Travel

Using Maps Internationally

Ok, this isn’t specifically a photography topic, but it is an issue that photographers face when traveling internationally. How do you use maps on your phone without racking up international data charges.

In a few weeks we’ll be roaming the Italian countryside and it would be nice to be able to reference my Google Maps on my phone to know where we are. How do I get from my hotel in Rome to the Roma Termini train station. It’s not that far but I’m not familiar with the streets.

I use Google Maps and a neat feature in this robust app is the ability to download different locations so you can access the map features offline.

Download a Map

  • On your iPhone or iPad, open the Google Maps app.

  • Make sure you're connected to the Internet and signed in to Google Maps.

  • Search for a place, like Rome, Italy.

  • At the bottom, tap the name or address of the place - tap More or scroll over to see Download.

  • Select Download.

Using Offline Maps

After you download a map, you simply use Google Maps as you normally do. If your internet connection is slow non existent, Google Maps will use your offline map data.

This app also gives you the ability to manage all the downloaded map sections. Click on the menu drop down (it looks like a triple-decker hamburger) and select Offline Maps. There you can rename the maps and update them manually.

Enjoy the journey.

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Hawaii - It's Not What You Expect

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Hawaii - It's Not What You Expect

The workshop was on the island of Hawai’i, also known as The Big Island. We can’t count all the calls and notes we received from people concerned that we were heading into an erupting volcano. Kilauea has been making news lately with dramatic eruptions and flowing lava that has destroyed many homes and caused evacuations for several neighborhoods.

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Put Down Your Camera

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Put Down Your Camera

For many people, a funny thing happens when they put down their big fancy rig and, instead, use their simple camera phone. When you're not worried about all the settings, your brain instead turns to more artistic endeavors. You essentially can become more creative once you are freed from the shackles of all those settings, buttons and switches. 

The Traveling Photographer - Part 1

The Traveling Photographer - Part 1

Unlike North America, most of the world's electrical service is 220-240 volts at 50Hz.  In the US, electricity is usually delivered at 120 volts and 60Hz.  Also, you'll also find that the outlets may look quite different from what you see in your own home. So when you look at electrical considerations for your trip, you need to think about both voltage and plug configuration. 

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Travel Tips for the Photographer

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Travel Tips for the Photographer

One of the things that almost all photographers share is a great interest in traveling. For many they began taking photos as a way to document their trips. For others it was the opposite. First came the photography and traveling became a way to exercise their great hobby.  In either case, we can all eliminate "problems on the road" by following a few guidelines and paying attention to some details.