I'm sorry about posting a negative response, but you were not sure what to do, a professional photographer walks up to you, gives you a suggestion and you don't try it on the spot? Am I missing something here?

Linda,
Speaking as another amateur landscape photographer, very nice shot. I see a few compositions to try. I would go down to the path and incorporate the row of small trees as a foreground for the fog and buildings. I’d walk to your left and shoot the water and buildings, primarily highlighting their reflections in the more lightly fogged area. I’d return at dusk and see how the light from the street light plays off the buildings, fog and river. That shot should work from the bridge and both sides of the river. Of course use your tripod.

Did you stop at the Carlson Block while in Wilkeson for some artisan pizza? It's very good and their cheese cake cannot be beat.

Been hiking in the Northwest for 45 years and have never stowed my camera in my pack. It's alway over my shoulder and I use hiking poles. My backpack allows me to change lenses by only taking off one strap. On wet days my pack doesn't touch the ground. It seems cumbersome but I find so many interesting this to shoot along the trail it saves me hoisting my pack on and off 50 to 60 times each trip. My pack only comes off if I use the tripod or stop for lunch. I've been scolded twice by workshop leaders that fear I might stumble and fall, but I take that chance and return with a wealth of photos from the trail.

Thank You and to everyone that responded. Great advice.

I'm trying to decide what camera(s) to bring on our upcoming trips to
Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Mongolia and Russia. I've read that Cambodia
is upset about professionals taking pictures at Angkor Wat and using the
photos without permission...so they are on the lookout for high-end
cameras. I've also heard hints that Russia may think you are more than
a tourist if you are carrying a pro-grade camera. And of course, a big
expensive camera is a theft risk in any poor country.

Do you think my concerns are warranted ?

I purchased an Olympus TG5 "Tough" waterproof camera earlier this year
to use as my pocket camera and for rainy days. I've been pretty
impressed with the photos I've gotten from it even in somewhat difficult
conditions. It might be the right camera to take to riskier countries.

Taken on the beach at Bandon, Oregon. The central stone structure is known as the Wizard's Hat. I was part of a workshop who's instructor works only "in camera" He taught us the use of hard stop graduated ND and polarizing filters. I learned more about using my camera in 10 days then I have for the last many years. The workshop was evenly split with Canon and Nikon as well as a Sony mirrorless. The only post work I did was to remove any dust spots. The sky that evening was outstanding.

(Download)


(Download)

Wonderful shots. Did you hire one of the native guides? If so, is it worth the cost? Thanks.

Wonderful shots. Did you hire one of the native guides? If so, is it worth the cost? Thanks.

I agree with this response and would upgrade your memory to what you can afford. I also suggest, as a simple test, try connecting your external drive(s) after booting up your computer. I have two, sometimes three externals connected and my system runs noticeably faster if they are connected after the computer is booted up.

Let me reiterate what several others have suggested. Get yourself a copy of Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure" and a yellow highlighter. Learning the triangle on your own is a challenge with a step learning curve. The book will present exposure in an understandable framework.

I received this simple tip years ago. It has saved me a few times... Before leaving home take a shot.

Google myfavoritemagazine, go to it's website and click on the "Photo" tab. They offer two general photo magazines, "Digital Camera" and Digital Photographer" as well as a 100% Canon users magazine called "Photo Plus" and a 100% Nikon users magazine called "N Photo". These are UK based magazines so the subscriptions to the USA are a bit expensive. I subscribe to "Photo Plus" and it's filled with usable information. I purchased an oversized version of my cameras manual from them, 5"x7" and it was ring bound so it lays flat. You might find these magazines at a local Barnes and Noble.

Hate to buck the trend, but my lens cap is only taken off while shooting. Held on with an elastic strap and string. I shoot outdoors mostly landscape. When I'm just walking or out hiking to locations my camera is always at my chest. Never packed away in my pack. It's there to protect the lens. Rain and mist, branches, brush and the unexpected. I've had two workshop pros suggest I pack it away while walking. But to me there is too much to capture. I can get off shots and don't hold up the group. I shoot just as many shots along the trail as I do at our setup points. If it's windy I can hold it in my palm and still work the camera.

I use a hall coat closet floor as the storage place for my camera gear. I have three backpacks used depending on the length of travel and shoot location. My gear gets moved from pack to pack. I'd like to setup a storage system in the closet that provides a place for each piece of gear. I'll probably add some simple shelving. I'm wondering if others have some interesting or unique ways of storing their gear. Thanks in advance.