TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

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This photo, taken at Hanguk Minsokchon, in South Korea, always makes me smile. It was a very hot day; 40 degrees celcius, and one woman was fanning the other. The whole time I was there they were laughing, talking, and having a great time with each other. I decided to just sit and take in the surroundings, and only when I got up to leave did I snap a quick shot, more for the sake of remembering the lovely scene.

When in another country, try to follow these guidelines and you will enjoy your trip much more:

1. During your pre-trip planning, never give yourself a quota of photos that you need to accomplish. If you do, you will be met with unnecessary frustration.

2. A slower pace yields greater results than a faster pace.

3. Do not be a "taker". Give back to your host country in any manner, and you will have contributed to your own learning.

4. Photographers who continually look for the ill in different cultures have nothing to contribute to the world. For your own sake (and everyone else's), do not be one of these parasites.

5. Food is one of the world's foremost forms of communion. When invited to share a meal, whenever possible, eat whatever is given to you. This will be your way of recognizing and celebrating the intrinsic value of the other person.

6. Go out of your way to make friends. Even if your time is limited, you will enjoy the exchange for many years after the actual event.

7. Finally, it is a sign of respect to be able to say a few words in the host country's language. Even if they understand English, saying , 'hello', 'goodbye', and 'thank you' in their own language will be a sign that you value them.

Finally, flexible people have a great advantage over uptight people. Flexible people can bend and twist around adversity. If you have trouble dealing with change, and the unknown, it may be best for you to start your travel photography closer to home. However, each time out you will have more experience dealing with unfamiliar locations.

Mark's photographic prints for your wall can be purchased at www.markhemmings.com

Mark can be hired as a photographer or filmmaker via www.hemmingshouse.com