thesurfdog
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Rome, Florence, Venice -- What gear should I take
- Thread starter huskerss1
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f8BeThereToo
Guest
Your are going to visit three of the most challenging European cities for tourists, especially during the peak summer months.
When I plan a trip to a new city/country I tend to read a number of guidebooks well before I depart. I like Rick Steves books for the up-to-date nuts and bolts info ( http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog&parent_id=146 ).
His books tend to have less classic guidebook info while providing far more valuable information like how to beat the crowds, obtain tickets to popular museums and the like so you don't have to wait in line with the tourist hordes and how to get off the beaten tourist track and have some authentic travel experiences.
The forum at his Web site is also a great place to ask questions and get up-to-date info from fellow travelers.
I also read the Lonely Planet and Rough Guides for different viewpoints and additional ideas for places to visit. I'll stick my nose into other guidebooks if they look interesting. (I did not expect a Frommer's guide to the Netherlands to lead me to the best Italian meal of my life in the southeastern Dutch town of Maastricht. Four incredible courses for around 30 Euro/person in a town of expensive restaurants that typically charge 50-60 Euro/person.)
If I bring along a guidebook it tends to be a DK Eyewitness Travel Guide. Why DK? Because they have a LOT of color images/drawings and good "guidebook info" along with excellent 3D neighborhood maps that make navigating the often confusing European cities easier. If you are into travel photography the DK guides will get you up and running quickly.
The Lonely Planet guidebooks are available at the iTunes Store for use on iPhones and iPod Touch devices. They are essentially the entire print-edition books that are frequently updated and they utilize the GPS function built-in to iPhones. (Watch out regarding using data overseas on an iPhone! The charges can really add-up if you don't get a pre-paid plan. I put my iPhone in "Airplane Mode" and enable Wi Fi access. I don't use "data roaming" and I skip getting a data plan for international travel. The free Skype app allows me to place local and international calls for between 3-4 cents a minute. It sure beats the $1-$1.50 you will pay to ATT...)
After all that reading and planning I ultimately do my best to skip most of the guidebook recommendations and follow my nose once I get my bearings. I spend minimal time in tourist areas. I try to dress like a local: generally no baseball cap, shorts (except at the seashore), running shoes. I know that I usually don't fool people but I have been mistaken for a local more than a few times. It's kind of a gas to have someone come up and ask for directions in the local language!
By learning the basic customs (like always greeting the proprietors of shops in Paris...) you can open doors that are closed to most tourists. I find that local residents generally respond favorably to even terrible attempts at speaking their language and often welcome the opportunity to practice their English. The payoff for taking the time to connect are personal guided tours of "secret" sights that don't show up in the guidebooks, tips about cafes where you will find only locals and invitations to a meal or to a party in a private home or club.
I travel a bit differently than most Americans that I meet abroad: the "must-see" sights don't interest me very much (I have gone entire trips without seeing the inside of a museum...) I treasure the hundred "little miracles" that happen every day because I keep my eyes open and allow plenty of room for serendipity rather than sticking to a strict itinerary. I cannot tell you how many times we never made it to where were headed because something better happened along the way. Or the interactions we had on the way to the Eiffel Tower and the Van Gogh Museum that were much more meaningful and memorable than our final destinations.
Ultimately the best memories and photos I have brought back had nothing to do with the places that are the most visited and that have been photographed millions of times.
Happy trails!
When I plan a trip to a new city/country I tend to read a number of guidebooks well before I depart. I like Rick Steves books for the up-to-date nuts and bolts info ( http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog&parent_id=146 ).
His books tend to have less classic guidebook info while providing far more valuable information like how to beat the crowds, obtain tickets to popular museums and the like so you don't have to wait in line with the tourist hordes and how to get off the beaten tourist track and have some authentic travel experiences.
The forum at his Web site is also a great place to ask questions and get up-to-date info from fellow travelers.
I also read the Lonely Planet and Rough Guides for different viewpoints and additional ideas for places to visit. I'll stick my nose into other guidebooks if they look interesting. (I did not expect a Frommer's guide to the Netherlands to lead me to the best Italian meal of my life in the southeastern Dutch town of Maastricht. Four incredible courses for around 30 Euro/person in a town of expensive restaurants that typically charge 50-60 Euro/person.)
