Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
Taking Photos in Egypt
Page 1 of 3 next> last>>
Feb 26, 2023 15:05:22   #
Carl rl Loc: Lutz, FL
 
My wife is flying to Egypt in 2 weeks after a long 2-year delay getting past Covid. She wants to take photos on her trip using a D750 DSLR and Nikon 28-300 walk-around lens. She has read messages and precautions about not being able to take photos inside regular tourist venues. Some say fees are required or that cameras are not allowed at all or that cameras can be kept in a camera bag. Hoping there are some recent travelers to Egypt that can clarify what she can and can't do while over there.

Also, any alternate lens suggestions...trying to limit the weight?

Reply
Feb 26, 2023 15:22:39   #
ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca
 
Carl rl wrote:
My wife is flying to Egypt in 2 weeks after a long 2-year delay getting past Covid. She wants to take photos on her trip using a D750 DSLR and Nikon 28-300 walk-around lens. She has read messages and precautions about not being able to take photos inside regular tourist venues. Some say fees are required or that cameras are not allowed at all or that cameras can be kept in a camera bag. Hoping there are some recent travelers to Egypt that can clarify what she can and can't do while over there.

Also, any alternate lens suggestions...trying to limit the weight?
My wife is flying to Egypt in 2 weeks after a long... (show quote)


November 2022 - The only time I encountered any photo restriction and any camera restrictions was at King Tut's "Bling Room" Cairo Muslim -- This is where the gold mask is kept -- Other than that no additional fees -- Though like you I was prepared --
DON'T take any photos of any Egyptian Military -- They may delete all your photos

Gear I took: Canon 5Ds - 24mm 1.4L - 35mm 1.4L, 85mm 1.8, 135mm 2.0L plus an extender for the 135 plus a lightweight Tripod -- Probably used the 35mm & 85mm most of the time

Reply
Feb 26, 2023 15:22:48   #
Hip Coyote
 
I just got back from Egypt last week. Your wife is wrong on nearly every account. When I get a chance I will upload my observations....and you can PM me for more details as well. Its a lot of info and will take some time to put together. Or, you can PM me and we can talk via phone?

I found Egyptians, for the most part, to be very friendly. I found street photography to be pretty easy there. (Morocco was completely opposite. Very difficult shooting.) I was welcomed, at least 7 times, by total strangers. In most cases people liked having their photos taken and cooperated.

I can also say that the 28 mm is a bit longish. I will have some data for you on my keepers, but know, for a fact, that 18-50 mm full frame equivalent focal length was my go to.

Nearly every venue allows photos, with the exception of King Tut's room in the Egyptian Museum and the Mummy Room at the other museum in Cairo (off hand can't think of the name.) But everywhere else, feel free to shoot away. Be aware that guards, workers will "show" here where to take photos and then want a tip for doing so. So have a lot of 5 pound notes on hand to give out. (Its less than 30 cents in US.)

Ill have info on the trash city, shooting inside tombs, and some other recommendations.

More to follow.

Reply
 
 
Feb 26, 2023 15:25:50   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
Carl rl wrote:
My wife is flying to Egypt in 2 weeks after a long 2-year delay getting past Covid. She wants to take photos on her trip using a D750 DSLR and Nikon 28-300 walk-around lens. She has read messages and precautions about not being able to take photos inside regular tourist venues. Some say fees are required or that cameras are not allowed at all or that cameras can be kept in a camera bag. Hoping there are some recent travelers to Egypt that can clarify what she can and can't do while over there.

Also, any alternate lens suggestions...trying to limit the weight?
My wife is flying to Egypt in 2 weeks after a long... (show quote)


An 18 - 200mm might be more practical. As for up to date info on places she will visit, spending some time on Google will serve you better than UHH.

hope it is a great trip!

___

Reply
Feb 27, 2023 07:57:47   #
Canisdirus
 
I think 28mm is going to disappoint...these are pretty dang BIG...and made for vista shots.

I would suggest a 20mm...or wider...if it can hold the corners.

Reply
Feb 27, 2023 08:17:49   #
osoblancophoto Loc: Venice FL
 
Carl rl wrote:
My wife is flying to Egypt in 2 weeks after a long 2-year delay getting past Covid. She wants to take photos on her trip using a D750 DSLR and Nikon 28-300 walk-around lens. She has read messages and precautions about not being able to take photos inside regular tourist venues. Some say fees are required or that cameras are not allowed at all or that cameras can be kept in a camera bag. Hoping there are some recent travelers to Egypt that can clarify what she can and can't do while over there.

Also, any alternate lens suggestions...trying to limit the weight?
My wife is flying to Egypt in 2 weeks after a long... (show quote)


I just left Egypt yesterday and had no problem photographing in all venues except not permitted in Tut's gold room in the museum of antiquities in Cairo.

Reply
Feb 27, 2023 09:25:46   #
Kenmull
 
One caveat, if you go to the Valley of the Kings, Cameras are not allowed, however you can use your phone, strange but true.

Reply
 
 
Feb 27, 2023 09:50:38   #
Hip Coyote
 
Kenmull wrote:
One caveat, if you go to the Valley of the Kings, Cameras are not allowed, however you can use your phone, strange but true.


That is absolutely incorrect. I was there two weeks ago and shot away. No restrictions anywhere including inside tombs. I did hear that things changed due to a push by Egyptians to make the country visitor friendly. We had no problems.

Reply
Feb 27, 2023 09:52:43   #
Hip Coyote
 
osoblancophoto wrote:
I just left Egypt yesterday and had no problem photographing in all venues except not permitted in Tut's gold room in the museum of antiquities in Cairo.


Osoblanco. Great name! Even better than HipCoyote.

Do a boat thing on the Nile? We were disappointed by the volume of trash. But the trip was interesting.

