Jadeante: Breathless

I am speechless!

One of the best places I have ever traveled to is Machu Picchu, Peru. The land of the Incas is considered one of the wonders of the world. I highly recommend going to Peru, but be prepared to spend some money if you do not want to ride a bus for days.

Hiking in the Peruvian jungle

I bet you want to see proof? Well, click here for The adventure of a life time! These are photos I have taken and photos that were taken of my boyfriend and I. If you want to see more pictures, then go to Peru! This wonder of the world will leave you breathless. Not to mention, you will definitely get some frame worthy photos, so take your camera!

"Currently Machu Picchu is being loved to death. It receives 800,000 visitors a year, and though the daily entrance is supposedly limited to a few thousand, that number is not rigorously enforced," said Mark Adams.

What else can you do in Peru?
Peru is filled with many adventures, such as the amazon. I went to the amazon for about three days and learned how to survive off of the plants in the jungle. The creepy crawlers that call the jungle home are quite interesting. One will see gigantic spiders, bullet ants, and many other things that will make the hair on your neck stand up. When you jump head first into an adventure like this, one must stay brave and embrace the adventures. Grab your camera and start snapping.

Check out the video for some interesting facts on Machu Picchu.

Santa's Workshop

After reading all about photography, I bet you are looking for some great workshops? Did you know that National Geographic hosts a few workshops?

According to a National Geographic representative, "For more than a century, people have thumbed through the pages of our magazines and felt inspired by some of the best photography in the world. Now we’d like to invite you to travel to incredible places with some of the best photographers in the world. Our Photography Expeditions are designed for photographers of all levels. You’ll learn tips and techniques while exploring fascinating places with one of our renowned photographers. Our Photography Workshops, also led by a top National Geographic photographer, cater to those who seek more intensive instruction, and build photo editing, instruction, and critique sessions as well as photo assignments into each day’s schedule"


How amazing is that? You can travel and learn from amazing photographers. So, how or where do you get information on trips to Costa Rica, Morocco, Paris, and many other locations? Go to National Geographic's website or click here.


Okay, so maybe you are not that adventurous and just want a daytime seminar. Well, do not fret because National Geographic offers daytime seminars in a few areas and as before, click here for details.


Here is a video of a children's workshop hosted by National Geographic:

What are the benefits of doing these workshops? 

• Become a better photographer
• Meet great people
• See amazing new places
• Entering the National Geographic Photo Contest

So, are you brave enough to travel with the photographers of National Geographic?

Cameras & Machetes: "These are a few of my favorite things"

I was interested in more information of cameras and the quality of cheap ones, so I asked David Burnett for more advice. Please be advised, what you are about to read may shock you.

What are the best cameras to use?

"This of course depends on just what your mission is: if you are shooting fashion or portraits in a controlled situation, maybe a big format digital camera.. or something "antique" like a Graflex film camera... where you are on the run, like most photojournalists, there is something to be said for the 35mm style digi cams.  I always try and have a point and shoot with me.. because you SEE pictures by accident, much more than on a schedule. You have to be ready."

If a person is working with a cheap camera, do you have any advice on how to get the best shots?

"A camera is just a tool.. .there is no real limitation.. I use a cheap *($30) holga plastic camera (film) as well as the $2000 canon digital... each does a thing or a few things well, and you just have to learn what your camera is good for, what doesn't work, and make it work for YOU with in those constraints.  Small point/shoot cameras (i use the cx5 Ricoh) are full of features, and ability to make great pictures if you just figure out what they CAN do, and what they CANT...  and then spend a long time learning to SEE and anticipate things which might happen for only a split second.  Voila!! You'll be a photographer! "

By now, you should be quite informed on basic camera usage. My goal is not to have just interviews, but show and tell. Let me dig up a great photo with a story . . . .

This photo is not the best, but the story behind it is great. I was in Honduras over the summer. During one of my many hikes back to my hostel from the beach, I found a young boy playing with a machete. This sounds crazy, right? Well, Central America is different than the United States because it is considered a third world country. The kids around the area usually run around the streets or take care of younger siblings. It is a very different culture than ours. 