If I bring along a guidebook it tends to be a DK Eyewitness Travel Guide. Why DK? Because they have a LOT of color images/drawings and good "guidebook info" along with excellent 3D neighborhood maps that make navigating the often confusing European cities easier. If you are into travel photography the DK guides will get you up and running quickly.
The Lonely Planet guidebooks are available at the iTunes Store for use on iPhones and iPod Touch devices. They are essentially the entire print-edition books that are frequently updated and they utilize the GPS function built-in to iPhones. (Watch out regarding using data overseas on an iPhone! The charges can really add-up if you don't get a pre-paid plan. I put my iPhone in "Airplane Mode" and enable Wi Fi access. I don't use "data roaming" and I skip getting a data plan for international travel. The free Skype app allows me to place local and international calls for between 3-4 cents a minute. It sure beats the $1-$1.50 you will pay to ATT...)
After all that reading and planning I ultimately do my best to skip most of the guidebook recommendations and follow my nose once I get my bearings. I spend minimal time in tourist areas. I try to dress like a local: generally no baseball cap, shorts (except at the seashore), running shoes. I know that I usually don't fool people but I have been mistaken for a local more than a few times. It's kind of a gas to have someone come up and ask for directions in the local language!
By learning the basic customs (like always greeting the proprietors of shops in Paris...) you can open doors that are closed to most tourists. I find that local residents generally respond favorably to even terrible attempts at speaking their language and often welcome the opportunity to practice their English. The payoff for taking the time to connect are personal guided tours of "secret" sights that don't show up in the guidebooks, tips about cafes where you will find only locals and invitations to a meal or to a party in a private home or club.
I travel a bit differently than most Americans that I meet abroad: the "must-see" sights don't interest me very much (I have gone entire trips without seeing the inside of a museum...) I treasure the hundred "little miracles" that happen every day because I keep my eyes open and allow plenty of room for serendipity rather than sticking to a strict itinerary. I cannot tell you how many times we never made it to where were headed because something better happened along the way. Or the interactions we had on the way to the Eiffel Tower and the Van Gogh Museum that were much more meaningful and memorable than our final destinations.
Ultimately the best memories and photos I have brought back had nothing to do with the places that are the most visited and that have been photographed millions of times.
Happy trails!
RHWeber
Leading Member
I went to those three cities in October 2008. I brought much photo equipment. They ar great walking cities and I did not want to carry to much stuff. I brought a 5D with wide angle zoom, a canon 24 - 105 f4 and 135 f2. I also brought a G10. I used the G10 for most shots and the 135 whenever I wanted a very narrow depth of field or the scene was very dark and flash was forbidden.. Most of my shots were for my own pleasure, I wasn't plannning on selling or displaying anything. I haven't prionted much from the trip. The G10 was great and I now use it exclsively for traveling. I also picked up the canon ex 270 flash. they may a great pair and they are very easy to carry around.
Have a great trip. Don't eat to much.
--
bweberphotography.com
Have a great trip. Don't eat to much.
--
bweberphotography.com
Some people enjoy shooting with lenses other than a wide zoom like the 16-35. I know I certainly do but then I'm not a landscape fanatic.
With a 70-200 you don't have to be in peoples' faces to snap candids and the extra range can certainly help at times. You only need a small camera bag over the shoulder - and most will hold your body, wide and tele.
I wouldn't say a 70-200 makes you look like a tool, rather a bit more serious about your photography and the only downside I saw to that when I was in Rome and Florence were the pickpockets/gypsies. But if you keep an eye out they see that and bypass you for an easier target elsewhere.
Zoooming
With a 70-200 you don't have to be in peoples' faces to snap candids and the extra range can certainly help at times. You only need a small camera bag over the shoulder - and most will hold your body, wide and tele.
I wouldn't say a 70-200 makes you look like a tool, rather a bit more serious about your photography and the only downside I saw to that when I was in Rome and Florence were the pickpockets/gypsies. But if you keep an eye out they see that and bypass you for an easier target elsewhere.
Zoooming
Now there's someone with practical advice. Completely agree with your comments about the fact you "travel a bit differently than most Americans that I meet" and where you find the best memories and photo opportunities.
Your approach would certainly be a rewarding one.
Zoooming
Your approach would certainly be a rewarding one.
