Introduction
Travelling is a passion and every traveller understands the importance of capturing the precious moments and framing them forever. When you are back from a trip, all you have are the images of various places, person, food and every single thing you have experienced.
And then, it is time to showcase them for the rest of the world so that they take on a similar journey through your images.
When it comes to editing photos and making them livelier, here is a list of 5 of the top software for photographers worth considering.
1. Picasa –Picasa, a product from Google, tops the list because as free editing software, it is as much loved by the pros as it is suitable for the amateurs. Apart from being a simple yet amazing photo editor, it helps in sorting, tagging and organizing your photos under categories. The built-in photo features help you fiddle with the alignment, contrast, brightness and red-eye quotient of your photos. You can also add interesting colour and blur effects using a number of filters that are available. What makes Picasa outstanding is its feature that allows creating slideshows, web publishing and sharing photos via email.
2. Lightroom 5 – The Adobe Lightroom 5 is the perfect photography editing software for photographers working with large volumes of images. Creative professionals and travel enthusiasts love this super-efficient product that makes it possible to edits to entire batches of photos at once. You can also geo-tag and group your snaps instantly using this program. The software might not be too easy to adapt for the beginners but once you get a hang of it, you will simply love working with it. The best part is that Lightroom 5 is compatible with all types of files along with multimedia slideshows.
3. PhotoPlus 6.0 – This one is an older version of the PhotoPlus family but it is free and is worth a mention because it is amazingly good and user-friendly. With several similar features as in Adobe Photoshop, it allows you to create, edit, enhance and manipulate your already brilliant travel photos. The user-interface is slightly older but extremely easy to handle even for the amateur photo editors. Downloading it might require you to provide some personal information but overall, it’s a good value for money and a photo editing software you can rely on for quick and effective outcome.
4. Elements 11 – Elements 11 is yet another product from Adobe and it comes with easy-to-navigate tutorials for beginners. It is one of the most intuitive photo editing software allowing you to learn new skills, work on retouching quickly and try hybridizing the photos in an Expert mode. If you are up for some detailed and precise editing, you are going to love the Auto-analyzer feature that automatically picks your best shots among the lot. All you need is to give it a companion program for video editing and a plug-in for RAW files and it will work just fine.
5. Gimp – An open source alternative to Photoshop, Gimp offers you with a whole range of travel photo editing features including excellent filters, cropping, resizing, layer support and so on. If you are used to Photoshop, you will be able to adapt to this software rather quickly. You can follow a few tutorials and realize the amazing ways in which you can turn a rather plain image to a beauty with the Gimp. Installation gets easy when you follow the documentation accompanied by the software itself.
So, get your hands on these advanced software products and let your travel photos shine brighter and more enriching to look at.
Australia is one of those countries that offer an abundance of sights and activities to suit any traveler. If you are considering a trip to this beautiful country, there is no doubt that you’ll be kept busy during your entire stay. Following is list of the top 5 sights in Australia to help you plan your vacation.
1. The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland in the North-Eastern part of Australia, is definitely worth a visit. The largest coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most amazing natural wonders. At about 2300 km long, the reef is home to many species of colorful fish, starfish, dolphins, turtles, sharks and of course, corals. Thousands of reefs and islands of both hard and soft corals make up The Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is larger than The Great Wall of China and is the only living thing on the planet that is visible from outer space.
2. Sydney Harbour Bridge
Visiting Sydney and not taking the time to enjoy the spectacular sight of the city illuminated at night is simply not an option. Sydney Harbour Bridge, built way back in 1932, is an iconic structure in the city that provides visitors with a magnificent, 360-degree view of what some consider to be the greatest harbor in the world. Night time views of Sydney Harbour with the city lights reflected in the water is absolutely breathtaking and sure to leave magical images imprinted in your mind forever.
3. Fraser Island
Situated off Australia’s eastern Queensland coast and stretching for a distance of more than 120 km, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. Visiting the island gives you the opportunity to see The Cathedrals, the imposing cliffs that stand proudly behind the sandy-colored beach. Fraser Island is also home to Indian Head, a rocky outcrop on the easternmost tip of the island. An eco-tourism destination, Fraser Island, with its beaches, lakes and freshwater pools, is definitely one of the top 5 sights in Australia.
