travel tips for Argentina

freshsnapper · 11-15-2010, 10:42 AM

Hi Forum,

I'm leaving for Argentina in a few days with my new K-x and I have a few questions.

I'm going to be down in Patagonia and I'm wondering if anyone has any specific tips for shooting ice, as in glaciers.

I'm also going to be in Iguazu and I'm wondering if anyone has any specific tips for shooting gigantic waterfalls.

I have the 18-55 and 50-300 kit lenses.

I'm thinking I'm going stick with the 18-55 for general walking around, but was planning on using the 50-300 for trekking outdoors in Patagonia - to catch wildlife and such. For the falls, I'm not sure what to use.

Any help or guidance is appreciated. THANKS!

clockwork247 · 11-15-2010, 11:37 AM

Originally posted by freshsnapper

Hi Forum,

I'm leaving for Argentina in a few days with my new K-x and I have a few questions.

I'm going to be down in Patagonia and I'm wondering if anyone has any specific tips for shooting ice, as in glaciers.

I'm also going to be in Iguazu and I'm wondering if anyone has any specific tips for shooting gigantic waterfalls.

I have the 18-55 and 50-300 kit lenses.

I'm thinking I'm going stick with the 18-55 for general walking around, but was planning on using the 50-300 for trekking outdoors in Patagonia - to catch wildlife and such. For the falls, I'm not sure what to use.

Any help or guidance is appreciated. THANKS!

If I have to take a guess, the 18-55 will do it for the fall... @ 18 it should be wide enough (there's not alot of lens that go wider than that), and since you'll probably be doing daylight shooting, f/3.5 should be enough (i think), you might wanna check on that, I've never had any real experience with SLR and lens but I've done alot of readings in the past few days, and that's what I would think in your situation.

and i found this little gem on google

http://www.apshots.com/f-stops/?tag=waterfall

SpecialK · 11-15-2010, 12:54 PM

If you are shooting white things such as ice and waterfalls that fill up a significant portion of the image, you will want to overexpose about 1/2 to 1 stop so you do not get "gray ice".

DaveHolmes · 11-15-2010, 07:01 PM

Auto-Bracket... At least until you work out whats working...

DaveHolmes · 11-15-2010, 07:06 PM

Oh.... And for the waterfall... Tripod... If you want to 'freeze' the motion of the water then you may get away handheld but for a 'flowy' effect you're going to need a tripod for longer exposures...

Do a search for waterfall pictures and see what you like...

If space and weight is an issue you could try a Gorrilapod and a 2/12 second delay on shutter release...

DonP · 11-15-2010, 07:27 PM

I'll second the Gorillapod suggestion. You might find opportunities to take shots at dusk or under moonglow that can add a lot to your travelogue of your visit. Have fun and post pics when you return!

clockwork247 · 11-15-2010, 10:55 PM

Originally posted by DaveHolmes

Oh.... And for the waterfall... Tripod... If you want to 'freeze' the motion of the water then you may get away handheld but for a 'flowy' effect you're going to need a tripod for longer exposures...

Do a search for waterfall pictures and see what you like...

If space and weight is an issue you could try a Gorrilapod and a 2/12 second delay on shutter release...

is there any technique to holding the camera really still? like how the police hold a gun? you think it'll work? lol. Just how long are we talking about? 1-2s or 8-10s?

abacus07 · 11-16-2010, 09:10 AM

I think a polarizer filter would be needed if you are taking a lot of photos of waterfalls and ice. And possibly an ND4 or ND8 filter (along with a tripod) for a long waterfall exposure.

Have fun in Argentina. I wanted to go a couple of years ago when I was in Peru but I was running out of money and I tore a ligament in my finger. I took that as a sign that I was supposed to go home.

DaveHolmes · 11-16-2010, 10:32 AM

Originally posted by clockwork247

is there any technique to holding the camera really still? like how the police hold a gun? you think it'll work? lol. Just how long are we talking about? 1-2s or 8-10s?

Michael Vasquez talks of the 'ninja technique' ... Stand wide (karate style LOL)... Left hand on right shoulder blade so that left elbow becomes a platform by your chin for camera to rest on...

I've got a fairly steady hand but I'd say anything slower than a 15th of a second (Ninja or not) and I start to struggle (please read 'I deffo struggle')... Keeping a camera 'dead still' for a second doesn't happen for me without a tripod... Usually when using my tripod I tend to use the self timer function on the K-x to make sure my finger pressing the shutter button dosen't cause shakey-blurriness!