Zoooming
F
f8BeThereToo
Guest
Crime against tourists in Europe is almost always the non-violent, crime-of-convenience sort of thing. You don't need to be paranoid, just more aware of your surroundings than when in familiar territory...
In all my travels in Europe I have never had a problem with crime because I take the simple precautions I list below. I have had my share of run-ins with gypsies but they never got close enough to get their hands on my stuff. I prefer taking public transportation whenever possible because it is less expensive, very convenient and a great way to meet people. But I carry as little as possible so I don't feel at risk riding in a crowded tram. A little information and common-sense goes a long way when traveling abroad.
1. Snatch-and-run/ride does occur, so purses, cameras and bags hanging from a shoulder (particularly with said bag dangling on the street side...) isn't a very good idea. I prefer the cross-body R Strap, a small bag like this http://www.ebags.com/product/baggallini/messenger-slingbagg-crinkle-nylon/47360 or a daypack carried over both shoulders.
I use small locking carabiner fasteners on outside zippers. They can be found at outdoor supply stores. It takes several turns to open the lock. Remember that thieves want an easy target and not a confrontation.
2. Pickpockets are prevalent. Carry your passport, credit card, ATM card, etc. in a money belt. Only place an amount of cash that you are willing to lose in a pocket. Pockets with velcro closures are not a problem for an experienced pickpocket...
I once met an American tourist who lost his passport, ATM and credit cards and money because he thought that the velcro would deter pickpockets. A friend of mine lost over 400 Euro because in his weariness after a ten-hour plane ride he visited an ATM at the Amsterdam airport and placed the cash in an outside pocket of his pack. By the time he reached his hotel the money was Long Gone...
3. Thieves look for distracted tourists and most of the problems occur in tourist spots with big crowds. Crowded transportation hubs and buses/trams are also potential trouble spots. Don't stop in crowded areas or the middle of a sidewalk to look at a guidebook/map; this immediately pegs you as a distracted tourist. Get out of the flow of traffic, preferably against a wall if you and your companion need to focus on something at the same time.
If you need to use an ATM or get into your bag, have your companion be the "lookout" while you take care of business.
When on public transportation keep your bag on your lap or connected to your person in some manner. I carry a Pacsafe for securing my bag in locations when I cannot avoid being separated from it (which rarely happens.)
4. In cities like Paris and Rome gypsies are often involved in stealing from tourists. Don't allow them to get too close to you; you may have to be more assertive than normal. A woman carrying a child with older children in tow may try to distract you while the older children go for your valuables. Let suspicious people know that you are aware of them; a good way of doing this is to look right at them while pulling a lower eyelid down; this translates to "I am keeping an eye on you!"
I feel much safer in strange cities in Europe than I do in urban areas in the U.S.. (Unlike U.S. cities some European suburbs can be more risky than the city centers. Paris Metro lines that go through certain suburbs are best avoided by tourists unless you are the adventurous type...) European countries tend to be generally much less violent, the private ownership of handguns is almost nonexistent and most of the time travelers are in the company of other people on the street. Once you get away from tourist areas the risk of theft drops off considerably, which is another good reason to stay off the beaten tourist track as much as possible.
The three most common mistakes I see American travelers do in Europe are:
1. Carrying too much stuff.
2. Trying to do too much.
3. Spending too much time viewing the world through a viewfinder or tiny LCD.
The more you have, the more you have to carry and keep track of. Expensive cameras, watches, etc. attract the kind of attention you don't want...
If you try to do too much during a trip you will usually wind up getting frustrated, overly-tired and you won't enjoy your trip as much. If you are tired you are more likely to let-down your guard and become a target for a pickpocket.
Traveling isn't about quantity, it's about quality. Instead of cramming-in visits to multiple sights in a day, pick one or two of your top choices while leaving sufficient time for eating, drinking and relaxing. Ask yourself who you are taking all those pictures for: yourself or to prove to family and friends that you actually visited Notre Dame? Try to stay in the moment and remember that the best memories are captured by the brain, not a still or video camera. You can replay them at will without worrying that the current digital media may change in the future, rendering your memories "unreadable"...
