Photography in Egypt

[QueueEhGuy]

Hello all. What do you all think about taking pictures in a desert situation?

What do you recommend for camera protection from the elements?
What sort of adjustments might make sense?
What filters should I use?

I've only been shooting with an SLR for about 7 months. I've got an 18-70 and a 70-200 to go on my 5D. I'm thinking that I want to buy a couple of filters just to protect the glass, and keep the camera in my bag whenever I'm not shooting.

I'm also concerned about the harsh lighting conditions and how best to overcome them. I'll have opportunities to shoot the 'mids morning, noon and night, and I'll grab some of each, no doubt.

Any advice would be welcomed.

[Saralonde]

I'll take a stab at helping you. Hopefully if I'm wrong, someone will correct me!
Filters: I keep a UV filter on my more expensive lenses for protection. A lot of people don't like them, but I'd rather crack a filter if I drop my camera then the lens. I can be clumsy and it's saved my lens at least once. In the sunny conditions of the desert, a polarizing filter to help with glare may be helpful. You are better off with good filters than buying cheap ones. Hoya is a good name.
Camera protection: Not sure about desert conditions. Perhaps protecting your camera from blowing sand is like protecting it from water. Would a plastic bag work? Definitely be careful about changing lenses.
I think some L series lenses are weather resistent.
Bring camera cleaning equipment.

[Lastoadri]

Hello all. What do you all think about taking pictures in a desert situation?


well, I got a question might seem away abit from your question (if you may allow me), but you going to visit directly the desert, or you are visiting the whole country?

[Nicole]

What do you recommend for camera protection from the elements?

Biggest thing I'd think you'll have to worry about is getting sand in the camera (I know I'm stating the obvious). But that being said, I wouldn't change lenses outside, in fact, you might want to make sure that you brush your camera off in a clean area (e.g. hotel room, etc) before you even take your lens off to change it, just to make sure there's no sand sitting around somewhere just waiting to get inside to scratch something or get caught up somewhere.
So, you'll probably have to decide what sort of pictures you'll want to take on each trip out (e.g. using your telephoto or your wide angle).

What filters should I use?

I'll throw in another vote for a good circular polarizing filter (and make sure you learn how to use it by rotating it until you get the desired effect). The polarizing filter should cut down on reflection and glare. Also a UV filter to protect your lens, because like Saralonde I'd much rather ruin a cheap filter than an expensive lens.

I'm also concerned about the harsh lighting conditions and how best to overcome them. I'll have opportunities to shoot the 'mids morning, noon and night, and I'll grab some of each, no doubt.

For low light, don't forget your tripod or something to sturdy your shots on. I'm not sure how easily you'll be able to use a tripod depending on your location (I've never been there, so I don't know), but just in case, it's probably better to have the option if you can. Nothing worse than missing a low light shot because you can't keep the camera steady for 10 seconds ;)

With the harsh lighting, you might be better off avoiding shooting at mid-day, but on either side of it should be better. It will also help the polarizer to work better because of the angles of the light. I'd work with trying out different settings on your camera too (e.g. small aperture, fast shutter speed) until you get something you like.

Hope some of that is helpful. I really hope you post some of your pictures when you get back! :)

[robwilliams]

I would strongly suggest purchasing some UV filters for your lens for protection.

[QueueEhGuy]

well, I got a question might seem away abit from your question (if you may allow me), but you going to visit directly the desert, or you are visiting the whole country?


We'll be in Cairo for a couple of days, then off to Sharm El Sheikh.

I'm really looking forward to taking pictures of the people in sites in and around Cairo.

I really appreciate all of the advice on gear and protection. I'll be shopping for a few filters this weekend. I'll also be looking through the gear section to find advice on a travel tripod. The one I have right now is far too large.

I just ordered a little hard drive enclosure to keep my cards empty.

I'll surely post my pictures to picassa when I'm back, although if you'd seen my current shots, you'll probably realize that I need much more then advice.

<a href=http://picasaweb.google.com/sieracki>Current Pictures</a>

[Saralonde]

Queue, you have some nice pictures on your site. You certainly have been to some interesting places! Enjoy your trip and looking forward to seeing your shots.

[amotherrevolution]

I'm off to Egypt in 10 days, and was thinking about keeping my camera in freezer bags inside my bag to help with the sand.

Does anyone think this is a bad idea?

[Nicole]

Nope, not a bad idea at all. I use freezer bags for shooting in the rain if I have to :p Just make sure something is protecting the front of your lens too. You can see how I do my freezer bag setup in the DIY Gear thread (http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/showthread.php?t=550) in the Other Gear section.

[amotherrevolution]

That's a great idea. I was just thinking about using the bags when the camera was not in use.

I've just never been in such a sandy environment and a little bit paranoid I guess.

[Nicole]

Yeah, I would've realized that's what you'd meant if I'd read a little closer :p lol Either way works ;)