_{^{by Jeff Eagar of Which Way To... and EagarBros.com}}

My name is Jeff Eagar.  I was born in Canada but for the last 15 years I have traveled and worked in over 80 countries on 6 continents around the world (have yet to make it to Antarctica).  Currently I am a TV producer with my office in Toronto, Canada but a wife and apartment in Tokyo, Japan (incredible city for shooting!).  Currently I am doing a travel–adventure series ‘ Which Way To…’ that airs on National Geographic Adventure Channel in over 200 countries.  Traveling is my life and when I am on the road I always have my camera with me.  I am self-taught through repetition, practice, reading and asking questions.  

by Jeff Eagar: Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

I met Sasha, the co-creator of this website, a few years ago on an overland trip I was making from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean across South America.  At the time I was about to embark on a difficult portion of the trip through the Amazon jungle and wanted someone with me as a safety net in case something went wrong (malaria, broke leg, mental support). When I spotted him with his shaved head, and buck knife and camping stove hanging off his pack I knew he was the one.  Once propositioned he loved the idea and we headed off into the jungle together.  

Sasha Gitin (left / front of canoe ) Jeff Eagar (right /back of canoe) Manu Jungle, Peru

Sasha asked me to write a short article on some of my thoughts on travel photography (lifestyle-documentary photography).  The following are a few things I keep in mind while shooting on the road.

People: 

They are human beings not cold, emotionless subjects.  Be polite, ask to take their photo, talk to them and have fun.  If they (and you) are happy and relaxed you’ll get a better photo.  Black and white is great for people.  And remember, some people love to have their photo taken while other cultures aren’t so keen. Don't force a photo.  

by Jeff Eagar. Lady in market, Vietnam

Things: 

Buildings, nature and objects are a play of light, angles, framing and background.  Be aware of these.  Relax and enjoy the moment, you’ll take better photos.  

by Jeff Eagar. Old Dodge, Veradero, Cuba.

Gear: 

I am not a high tech guy and don't spend a lot of money on equipment.  I like keeping things simple and basic.  I have been using the same Nikon D-70 for the last 5 years.  It weighs a ton but its steel body can take the solid beating I put it through.  I only carry two lenses:  a wide angle (10 – 20 mm, 1.4 – 5.6) and a medium zoom (24 – 85  mm, 2.8-4).  Both lenses I like very much.  I find these are all I need.  I carry a small flash (Nikon SB-400) and never carry a tri-pod.  That’s it. 

by Jeff Eagar. Hasedera Jinja (temple), Kamakura, Japan

General Tips for Travel Photography:

Don't be lazy:

get up early.  You’ll thank yourself later.  It’s the best time to shoot.  The light is best then, the crowds (other travelers) are still asleep, people are in a good mood, nature is tranquil and you are more calm and focused.  It's a beautiful time to be alive.  

byJeff Eagar:

Light:

Very important.  Soft light in morning and evening add everything to a shot.  

by Jeff Eagar. Huge prayer wheel in Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal

Rain:

Think positive – rain is great!  It adds emotion and mood to your shot. When you get up in the morning and it’s raining be glad; sometimes it makes for the best shots. 

by Jeff Eagar. Rainy Day. Cuzco, Peru

Background: 

Be very aware of the background.  It can make or break a shot.  

By Jeff Eagar: : Leading to Swayambhunath - the Monkey Temple - Kathmandu, Nepal

Black and White: 

Be Creative: 

Remember that different angles can look very nice.  Be an active shooter.  Very low and very high angles are nice.  Also, try to crop shots in non-traditional ways.  Have fun with the composition

By Jeff Eagar: Carp Pond, Beijing, China

A Numbers Game:

Many times you’ll shoot 40 or 50 shots before you’ll get one you’re really happy with.  Most of my shots are average and only a few are really good.  

by Jeff Eagar: Boys playing marbles, Hoi Ann, Vietnam

Hunting: 

Good shooting is like hunting with your camera.  You need to be patient and take time to get good shots.  Sometimes you may find a great scene but need to wait there 15 or 20 minute until the right object-subject comes into the frame for you.  Be patient.  Also, you should sometimes sit and let the shot come to you instead of running around in search of one.

by Jeff Eagar: Old farmer, Bangladesh

Finally:

In travel photography sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good!  Be aware of your surrounding and be ready to grab that spontaneous shot.  Luck has been the reason for some of my best shots!

Happy Shooting!

What is your favorite photographic travel destination? If money and time where not an issue where would you take your next trip? And Please share your shots below!