Know when to take the easy way out. In a city like Paris the time and trouble it takes to figure out public transportation can be considerable if you don't speak French. If you have the time and inclination, go for it... Otherwise, take advantage of the multitude of Mercedes taxis and be chauffeured to your destination. Sure, it is more expensive and probably slower than the Metro but you can relax and gaze out the window at the landmarks, something that is considerably more difficult to do underground...
As I previously suggested, a little reading before you leave can get you up to speed about what to see and what to avoid.
I went there last year in late june and on the city streets it can get very hot.
Florence is very pedestrian friendly and relatively easy to get round and so you can carry a large amount of equipment quite comfortably all day.
Rome is a completely different city. Larger distances to walk and it is much more active with people going about their daily business. So probably best to stick some of the heavier stuff in a safe in your room.
Both cities though i'd recomend taking the side streets rather than the main routes. You can find some great trattoria's and ice cream parlors. Generally I find that if you see the locals queueing outside of a place, you won't be disappointed.
How long are you staying in each place?
Best regards,
Graeme
--
http://www.miltonphotography.co.uk
Florence is very pedestrian friendly and relatively easy to get round and so you can carry a large amount of equipment quite comfortably all day.
Rome is a completely different city. Larger distances to walk and it is much more active with people going about their daily business. So probably best to stick some of the heavier stuff in a safe in your room.
Both cities though i'd recomend taking the side streets rather than the main routes. You can find some great trattoria's and ice cream parlors. Generally I find that if you see the locals queueing outside of a place, you won't be disappointed.
How long are you staying in each place?
Best regards,
Graeme
--
http://www.miltonphotography.co.uk
lbuclk=
Veteran Member
Camera brand does not matter, lens choice is simple, a wide & tele, the 70/200, if you can stand the weight, no mystery. whenever I get an assignment, I always take those two types.
--
28 years as a freelancer,(news,magazine, wedding photography) camera equip. over the years: Practica MLT, Canon A1, Minolta 9xi, 7xi, Dimage Z1,Fuji 5200,Canon S2,Pentax K100D,Olympus 380,Canon SX 10 ( http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Buckl/ )
http://issuu.com/Lbuck
lbuclk=
Veteran Member
Very much agree.
--
28 years as a freelancer,(news,magazine, wedding photography) camera equip. over the years: Practica MLT, Canon A1, Minolta 9xi, 7xi, Dimage Z1,Fuji 5200,Canon S2,Pentax K100D,Olympus 380,Canon SX 10 ( http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v104/Buckl/ )
http://issuu.com/Lbuck
jonrobertp
Forum Pro
but the lady with the ring-on-the-ground hit on me 3 times...sent her away pronto. And shooting alone (older, not that large either) at dusk ...well, you keep looking around.
As mentioned by previous poster; Keep in mind why you take these photos.
Ofcourse it is nice to take a shot of the front of the Notre Dame or Colloseum. But probably similar photo is available at every card shop.
Another wise word; Local attitude towards photographers can differ by neighboorhood. Think before you try to shoot that cute old lady.
Ofcourse it is nice to take a shot of the front of the Notre Dame or Colloseum. But probably similar photo is available at every card shop.
Another wise word; Local attitude towards photographers can differ by neighboorhood. Think before you try to shoot that cute old lady.
F
f8BeThereToo
Guest
... that it has been thirty years since the first edition of "Europe Through The Back Door" was published, so they are having a 30% off sale on "thirty travel essentials" including the book:
http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/content/30-30-30.htm
Rick Steves on packing light and right: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlight.htm
For the record I use an Eagle Creek convertible bag carry-on size pack that has both sturdy wheels/handle and hidden backpack straps. It comes with a zip-off daypack, but instead of using it I take a Marmot Talus daypack that carries a Lowepro Orion beltpack for my basic kit.
http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/content/30-30-30.htm
Rick Steves on packing light and right: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/packlight.htm
For the record I use an Eagle Creek convertible bag carry-on size pack that has both sturdy wheels/handle and hidden backpack straps. It comes with a zip-off daypack, but instead of using it I take a Marmot Talus daypack that carries a Lowepro Orion beltpack for my basic kit.
next spring to Amalfi, leaving the nikon gear home -- instead taking two EP1's with one attached the 14-42 mm and to the other a 40-150. and a price ~ the cost of one D300 body. give up some quality for ease and convenience. suits me.
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