4. The Great Ocean Road
The world-famous Great Ocean Road, one of the many wonders of Australia, is well-worth a visit. Driving along this 150-mile stretch of road is truly a memorable experience. At the end of the drive, you are rewarded with stunning views of the Twelve Apostles, tall pillars of resilient rocks emerging from the sea just off the coastline. Their formation came about from the Southern Ocean constantly gnawing away at the limestone cliffs over the years. It is a strange yet incredibly beautiful sight in Australia that shouldn’t be missed.
5. Uluru
More than likely one of the most famous natural landmarks in Australia, Uluru, more commonly known as Ayers Rock, is an enormous sandstone monolith that stands in the western area of the Simpson Desert, a short distance away from the “Red Center” of the country. According to studies conducted, the rock was created over a period of more than 600 million years. Although named Ayers Rock in 1873 after Sir Henry Ayers, Uluru – its official name, was given to the structure by the Aborigines who have lived in the area for the past 10,000 years.
These are considered by many to be the top 5 sights in Australia. There are, however, countless more to choose from to visit and explore during your stay.
A traveller is most often fond of photography and a professional photographer is almost always fond of travelling and loves to capture photos of his explorations. This beautiful combination has given the world several gems in the form of amazing photographs of beautiful sights, scenes and of course, living beings. If you are a travel photographer, here is a list of some of the best cameras for travel photography for you to consider.
1. The Fujifilm X-T2 – With standout features like full mechanical dial core settings, electronic viewfinder, cinema 4k video, five-axis image stabilization and many more, the Fujifilm X-T2 is undoubtedly a top choice for travellers around the world. A robust body and the well-balanced 24.3 megapixel sensor work impressively at all times and under any circumstances. It promises amazing control and ease of use with a little practice. The Fuji’s proprietary film emulations, like in all Fujifilm models, are loaded in this camera too, allowing smooth shooting with little to almost no post-processing requirements.
2. The Sony A7RII – This model from the Sony A7 series is one of the top mirrorless-cameras so popular among travel photographers. With an exceptionally sharp 42.4 megapixel back-illuminated sensor and a 35mm full frame, this camera will hardly disappoint you irrespective of the adverse shooting environments. It effectively packs numerous pixels into its sensors and is incomparable in this regard. Some of its other features include Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, 4K video, USB charging, hybrid autofocus and five-axis image stabilization. Using a Metabones adapter with these lenses is recommended for the users.
3. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 – This particular Panasonic model is perfect for the travel photography beginners are is often preferred as a backup camera by the pros. The most remarkable feature of this model comes in the form of the moveable electronic viewfinder. It makes shooting videos surprisingly easy and effective whether you want a 90 degree shot, a 45 degree shot, a fully vertical shot or a low angle one. The tilt and swivel OLED monitor and low-light autofocus are among the other notable features. It is also splash and dust proof ensuring longer life.
4. The Olympus TG-4 – This model from Olympus comes under the category of one-pocket size, rugged and point-and-shoot cameras that perform exceedingly well and are very easy to handle. The TG-4 model is the first rugged camera with the potential for RAW shooting. It is a go-anywhere-and-everywhere camera in the true sense as you can use it from 50 feet underwater, drop it or operate it in dusty environments without damaging it or affecting the image it captures. The camera comes with a .3 BSI CMOS sensor and 16 megapixels along with features like interval shooting, super macro modes and advanced GPS.
5. The Nikon Cool Pix P900 – This model from Nikon is one of the most affordable travel-friendly cameras available out there. The Nikon Cool Pix P900 boasts of an excellent focal length coupled with a very helpful stabilization system that makes long distance travel shooting smooth, easy and highly effective. Apart from the .3 sensor and 16 megapixels, the model has several beneficial features like Wi-Fi, electronic viewfinder, USB charging, preset modes, multi-axis horizon viewfinder aide, GPS and a very useful articulating screen. Using a tripod with this camera is recommended.
While all of these are top models with praiseworthy functionality, make sure to choose your camera based on what suits your style of travel photography and what are your expectations from the camera.
When people think about Peru, the first thing that comes to mind is the famous Machu Picchu, which is perfectly understandable, but there is much more to Peru than this world-famous attraction. When visiting the country and after seeing the magnificent Machu Picchu, there are several other fantastic activities that you can engage in here to make your trip an experience to cherish forever. The following are 5 amazing things to do in Peru.
Take a Tour of the Amazon Rainforest
The Peruvian Amazon makes up 60% of the country and when combined with the Pacific Ocean and Andean Mountain range, the result is a diverse and unique ecosystem. Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos are the two main entrances into the Amazon Basin and it is highly advisable that a plane is used to navigate these areas, as the roads are in rather bad condition. Floating down the river on a river boat for a few hours is another fabulous way to take in everything that the Amazon has to offer.
