: Brooklyn, NY
The buildings in Jerusalem change color as the light changes. Take some fast lenses for night shot at the Kotel (Wetern Wall) and for some digs or down under where they are doing excavations. Hope the weather is better when you go.
Dec 17, 2013 06:42:44 #
Been to Israel/Palestine many times. Very interesting, friendly and creative people on both sides. Look for faces, and be sure you go to the Palestinian areas.
Dec 17, 2013 06:47:02 #
P.S. Kids there love to be photographed. One trick is to take a spare flash which you fire prior to taking the actual picture, since the smiles are always bigger AFTER the flash goes off. Also might take a small printer to pass out prints.
Dec 17, 2013 06:58:35 #
psychnet
Loc: Philly + Delaware River
I was just there.
Have both a good wide angle and telephoto. The wide angle will really help in the Old City and the Negev. The telephoto because you can't always get close to the great objects, especially in the Old City. Also a lot of your pics might be at night/dusk due to the time of year, so both a good flash or a fast lens will really help.
If you'll spend time in the Negev or Dead Sea then have a hood or polarizing filter to decrease the glare from the intense sun.
A small unobtrusive camera or one you can shoot at from chest level will allow you to take many shots of people you might otherwise feel shy about taking.
Spend some time near the Dead Sea, the southern portion especially near the salt flats. AMAZING.
Happy travels.
Psychnet
Have both a good wide angle and telephoto. The wide angle will really help in the Old City and the Negev. The telephoto because you can't always get close to the great objects, especially in the Old City. Also a lot of your pics might be at night/dusk due to the time of year, so both a good flash or a fast lens will really help.
If you'll spend time in the Negev or Dead Sea then have a hood or polarizing filter to decrease the glare from the intense sun.
A small unobtrusive camera or one you can shoot at from chest level will allow you to take many shots of people you might otherwise feel shy about taking.
Spend some time near the Dead Sea, the southern portion especially near the salt flats. AMAZING.
Happy travels.
Psychnet
Dec 17, 2013 08:22:06 #
Dec 17, 2013 08:30:24 #
I agree with Psychnet -- an unobtrusive camera is helpful, especially one with an articulating screen.
As a woman, you should have little trouble taking photographs, but ask for permission before taking obvious "people pictures". Men taking photos of women, particularly in the more conservative areas on both sides, violates cultural norms, although I have received permission to do so after asking.
Take an extra card to give to authorities, should a soldier or settler demand your "film". Work on that slight-of-hand manouver before you go.
As a woman, you should have little trouble taking photographs, but ask for permission before taking obvious "people pictures". Men taking photos of women, particularly in the more conservative areas on both sides, violates cultural norms, although I have received permission to do so after asking.
Take an extra card to give to authorities, should a soldier or settler demand your "film". Work on that slight-of-hand manouver before you go.
Dec 17, 2013 08:40:28 #
dandi
Loc: near Seattle, WA
I just returned from Israel two weeks ago. In January be prepared for unusual weather, it could be rain, could be strong wind. Mornings and evenings are cold (especially in the desert), sunny during the day.
I used to take a lot of gear with me in the past, this time I had only 35mm 1.8g on my D70 and that's all. While walking around and taking pictures I never missed any other lens.
If you have midrange zoom (like 18-55) take it but it's slow, I like small, compact fast primes.
It will be a lot of street photography (tel-aviv, Jerusalem).
Enjoy the trip,stay with the group in the Old City.
I used to take a lot of gear with me in the past, this time I had only 35mm 1.8g on my D70 and that's all. While walking around and taking pictures I never missed any other lens.
If you have midrange zoom (like 18-55) take it but it's slow, I like small, compact fast primes.
It will be a lot of street photography (tel-aviv, Jerusalem).
Enjoy the trip,stay with the group in the Old City.
Dec 17, 2013 10:04:14 #
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