Honduras 2011

Now, back to my story of the picture . . . I was in a hurry to take this picture because the kid was on the other side of the fence and as I snapped the zoomed in photo, I heard a mom yelling at her child. I panicked and quickly ran away. In all actuality, the mom was probably yelling at the boy for either playing with the machete or not doing a chore.

What great photo story do you have?

'Tis the Season for Photography

With Christmas fast approaching, one may be looking for a new gift idea, such as buying a loved one a camera or giving them a framed photograph. So, what is the biggest bang for your buck?

Photography:
Photographs are a great, inexpensive gift to give to loved ones or friends. The key to this is you have to find a great photo of you and the loved one or friend, a frame, and you must learn the basics of cropping photos. Then, wrap it and put a bow on it. Your friend or loved one will be touched by the gesture.

Cameras:
Cameras are a typical gift around Christmas. So, what kind do you buy? First, decide on a budget and do not go over. Second, decide on what the camera will be used for. Third, research different types of cameras or ask an expert at Best Buy. Finally, wrap it up and give it to your friend or loved one.
A few Cameras to check out:

• Canon Powershot A1200: $87
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH27: $151.95
• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W570: $139
• Nikon S8200: $279.99
• Canon EOS Rebel T2i DSLR: $699.99

 "In my opinion, the Canon EOS Rebel is an inexpensive camera that takes quality pictures," said Kari Corbin. To check out more information on Corbin, visit her Facebook page: Kari Corbin Photography.

Now, if you have been reading my blog, then you have probably walked away with some great tips. However, I have not discussed how to take great photos with cameras. I found a youtube video that is very helpful in explaining cameras. Watch and learn, fellow bloggers!









Do you have any great tips on taking photos?

Advice from Joel Sartore

Joel Sartore is another photographer who has worked for National Geographic. He is a busy man, who unfortunately is not able to interview with everyone, but has a page full of helpful hints that I thought would be important for photographers. Katie Joseph, Joel's assistant, would love for you to visit his website for more information.

Here is the advice that Joel gave:

"There are a few bits of advice that apply to all photographers, no matter what you’re shooting.

Work hard, preferably for a person or organization who will help you out in the business. This may be a newspaper or magazine, but these days it could also be a website or a non-profit.

Take lots of pictures in a variety of different situations. Get out of your comfort zone. Every new situation you shoot has the potential to make you better.

Listen to your editor and respect his or her ideas about how you can improve your work.

Learn to accept criticism and use it to better your work. Photography is a tough business, and editors don’t always have time to handle photographers with kid gloves when giving suggestions.

Look at photos thoughtfully. When you find another photographer whose work you admire, take time with their images to figure out what makes them tick.

Be curious about life.  There’s something worth photographing just about everywhere you go – you just have to look for it.

Be pleasant, polite and professional.  We all have bad days – it’s not a license to be a jerk.  One ill-mannered photographer tarnishes the entire profession, and can ruin opportunities for others later on.

Do it for the right reasons. If you’re in photography for money and recognition, you’re going to be sorely disappointed, especially when starting out. Some people shoot great pictures for years and are only “discovered” after they die. If you’re in it to make the world a better place by photographing and documenting important subjects, making people happy with your images, and making others see the world in a different way, chances are you’ll enjoy yourself a lot more along the way.

Persistence is key. Many of the best shots come at the end of the day when you’re worn out and ready to pack it in. If you leave early, you’ll miss out on some of the best opportunities. If you really want to do well in photography, you have to go after it with all you’ve got.

No matter what college you attend or what you major in, the degree doesn’t matter as much as the person receiving it.

Getting a job and starting a career in photography is a bit rocky now, and I’m sorry to have to say it because photography is so dear to me.

All that said, if you’re really excited about this, I say go for it. I still believe that those few who are truly passionate will find a way to make a living doing what they love. And to be sure the world needs great storytellers, now more than ever."

-Joel Sartore

Fellow bloggers, remember to pursue your dreams!

Photojournalism: David Burnett

Have you ever thought about combining photography and journalism together? Well, David Burnett has been a photojournalist for over 35 years. He has worked as a freelancer for National Geographic, Time, and Life. A National Geographic representative said, "he is known as someone who can-no matter how challenging the assignment-return with the picture."