Take a Hike in the Colca Canyon
The beauty that this canyon has to offer should not be missed and even if you are the type of person who does not enjoy hiking – this is one hike that you will not regret doing! The Colca Canyon happens to be twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and offers visitors the most eye-popping scenery. The area is also the home of the Andean Condor, a huge bird only found in this region. Booking an overnight trek can be done in Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru.
Explore the Nazca Lines by Air
When flying over the Nazca Desert, you will see the series of ancient geoglyphs that make up the Nazca Lines. These mysterious lines are made up from geometric designs, wildlife and other elements. The Nazca Lines are one of Peru’s most famous attractions. The best way to take on this adventure is by air and this can be done by means of a small private plane. Tours can be booked in lca, Nazca and Lima.
Discover the Cordillera Blanca by Means of a Serious Hike
This is one of the things to do in Peru that is recommended for the serious adventure seeker! It is not an easy trek, but will be well worth it on completion. This location (Huaraz) is situated about 420km north of Lima and is home to the Cordillera Blanca – the highest mountain range in the Peruvian Andes. It is most well-known for the snow-capped glaciers and peaks. Standing at 6,768 metres high, Huascaran is the third highest of its kind the entire Western Hemisphere.
Try Your Luck with the Waves in Manorca
So where is the best place to go surf in Peru? Well, it depends on who you are asking, but most locals will send you to the beautiful beach town of Manorca. Manorca is famous for its perfect beaches and relaxed atmosphere. What could be better than hanging out on the beach, watching the waves for an entire afternoon? Easy, surfing those fabulous waves! This is something that you have to try at least once in your life.
Conclusion
As you can see, there really is more to Peru than Machu Picchu. Choose one or all of these fun activities and you will surely end up craving for a second trip.
Most people work 9 to 5 jobs and save every month to go on vacation at the end of the year to have a break from the stresses caused by the daily grind of working for months on end. If you are one of these people, then read on, because you are going to find out awesome ways how to travel and work while enjoying yourself every day! There is always blogging and travel photography, but I will cover other ways to travel and work in this article.
Teach English
If English is your mother tongue and you’re planning on traveling to Asian countries, then why not consider teaching English during your stay? This is one of the most common ways to earn money while traveling and a great way to learn different cultures.
These job opportunities can easily be found on the internet and many companies will cover the costs of your flight and an apartment in the country. Japan and South Korea in particular, pay English teachers very well.
Become a scuba diving instructor
If you’re a diving fanatic, then you should consider getting your scuba certification and become a diving instructor. This will give you the opportunity to work in fabulous holiday destinations like Maldives, Mexico, Philippines, Honduras, Egypt and Hawaii, to name but a few.
Imagine earning money doing something you love, by giving tourists diving lessons when you aren’t going diving yourself, soaking up the sun, and just generally enjoying a really laid-back life by the ocean! Could knowing how to travel and work come any better than this?
Get a job on a cruise ship
Cruise ships are like huge floating hotels in the ocean, with many entertainment facilities and offer jobs like chefs, bartenders, receptionists, DJs, hair salon or casino staff, nurses, massage therapists and a whole host more, with salaries varying between $800 and $8000 per month.
The great thing about getting a cruise ship job though, is that your food and lodging is provided while on board and you pay for nothing at all during that time. In other words, you get paid a good salary while you travel to some of the most stunning places on the planet!
Work on a farm
If you enjoy working outdoors, care for the environment and don’t worry about getting your hands dirty, then being on a farm would be the ideal way for you to work when you travel.
You could take a job working with farm animals, doing general agricultural work, picking fruit and vegetables or even picking flowers. It’s a great way to live in the rural areas of a country and you could be picking grapes in Italy, kiwi fruit in New Zealand, or working with sheep in the great outback of Australia!
Become a chef
If you are passionate about food, then why not become a chef when you travel the world? There is a huge demand for season staff in restaurants and holiday resorts all over the world. You can find jobs for chefs on the internet, or simply visit nearby restaurants and holiday resorts during your travels and ask if they have chef jobs available. You will be earning money while you work and keeping customers happy with your creative meals, while at the same time enjoying the country you are visiting.
Conclusion
Knowing how to travel and work means that you can see the world while spending your day earning money doing the things you love.
