manuel_franz

<p>Just wanted to provide a brief update:</p>

<p>David and I have actually been corresponding privately and thanks to him, I was able to ask a few more questions of the potential client and get a better idea regarding proper pricing for my images.<br>

I am currently awaiting a response that should better explain what my images would be used for along with some other information. Once I get a response, we'll take it from there.</p>

<p>Hi all - let me start out by saying that I am not a professional photographer. I only take photos for fun.<br>

Nonetheless, I have been approached by a major US corporation about purchasing several of my photos. They are interested in ownership and/or usage rights for one and two years. The images would need to be licensed for use in all media, as I understand it.<br>

Now, since I have no experience with this - and don't know any pro photographers, I obviously have no idea about pricing these images. I wonder if you could give me any insight regarding common rates for such work. BTW, I did spent some time post-processing these images as well.<br>

Thank you all.</p>

I second the Orosi Valley - it is easily accessible from San Jose, has varied flora and

fauna, and several interesting historic sites as well.

Yes, the Osa is certainly a nice place to visit - but it's also completely out of your

way... I'd skip it for now and visit it on another trip.

To answer your questions:

If I had to choose only one of the three activities it would be rafting on the Pacuare

and I'd be doing it from San Jose since it is the easiest departure point.

If I had to choose two activities, it would be the Pacuare and La Paz Waterfall

Gardens. I am not sure that I would spend the money to stay at Peace Lodge. If you

want to spoil yourselves, I'd probably stay at Lost Iguana in Arenal instead.

You can easily visit La Paz from San Jose - it is only about 45 minutes by car.

Frankly, I'd do this at the beginning of the trip because it provides a very nice

introduction to CR's flora and fauna.

I am not a big fan of Monteverde and find it rather overrated. I've been several times

and have never walked away feeling impressed or awed or fascinated. Arenal, on the

other had, has repeatedly been a spectacular place to visit. That said, Monteverde

plays host to the best Zip line tour I have found in Costa Rica: SkyTrek. The

company also operates a SkyTrek tour in Arenal but I found the one in Monteverde

to be better.

Whether you stay in Dominical or MA for your last few days is really just a matter of

preference. For accommodations in MA, look into Costa Verde Hotel.

Just remembered something else that could help - at least if you are only interested in

dehumidifying a small area (such as a cabinet):

http://www.goldenroddehumidifiers.com/

Uses very little energy but is reported to be quite effective!

To amend one of the suggestions above regarding seeing the skyline from the Jersey side.

I would actually head straight to Exchange Place since it offers the best views. If you want,

you can also stop at Pavonia/Newport and work your way along the Hudson until you

reach Exchange Place.

You can also venture into Central Park. The northern end of Sheep Meadows offers nice

views as well. While you are at it, visit Bethesda Fountain and Belvedere Castle as well.

If you are going up to the cloisters, perhaps you are also interested in the Little Red

Lighthouse that sits right under the George Washington Bridge - depending on your

creativity, some very nice shots can be had...

Bruno - yes, I have extensive experience. We moved to a tropical environment many years

ago and within the first year, I managed to ruin all my lenses due to mold forming

between glass elements. I had to learn the hard way that constant moisture management

is a must - not just for your photo equipment, but for other items as well.

You best bet is Alan's suggestion above - that is what we have done. Initially, we ran an

A/C unit as well but we have found that a dehumidifier uses less energy and still provides

the desired results. I have found that keeping the room at about 65% humidity is just fine

- no need to go lower than that. Make sure that you insulate the room as well as you can

to improve effectiveness.

I am never concerned whether such an item is properly packed because I will never check any

valuable items. I take at least 30 international flights a year and I have had items stolen from

my luggage so many times (with a variety of airlines) that I simply stopped putting anything

of value, anything electronic, or any item that is brand-new into checked luggage. I certainly

would NEVER put a lens into checked luggage - I put it in a bag pack as carry-on luggage.

With the exception of walking to the gate after check-in, I rarely have the backpack on my

back for longer than a few minutes - certainly not long enough to make it a real burden. At

any rate, the slight inconvenience beats having to replace an expensive item...

I've always liked the view from Exchange Place in Jersey City. Take the Path train from

either 33rd, 23rd, 14th, or 9th (all along 6th Avenue) and ride over to New Jersey. There's

also a train from the WTC area. Check

(http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/path/html/map.html) for a map.

Try to catch a train to Pavonia/Newport and change to a train to Exchange Place.

