Camping across Europe, camera in hand, can teach you a lot—not just about traveling, but about taking meaningful photos. Beyond gear choices or film types, it’s about developing a mindset that ensures your photos reflect genuine experiences instead of mere tourist snapshots.
Coming to you from Max Kent, this practical video shares valuable insights from Kent’s extensive journey of shooting film daily during his 100-day European adventure. His approach highlights the importance of simplicity in gear selection, advocating primarily for the versatility of a 35mm lens, supplemented occasionally by a 50mm lens with a teleconverter. This strategy ensures your camera setup remains light, accessible, and always ready, reducing barriers like excessive weight or anxiety about expensive equipment. Kent emphasizes how crucial it is to avoid overpacking, as this often discourages spontaneity and exploration, key elements to capturing authentic and memorable shots.
Another significant lesson Kent covers is about film itself, specifically its pricing and preservation during travel. Surprising cost differences across countries like the UK, Spain, and the U.S. can greatly impact your budget, with savings potentially amounting to substantial sums if planned correctly. Kent underscores the importance of researching film prices in your travel destinations ahead of time. Additionally, he discusses critical considerations like airport scanners and temperature management, both of which can significantly affect film quality. Protecting your film from excessive heat, especially when camping or traveling in hot climates, is vital to preserving image quality.
Kent also touches on the mindset needed to elevate your photography beyond typical tourist pictures. He encourages moving past initial excitement in new places, urging you to capture images that resonate personally rather than superficially. Keeping a simple mantra or visual mood board can guide you to photograph subjects aligned with your style and vision. This practice helps avoid the common pitfall of filling your camera roll with generic holiday snapshots that lack depth and personality.
A standout point from Kent’s experience involves actively exploring and getting away from tourist hotspots. Even limited explorations—such as early morning walks or detours down less traveled trails—can profoundly enhance your travel photography by providing fresh perspectives and unique experiences. Using apps like AllTrails to identify lesser-known paths can lead to capturing more authentic images, significantly enriching your portfolio and travel experience.
Kent’s final insight relates to maintaining motivation and perspective, especially during long stretches of photography. Shooting daily, even minimally, teaches resilience against discouraging days. Bad photography days are inevitable, yet they offer substantial learning opportunities. Kent stresses the importance of embracing these challenging moments as integral to growth, ultimately leading to better photography overall. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kent.
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