Reply
Feb 27, 2023 10:31:08   #
47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range
 
Kenmull wrote:
One caveat, if you go to the Valley of the Kings, Cameras are not allowed, however you can use your phone, strange but true.


We visited the Valley of the Kings in December as well as extensively from Aswan to Cairo. We did NOT visit Tut’s tomb. You can’t photograph there or are severely restricted. In other tombs, I carried and used a Canon compact. No restrictions. Ditto with my wife’s daughter who used a Nikon Z5. Yes, Tut’s room and an adjacent space in the Cairo Museum had a strictly enforced no “picture” rule. In Luxor, the Medinet Habu required a camera pass for anything other than phones. Other than that no other restrictions whatsoever. The main restriction we experienced is that you should “always” carry one and five Egyptian pound notes…. unless you can get through the day without using a bathroom. Also, in the museums and at other venues, you’ll be approached by relentless street and bazaar vendors, don’t acknowledge them unless you intent to buy. Also, in many of the tombs, temples, shrines, etc, you’ll find locals “helping” you. They will expect a tip. Oh….that includes the airport, believe it or not. An airport employee (?) picked up my bag and laid it on the x-ray and badgered me for a tip with his buddies sternly standing by. I’m still annoyed about that one. 🥴
Lastly, depending on your accommodations, Egypt is a very inexpensive country. We were there 15 days and other than flights and souvenirs, we spent less than $325/person/day for 7 people. That includes lodging, meals, guides, transportation, admissions, and gratuities. Awesome trip, but do your research….

Reply
Feb 27, 2023 11:21:48   #
ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca
 
47greyfox wrote:
We visited the Valley of the Kings in December as well as extensively from Aswan to Cairo. We did NOT visit Tut’s tomb. You can’t photograph there or are severely restricted. In other tombs, I carried and used a Canon compact. No restrictions. Ditto with my wife’s daughter who used a Nikon Z5. Yes, Tut’s room and an adjacent space in the Cairo Museum had a strictly enforced no “picture” rule. In Luxor, the Medinet Habu required a camera pass for anything other than phones. Other than that no other restrictions whatsoever. The main restriction we experienced is that you should “always” carry one and five Egyptian pound notes…. unless you can get through the day without using a bathroom. Also, in the museums and at other venues, you’ll be approached by relentless street and bazaar vendors, don’t acknowledge them unless you intent to buy. Also, in many of the tombs, temples, shrines, etc, you’ll find locals “helping” you. They will expect a tip. Oh….that includes the airport, believe it or not. An airport employee (?) picked up my bag and laid it on the x-ray and badgered me for a tip with his buddies sternly standing by. I’m still annoyed about that one. 🥴
Lastly, depending on your accommodations, Egypt is a very inexpensive country. We were there 15 days and other than flights and souvenirs, we spent less than $325/person/day for 7 people. That includes lodging, meals, guides, transportation, admissions, and gratuities. Awesome trip, but do your research….
We visited the Valley of the Kings in December as ... (show quote)


YES you can photograph in Tut's Tomb (taken with a Canon 5Ds) or for that matter any Tomb located in the Valley of the Kings or the Valley of the Queens -- The attached is an example --
I NEVER purchased a Camera Pass or was I asked to no matter where I took photos in Egypt

2.
2....
(Download)

Reply
 
 
Feb 27, 2023 11:48:14   #
47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range
 
ken_stern wrote:
YES you can photograph in Tut's Tomb (taken with a Canon 5Ds) or for that matter any Tomb located in the Valley of the Kings or the Valley of the Queens -- The attached is an example --
I NEVER purchased a Camera Pass or was I asked to no matter where I took photos in Egypt


Perhaps, it’s a moving target? When deciding which tombs to visit in the Valley of the Kings and Queens, guidance from our guide was consistent with the below article for Tut’s tomb. Although, the price was thought to be negotiable. I guess my advice would be to just be ready and be conscious of who is requesting a fee. We were in one of the Ramses tombs and a “guide” in the tomb showed us a couple photography tip and afterwards put out his hand.

https://www.earthtrekkers.com/how-to-visit-valley-of-the-kings-luxor-egypt/

Reply
Feb 27, 2023 11:53:03   #
rcarol
 
Bill_de wrote:
An 18 - 200mm might be more practical. As for up to date info on places she will visit, spending some time on Google will serve you better than UHH.

hope it is a great trip!

___


This lens will not work on the Nikon 750 since it is a full frame camera and the 18-200mm lens is made for a crop sensor camera.

Reply
Feb 27, 2023 11:53:55   #
Hip Coyote
 
ken_stern wrote:
YES you can photograph in Tut's Tomb (taken with a Canon 5Ds) or for that matter any Tomb located in the Valley of the Kings or the Valley of the Queens -- The attached is an example --
I NEVER purchased a Camera Pass or was I asked to no matter where I took photos in Egypt


Exactly.

Reply
Feb 27, 2023 12:07:30   #
ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca
 
47greyfox wrote:
Perhaps, it’s a moving target? When deciding which tombs to visit in the Valley of the Kings and Queens, guidance from our guide was consistent with the below article for Tut’s tomb. Although, the price was thought to be negotiable. I guess my advice would be to just be ready and be conscious of who is requesting a fee. We were in one of the Ramses tombs and a “guide” in the tomb showed us a couple photography tip and afterwards put out his hand.

https://www.earthtrekkers.com/how-to-visit-valley-of-the-kings-luxor-egypt/
Perhaps, it’s a moving target? When deciding which... (show quote)


I think you just may be on to something --
The one sure thing I learned about Egypt is "almost" everyone is fully open to a BRIBE --
We went with National Geographic which by now is fully aware of how to operate in Egypt

Reply
Page 1 of 3 next> last>>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.