Any Tips For Photographing In Guatemala?

i don't see how it wold be any different than shooting anywhere else. i might look up local law, photographing, selling, etc. i wouldn't carry too much for weight reasons alone. but the more expensive looking stuff you have, the higher you are as a target. you'll stick out there, and they will know your a tourist. it's best to look these things up online to see what others have already said, and any horror stories they may have.

wear sunscreen. best i can say.

---Mike Savad

Shelby, contact me personally and I will give you the name of an excellent photographer who has traveled throughout Mexico and SA, including Guatemala. He is currently on an extended trip through Mexico but can be reached via Facebook and perhaps here on FAA. I will not put his name up here.

Thank you Mike! I was only asking bc I didnt know is there was anything different for this country that might be cool to photograph. Maybe I should have put that in the discussion... oops!
Will do, Kevin!

Also, Mike, as far as equipment, I will be carrying all of my gear in a camera backpack, which can get pretty heavy after long periods of time on its own, but I will also be using it as a person bag while in Guatemala. So that is why I asked if there was anything I could leave behind.

for right now, go on a day trip with everything you think you'll be bringing including water. see if you feel like death after one day. try setting things up in the middle of the day and see what you've used and what you haven't. figure on sunsets, so grad filters aren't a bad idea, hdr can be tricky on moving things. the tripod should be a light one that can fit in the bag. a crook will know what a photo bag looks like, even in the shape of a back pack, you should have a pack that looks like a normal bag. and the tripod should be hidden or everyone will know you have gear in there.

you'll only know what you don't need if you don't ever use that stuff.

you'll want:

camera, duh
batteries (at least 3 sets), i have 2 with a redundant backup. and more in the car or hotel.
a single lens that i use for everything.

you'll want a spare camera, even if it's a pocket camera. the body or lens can break and you'll be... annoyed.

i tripod is nice, but clumsy to use almost everywhere. a monopod may be a better bet unless it's a real long exposure.

cleaning stuff, extra cards and or a backup device.

if you have filters and you don't have a magnetic rim attached, filter wrenches can save your day (i had two fuse), use a rubber band for more grip.

if you have a flash, bring one. if you need instructions, download them to your phone. if you have a phone, try to map out where you are with a trace, so you can figure out what you shot when your home.

a polarizer is good for everything but sunsets and inside.

if you know you'll be at the beach, being a UV filter to protect the lens. an extra lens cap as well, they get lost easy. i use a hood so no worries for me.

i always bring extra padding material and some industrial thread with needles in case my bag needs a repair (in the hotel). i have a few keyring loops on my bag incase a zipper pull breaks off. i always have paracord, it can be used as a quick shoelace and it's used for emergency stuff.

always have water and a snack, i always carry some first aid stuff. along with bug stuff, hornet, mosquitto wipes, and some rescue gear. like a whistle, mirror, and such.

mostly you don't want to look like a tourist, or as little as possible.

---Mike Savad

Thank you so much for the advice Mike! Unfortunatly, I wont be able to have a "test" day so-to-speak. We will be with the team at all times... I probably will plan on not bringing my tripod. I will also probably take some of my extra, little things out of my bag, such as duplicate hoods, caps, filters, cleaning supplies. Thanks again!

you test it out here where you have control. a tripod in groups will never mix. you'll want a cleaning kit - mostly for the lens and a few cloths (in a bag at least one in your hotel). you'll be surprised how heavy a bag can get with small things. i took out about 1-2 pounds of weight from small things.


oh bring pepto tablets and asprin (i have the powder kind because i can't swallow them). pepto is a must it can really save you. if your allergic to bees and such, an eppie pen is a need. a small flashlight, also something you want.

but the test would be done at - a carnival, a zoo. some place at home. see how fast you can get the camera out. and in. a cover when it rains, stuff like that. go over it at home first.

---Mike Savad

STAY SAFE!!

See if you can capture the essence of why people want so desperately to leave.

That wasn't very cool or funny Edward! Not everyone wants to come to this stupid country!!

I do not see anything wrong with Edward's post. I presume his encouragement was meant on a more documentary level.

Haha! It was not offensive at all, Edward! Rather it was intriguing. I would never had thought of it in that perspective... Thanks so much to all of you! I would love some more thoughts if anyone has any :)

Guatemala has à very high crime rate so I would bring the smallest, least obtrusive camera i have. Be wary of photographing gang members. Also watch what you eat, especially salads and such - easy to catch food poisoning. I was there About 15 years ago and on several occasions felt unsafe. Try to draw als little attention to you as possible and use your common sense and trust your instincts.

Long time since I've been to Guatemala but if you are taking photos of the indigenous people make sure you ask them first, a lot of them are not particularly keen on being photographed.

If you can get a shot of a jaguar atop a pyramid, sister you would be famous.

...one more bit of advice on Guatemala.....if you are traveling alone take extra care and be vigilant. Street smarts are a must even in the sticks. It isn't safest place in the world.

Thanks again for all the responses! Haha, Brady! Yes that would be amazing :) We are supposedly going to be surrounded by mountains and volcanoes the whole time so the scenery will be amazing. I will not be alone at all on the trip, however, they make sure everyone is together and safe :)

Be sure to check your ticket to make sure it includes a return trip. ;-)

Haha! yes I will :)

make sure your passport is up to date - and accurate. sometimes they spell something wrong and things go bad from there. bring a money belt with a copy of your passport, any credentials and some money. keep up to date as to what can be on that air plane, the rules keep changing and you could lose important things like medicine.

---Mike Savad

This is true, Mike. I will. Thanks again! My passport is pretty updated as I have never been out of the country before :) Guatemala is the first stamp!