I honestly think that without some form of tripod in your kit... There's a piece of your camera missing...

freshsnapper · 11-17-2010, 07:46 AM

Thanks for all the help everyone. Unfortunately, space will not allow for a tripod. I also think if I start setting up a tripod, my girlfriend might kill me. That's really a topic for a whole new discussion - how do you deal with spouses/girlfriends/boyfriends who want to keep moving and you want to spend 20 minutes futzing with your camera and getting the perfect shot?

But great tips all around - I'll try to post some shots when I get back.

Ira · 11-17-2010, 11:35 AM

Do you mean you have the 50-200? You said 50-300.

I don't think you'll want to mess with one either, but a cheap monopod always attached to the camera can be real helpful.

The problem is you have to play around with the extension to shoot from the angle you want, and it's just easier going handheld.

As far as girlfriends and spouses, the only way to really get detailed, intensive shooting is to leave them at home or hotel when possible. They get way too bored and start hating your guts.

freshsnapper · 11-17-2010, 11:38 AM

It's the 55-300, sorry.

Ira · 11-17-2010, 11:40 AM

Originally posted by freshsnapper

It's the 55-300, sorry.

Okay. MUCH better lens!

Ira · 11-17-2010, 11:43 AM

Note that I edited my above post.

psychdoc · 11-17-2010, 11:44 AM

Originally posted by freshsnapper

Thanks for all the help everyone. Unfortunately, space will not allow for a tripod. I also think if I start setting up a tripod, my girlfriend might kill me. That's really a topic for a whole new discussion - how do you deal with spouses/girlfriends/boyfriends who want to keep moving and you want to spend 20 minutes futzing with your camera and getting the perfect shot?

But great tips all around - I'll try to post some shots when I get back.

No tripod allowed: use a rock or the vehicle or some stationary object to place the camera and use the timer.
ND filter: a must if you want to get creative looking shots of the water flowing. If not at least get a polarizer.

There are many websites that can help you, see one example below:
How To Shoot Waterfalls - Tutorials

11-15-2010, 10:42 AM	#1
freshsnapper New Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 7	travel tips for Argentina Hi Forum, I'm leaving for Argentina in a few days with my new K-x and I have a few questions. I'm going to be down in Patagonia and I'm wondering if anyone has any specific tips for shooting ice, as in glaciers. I'm also going to be in Iguazu and I'm wondering if anyone has any specific tips for shooting gigantic waterfalls. I have the 18-55 and 50-300 kit lenses. I'm thinking I'm going stick with the 18-55 for general walking around, but was planning on using the 50-300 for trekking outdoors in Patagonia - to catch wildlife and such. For the falls, I'm not sure what to use. Any help or guidance is appreciated. THANKS!

11-15-2010, 11:37 AM	#2
clockwork247 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 360	Originally posted by freshsnapper Hi Forum, I'm leaving for Argentina in a few days with my new K-x and I have a few questions. I'm going to be down in Patagonia and I'm wondering if anyone has any specific tips for shooting ice, as in glaciers. I'm also going to be in Iguazu and I'm wondering if anyone has any specific tips for shooting gigantic waterfalls. I have the 18-55 and 50-300 kit lenses. I'm thinking I'm going stick with the 18-55 for general walking around, but was planning on using the 50-300 for trekking outdoors in Patagonia - to catch wildlife and such. For the falls, I'm not sure what to use. Any help or guidance is appreciated. THANKS! If I have to take a guess, the 18-55 will do it for the fall... @ 18 it should be wide enough (there's not alot of lens that go wider than that), and since you'll probably be doing daylight shooting, f/3.5 should be enough (i think), you might wanna check on that, I've never had any real experience with SLR and lens but I've done alot of readings in the past few days, and that's what I would think in your situation. and i found this little gem on google http://www.apshots.com/f-stops/?tag=waterfall Last edited by clockwork247; 11-15-2010 at 11:42 AM.

11-15-2010, 07:06 PM	#5
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	Oh.... And for the waterfall... Tripod... If you want to 'freeze' the motion of the water then you may get away handheld but for a 'flowy' effect you're going to need a tripod for longer exposures... Do a search for waterfall pictures and see what you like... If space and weight is an issue you could try a Gorrilapod and a 2/12 second delay on shutter release... Last edited by DaveHolmes; 11-15-2010 at 07:08 PM. Reason: missed something...