Burnett's photo featured in National Geographic's photo contest

What does Burnett have to say about photojournalism?

1) Why did you become a photojournalist?  What inspired you?  How did you do it?

"Once I joined the high school yearbook staff, I was bitten by the bug. From the time I saw my first picture develop in the tray.. the magic of the white paper slowly emerging with greys and blacks to make  a real photographic image, there was nothing else I wanted to do. I loved the idea of sharing something I had seen, and letting others be able to share that moment. At first it was just pictures of the French Club and the cheerleaders in school but eventually that became something more universal and (hopefully) marketable. I was working for a little weekly paper by Senior year of high school. It didnt pay much but I felt I wanted to pursue it, and I just never stopped trying to find clients who might be the right place for me to share my images."

2) What's most gratifying about your work?

"There is something gratifying when you connect with a picture. It's fun to watch others react to your own work, because that is what counts. It's less important for me that I love my work, than that it be accepted in publishing, and eventually perhaps art circles, as something important.  I want my pictures to tell a story, and I want that story told to as many people as possible."

3) What are some personal characteristics a photojournalist should possess?

"You need to be single minded, tough, ready to pursue the difficult; empathetic, and able to understand the needs and feelings of your subjects.  And able to operate on few hours sleep, with nothing but a candy bar to keep you going.  The energy comes from the picture taking and the excitement of being able to see the world. Curiosity: own it."

4) What advice can you give me that would best help me understand the career of photojournalism?

"Work hard, prepare not to receive any accolades or atta boys. Enjoy seeing your work produced, and if lucky, published.  Take joy in the making of the images."

Well, what about photography should you know?

1) What should I know about photography?
"Study the great photogs of our time.. start with August Sander, Martin Chiambi, and shoot right through the 20th century... KNOW good photographs, and why they are good.. Cartier-Bresson (who shot with the simplest LEICA, nothing 'auto' about it), Gene Smith, Leonard McCombe (LIFE), Grey Villet (LIFE), Bill Eppridge (LIFE), Salgado... the list goes on and on.. but only good can come from your paying attention to what has been done by those who went before you. Just because you can see your work instantly on the back of a digi cam doesnt mean youre special... but take your inspiration where you can, and never stop looking for good images.. both by others, and those that happen in front of your own eyes."
 
2) How do you climb to the top?
"The biggest thing about our business is ... Good Photography. In the end, your pictures, for better or worse, will determine whether or not you are going to be successful.  You need a business plan, you need to understand that you have to STAY in business to REMAIN in business, and that by doing things such as guarding the ownership of your images (copyright), you retain the rights to resale important pictures over the course of your life.  Giving up that copyright means you give up the chance to re-license those pictures down the road." 


A special thanks to David Burnett for taking the time to answer a few important questions.


For more information on David Burnett visit National Geographic or http://www.davidburnett.com/.

The Beginning of a Long Journey

A passion of mine is traveling, but this blog is not as much about traveling as it is about photography. During my trips abroad, I capture some of life's greatest moments and my goal is to share them with fellow bloggers like you. Hopefully, you learn a few new tricks about photography and perhaps become motivated to travel to the wonders of the world.

Where have I been?

I have been to almost all of Central America, Peru, Italy, the Bahamas, and Aruba. 

I am sure you are now asking, well, what makes you qualified to discuss photography?

Absolutely nothing! This will be a fun learning experience for me. I plan to better myself through research and interviews with professional photographers. This blog is about capturing life's moments even if the pictures start off rough, there is always room for improvement!

What makes me want to explore photography?

Well, I love that with a click of a button you can capture fun and beautiful moments. I travel so much and I really want to be able to capture pictures worth framing. My goal is to one day take a great picture and submit it to National Geographic's photo contest. 

Folley Beach 

Show & Tell:

During a trip to South Carolina, I decided to wake up and go to the beach. There was a chill in the air and the water was ice cold, but it did not stop me from finding picture worthy moments. The beach was covered with starfish, which is something I had never seen before. It was simply breathtaking. I had to lay in the sand to capture this beautiful moment.

Why do you like photography?