Argentina covers an area of 2,780,400 km2 and due to those huge dimensions, it is rather difficult for travelers to have an idea of where they should go. The amount of beautiful sites in this country is unlimited but this article puts together the top sights of Argentina.
Iguazú falls
Of course, we had to start with the most popular waterfalls not only from Argentina but also from America. This waterfall isn´t called the “Devil´s Throat”, “Garganta del Diablo” in Spanish, for no reason, the water makes a peculiar sound when finally lands after a fall that can reach 82 meters.
It has a total of 274 individual drops and are all under the protection of UNESCO. The beauty of this waterfall has been captured in several movies and films such as “Mr. Magoo” in 1997 and “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of The Crystal Skull” in 2006.
Buenos Aires
When coming to Argentina, it is inconceivable to go back home without spending some time wandering in the streets of the capital. Coming out from the wild nature for an instant and discovering new modern artistic influences will make you appreciate even more all the things that Buenos Aires has to offer you.
The last 150 years, this city has been a recipient of immigrants from all over the world, making it rich in cultural aspects. You can find all kind of architectural styles, ideologies, ethnicities, religions and even languages in Buenos Aires. That is what makes it so special and personally enriching.
Glaciers National Park
Perito Moreno is one of the most remarkable hotspots inside The Glacier National Park. You will be able to see a huge glacier wall and various icebergs flouting around “LagoArgetino”. A breathtaking view combined with the thunder-like sounds made from glacier pieces tearing apart. Is something that you have to experience it yourself to understand the magnitude of it.
Another glacier located near Perito Moreno is Upsala. Unluckily, this glacier is known for its rapid retreat due to global warning but for now, it is still impressive to see its dimensions.
Talampaya National Park
Apart from that, the landscape of this National Park is full of weirdly shaped rocks and gorges; all of them with a colorful reddish tone. It is mind-blowing to find such different sceneries like Glacier National Park and Talampaya National Park without having to go out from Argentina.
Tierra del Fuego
Also know as the end of the world; this place has a very special mystic feeling. It’s a place where it doesn’t care the direction you are looking out because all its surroundings are spectacular. Moreover, it is the furthest way you can reach in the country, which makes people wonder what they will find there.
This place owns uncountable histories from shipwrecks, tribe extinctions and failed explorations. Maybe that’s the reason why so many visitors are curious to come and wonder in those terrains while feeling the mystical energies.
Conclusion
Argentina is a place full of natural treasures, mystic places and cultural wealth. Definitely, a place to be and experience.
What can be a better way of preserving memories from a trip than capturing them in the form of images! It allows you to create stories from far and across and share them with other travel enthusiasts. Whether you intend to start your professional career in travel photography or just like to click some random shots, the following tips will prove to be extremely helpful.
Before you go on a tour, carry out some research about the location. Read some guides to get up-to-date information of places you can visit. The more you know about your destination, the better opportunities you will have to capture some memorable shots.
If you plan to go to another country, some know-how of the language spoken there will be extremely helpful. It will allow you to interact with locals and know about some off-the-track locations that are worth a visit. You can also capture their stories with their permission.
When backpacking for a trip, plan for the photograph gear you will need. You don’t want to regret forgetting important items at home. Whether you intend to use your smart phone camera or a modern DSLR, make sure that you don’t forget essential equipment at home. You may need your camera, lenses of varying focal lengths and a tripod stand. Don’t forget its flash, or else you may not be able to capture amazing scenes in dim light.
No matter what type of camera you are going to use on your trip, do some research on its features and functionalities. A good understanding of its settings will help you capture some of the best shots. Moreover, additional batteries will help you use your camera for long. Take your laptop with you to keep a backup of images and to edit them later.
There are four major elements that define the quality of an image. ISO refers to the sensitivity of lens to light, shutter speed is the amount of time the lens allows exposure of light and aperture is the hole through which light enters the sensor. White balance is the adjustment of colors with respect to white light.
The lower the lighting conditions, the higher ISO and shutter speed you will need. However, a higher ISO also increases noise in your image. Therefore, adjust all settings accordingly to improve image quality. Beginners usually opt for Auto focus mode. However, a clear understanding of camera settings will allow you to take control of all aspects. You can get in-depth knowledge with the help of YouTube tutorials.
As suggested by expert photographers, an hour after sunrise and the hour just before sunset are the most suitable times to capture some shots. However, you should also know that there is only one rule of photography, that there are no rules. Try out different perspectives and angles to capture images of a location. The lesser you think about capturing the best shot, the more opportunities you will have to go for a good shot.
