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Getting your camera ready for that next big trip
Make sure your camera is in good working order.
Do this a good month in advance, because if your camera needs servicing this could take sometime to fix. Turn the camera on and see if the cameras operational functions are working correctly. It can be very frustrating to find out when you are out in the middle of nowhere trying to capture the most spectacular sunset ever, that your camera doesn’t work. If you have just bought a new camera, I highly recommend taking some photos with it before you go, even if they are of mundane subjects you need to know that your camera is working and that you can at least use some of it’s basic functions. If you are not technically minded, take the camera’s manual for some light reading. Take your time when reading, don’t try to get to far ahead of yourself and become frustrated. Take little parcels of information and experiment.
Check your cameras batteries
If you have not used your camera for awhile, check to see if the the batteries are still working. Make sure you have enough spares for your journey, and whatever you do DON’T forget your charger. If you have rechargeable batteries I highly recommend buying a second battery. In the bush it is sometimes difficult to find places to charge your equipment. I use a power inverter, which connects to the cigarette lighter in my car. You can charge any thing from lap tops to cameras. They are reasonably inexpensive and are available from most electronic stores.
Take plenty of film
Not everyone has a digital camera! Take plenty of film and try to store it in a cool dry place on your trip. A portable fridge or cooler is the best option.
Backup and clear your memory cards
If you have a digital camera make sure you have archived and cleared your memory cards. I recommend taking several memory cards, especially if you intend to travel for long periods, or use a lap top or other portable storage device (such as MP3 player or portable hard drive) to transfer and store your photos. Most photo labs offer the service of copying your photos to CD. This service is usually inexpensive, and will offer some peace of mind that your photos will be archived safely.
Take your operational manuals
A long journey away will open up many varied photographic opportunities and your manual will come in handy to show you how to handle difficult lighting situations, not to mention any trouble shooting questions you may have.
Protect your equiptment
Make sure you have adequate protection for your equipment. All cameras should be encased in a good quality dust-proof bags. The dust and harsh elements of the Australian wilderness can prove to be extremely damaging to camera equipment. If you have purchased some expensive camera equipment, look at having it properly insured, because you just never know what will happen on the road. I have learnt this lesson the hard way, having been through numerous lenses and two major video camera rebuilds, UNINSURED!
Take a tripod.
You are no doubt going to encounter some spectacular sunsets on your journey. To capture these sunsets successfully you will need a sturdy tripod. Tripods also come in very handy when there is no one around to take your photo in front of some amazing landmark. Just pop your camera on your tripod, frame up, hit the time delay button and presto you can all be in your travel photos together.
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