11-17-2010, 07:46 AM	#10
freshsnapper New Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 7 Original Poster	Thanks Thanks for all the help everyone. Unfortunately, space will not allow for a tripod. I also think if I start setting up a tripod, my girlfriend might kill me. That's really a topic for a whole new discussion - how do you deal with spouses/girlfriends/boyfriends who want to keep moving and you want to spend 20 minutes futzing with your camera and getting the perfect shot? But great tips all around - I'll try to post some shots when I get back.

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11-15-2010, 12:54 PM	#3
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,482	If you are shooting white things such as ice and waterfalls that fill up a significant portion of the image, you will want to overexpose about 1/2 to 1 stop so you do not get "gray ice".

11-15-2010, 07:01 PM	#4
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	Auto-Bracket... At least until you work out whats working...

11-15-2010, 07:27 PM	#6
DonP Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 101	I'll second the Gorillapod suggestion. You might find opportunities to take shots at dusk or under moonglow that can add a lot to your travelogue of your visit. Have fun and post pics when you return!

11-15-2010, 10:55 PM	#7
clockwork247 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 360	Originally posted by DaveHolmes Oh.... And for the waterfall... Tripod... If you want to 'freeze' the motion of the water then you may get away handheld but for a 'flowy' effect you're going to need a tripod for longer exposures... Do a search for waterfall pictures and see what you like... If space and weight is an issue you could try a Gorrilapod and a 2/12 second delay on shutter release... is there any technique to holding the camera really still? like how the police hold a gun? you think it'll work? lol. Just how long are we talking about? 1-2s or 8-10s?

11-16-2010, 09:10 AM	#8
abacus07 Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Taiwan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,075	I think a polarizer filter would be needed if you are taking a lot of photos of waterfalls and ice. And possibly an ND4 or ND8 filter (along with a tripod) for a long waterfall exposure. Have fun in Argentina. I wanted to go a couple of years ago when I was in Peru but I was running out of money and I tore a ligament in my finger. I took that as a sign that I was supposed to go home.

11-16-2010, 10:32 AM	#9
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	Originally posted by clockwork247 is there any technique to holding the camera really still? like how the police hold a gun? you think it'll work? lol. Just how long are we talking about? 1-2s or 8-10s? Michael Vasquez talks of the 'ninja technique' ... Stand wide (karate style LOL)... Left hand on right shoulder blade so that left elbow becomes a platform by your chin for camera to rest on... I've got a fairly steady hand but I'd say anything slower than a 15th of a second (Ninja or not) and I start to struggle (please read 'I deffo struggle')... Keeping a camera 'dead still' for a second doesn't happen for me without a tripod... Usually when using my tripod I tend to use the self timer function on the K-x to make sure my finger pressing the shutter button dosen't cause shakey-blurriness! I honestly think that without some form of tripod in your kit... There's a piece of your camera missing...

11-17-2010, 11:35 AM	#11
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Do you mean you have the 50-200? You said 50-300. I don't think you'll want to mess with one either, but a cheap monopod always attached to the camera can be real helpful. The problem is you have to play around with the extension to shoot from the angle you want, and it's just easier going handheld. As far as girlfriends and spouses, the only way to really get detailed, intensive shooting is to leave them at home or hotel when possible. They get way too bored and start hating your guts.

11-17-2010, 11:38 AM	#12
freshsnapper New Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 7 Original Poster	It's the 55-300, sorry.

11-17-2010, 11:40 AM	#13
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Originally posted by freshsnapper It's the 55-300, sorry. Okay. MUCH better lens!

11-17-2010, 11:43 AM	#14
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Note that I edited my above post.

11-17-2010, 11:44 AM	#15
psychdoc Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Bham Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 949	Originally posted by freshsnapper Thanks for all the help everyone. Unfortunately, space will not allow for a tripod. I also think if I start setting up a tripod, my girlfriend might kill me. That's really a topic for a whole new discussion - how do you deal with spouses/girlfriends/boyfriends who want to keep moving and you want to spend 20 minutes futzing with your camera and getting the perfect shot? But great tips all around - I'll try to post some shots when I get back. No tripod allowed: use a rock or the vehicle or some stationary object to place the camera and use the timer. ND filter: a must if you want to get creative looking shots of the water flowing. If not at least get a polarizer. There are many websites that can help you, see one example below: How To Shoot Waterfalls - Tutorials