Travel Photography Tips | Interview with Gary Arndt of Everything Everywhere

It’s no secret that many of the top travel blogs feature incredible travel photos.  Gary Arndt of Everything Everywhere has been traveling continuously for years documenting his journeys on his superlatively popular travel blog.  He features high resolution travel photos (updated with a new one daily) from all over the world.  Additionally, he has a travel photography sub-domain (with Smug Mug) where he’s organized his travel photos by region, country and destination.  He’s been travelling continuously since March 2007 and has now visited over 100 countries.  I appreciate him taking the time out of his busy schedule to answer questions related to travel photography tips.  I know this interview will offer significant value to those wishing to improve their photography skills.

Q1) What do you currently carry with you in terms of dSLR bodies and lenses?

I currently use a Nikon D300s with the following lenses:

• Nikon 18-200mm VR

• Nikon 12-24mm f/4

• Nikon 50mm f/1.4

I also have an older Nikon D200 I don’t carry with me.

Q2) What types of filters do you use in the field and is there any one in particular that is found more often on your lenses than others?

The only two filters I think people need are a circle polarizing filter and a neutral density filter, preferably graduated. Anything else, especially colored filters, can be done in post processing.

Q3) What do you value more – having a whole range/host of lenses and accessories versus carrying a kit that is more functional/portable – while backpacking around the world?

For most of the last 5 years, I’ve placed more importance on traveling light. As I go forward, however, I’m putting more importance on the quality of my gear. The 18-200mm lens that I’ve used for almost 5 years now is no longer cutting it in some circumstances.

Q4) I remember distinctly reading that you advocate strongly carrying a tripod with you wherever you go. What areas in particular, have you found having a tripod most useful and how has it allowed you to advance your photography?

No matter what your skill level, the single best thing you can do to improve your shots is to carry a tripod. Period. It is especially important when taking photos in low light or HDR images. Also, with anything where are you using a long zoom, a tripod really helps. It even helps with a point and shoot camera.

Q5) Over the years, what’s one particular photography skill or technique that you’ve developed perfected that has allowed your photos (more specifically your blog) to achieve such a wide following?

The biggest thing has been developing my skills in post production. Actually using your camera is only half the battle. The other half is what you do with the image on the computer. This has always been the case in photography. Ansel Adams was a wizard in the darkroom. A big part of the art has always been what takes place after you click the shutter.

Q6) What do you think makes for an ideal travel photo worth sharing with a large audience?

The ideal travel photo is one that makes the viewer wish to visit that place.

Q7) Are there any web based resources that you can recommend to other aspiring travel photographers just picking up the hobby – that would likely be beneficial for them in terms of learning photography techniques?

There are many photography blogs and podcasts out there. I’d suggest reading as many blogs as you can, listening to several podcasts and being active in online forums. This is the best way to quickly improve your skills.

Q8) What’s one common mistake or pet peeve you have when looking at other travel photos that are from a less serious hobbyist? In other words, what’s one general thing you think most individuals could do to make their travel photos more pleasing for others to view?

The biggest pet peeve is when people don’t bother to edit their photos. Often it is simple things like a minor exposure adjustment or setting the horizon horizontal. Even if you use a free online photo editing site like Picnik.com, it can make a world of difference in your photos.

Q9) Having set foot in over 100 countries (an impressive feat for any traveller) is there any sort of milestone or achievement you’d now currently like to pursue in terms of your travel or photography?

I’d like to have a photo of mine appear in National Geographic someday.

Q10) Can you tell us about any particularly exciting travel or photography projects you have planned in the near future?

The next big project will be a trip to Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia island this January. I’ll be using a 500mm lens from BorrowLenses.com so I’ll be all set for the penguins and seals.

To keep up with Gary’s adventures follow him at Everything Everywhere, twitter, google & facebook.

Tagged as: Everything Everywhere, Gary Arndt, Interviews, travel blog, travel photography, travel photography tips