Alternatively, you can also get off at Pavonia/Newport and walk down the boardwalk

starting at Avalon Cove apartments. It runs pretty much along the Hudson until you get to

Exchange place. You should be able to have a few very nice vantage points along the way.

There are several manufacturers of nd grads out there. Among the cheapest are those

manufactured by Cokin. Unfortunately, they are not truly neutral and tend to cast a

bluish/purplish hue.

Singh-Ray has always worked very well for me and I wouldn't use anything else - but that

is just my personal preference. His filters fit standard Cokin P filter holders - which

happen to be widely available and which are also quite cheap (around $15 with adapter

ring). You can then purchase Cokin adapter rings to accommodate your various lenses.

Alternatively, if your Lee filter holder happens to be a "P" size as well (that is, 84mm wide),

Singh-Ray filters should fit it as well.

It's usually fine to bring whatever equipment you'd like to bring. I often run around with

Medium format equipment and have never encountered any problems.

That said, keep in mind to never leave you stuff unattended. Don't leave it in the car and

don't expect your hotel room to be safe, either - once in a while there seem to be quite a

few "inside" jobs. Costa Rica can seem extremely safe since there is virtually no violent

crime (with few exceptions). However, a deserted beach can quickly turn in to a nightmare

when you come back to your car to find all you belongings gone. So, don't risk it.

Be especially careful in San Jose and the Limon area (if you are going there). In those

places, it's best to leave anything valuable in a hotel safe and go about with a cheap

camera that you don't mind "losing." Bring no jewelry or flashy watches, and don't be

ostentatious - it will likely get you into trouble. Don't be dumb and drunk - it will get you

into trouble, too.

Photo ops present themselves virtually everywhere, depending on your interest. There is

certainly quite a bit of flora and fauna to be seen and photographed and you might also

encounter interesting street life - again, depending on where you are. I find that La Paz

Waterfall Gardens is an excellent introduction to Costa Rica - don't miss it. It's also close

to San Jose and easy to get to on your first day. After that, simply hit the big sights that

you read about everywhere else - Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, etc. and you will

leave happy once your vacation time is over.

I would suggest that you bring your own film. Although you can expect to find some

cheap rolls of Kodak or Fuji film just about anywhere, anything else will be virtually

impossible to find (even in San Jose). It's not worth your time, money, and effort to try and

hunt down a place that potentially might sell the film you want only to find out that it

doesn't - and believe me, even if they say they do, they don't!

Costa Rican cuisine is mild - no gas to be expected. Eat freely and perhaps try a Caipitica

- the local version of the Brasilian Caipirinha, made with "Guaro," a Sugar Cane liquor...

Hi - I live in Costa Rica and over the years, I have encountered quite a few travelers who

worked their way down the entire continent - including the stretch you mention. While

none of them have traveled with as much equipment as you would, many do travel with

motorhomes that are likely equal in value, especially if they are planning to go all the way

to the tip of South America. I have not yet met a single such traveler who told tales of

being held up. It seems that those who are a little more afraid find each other along the

way and sometimes travel together. I don't know if doing so truly increases security, but it

certainly enhances these people's sense of security.

You should keep in mind that not all countries pose the same dangers and that many

people will approach you with curiosity rather than maliciousness. The trick is always to be

understated in you personal appearance and to be sensitive to the cultures you encounter.

Like all people, you DO know when you are around others who don't seem quite alright.

Simply avoid them and stay away.

Thank you all for your responses - certainly some great ideas and tips. I'd prefer to go to Fez

or Marrakesh but I'll have to find out if that is truly possible for just one day.

After some twenty-odd years, I am finally returning to Spain's Andalusia region. Last time I went, I was

young and more interested in partying than sight-seeing or photography. This time, I'd like that to be

different.

We'll by flying into Sevilla where we have two days. From there, we have a car and are thinking about going

to Cordoba, Granada, Malaga, Gibraltar (with a day in Tangier, Morocco), Cadiz, and then back to Sevilla.

From my previous trip, I do remember the Alhambra and I also know that Sevilla offers quite a bit in terms

of beautiful sights. As we live in the Central American rainforest, access to guide books is unavailable. I've

found several recommendations on-line but am wondering if anyone can give me first-hand tips and ideas

about places to go, things to do, and sights to see?

Thanks in adavance.

Chris - I do not own any Pelican cases and cannot comment on the size that you would

need. B&H, however, is a great place to buy it from. Instead of ordering it online, why don't

you place an order over the phone and get advice from a sales person there. In my

experience, they are very helpful and knowledgable.

In terms of your location, you shouldn't have any problems getting nices scenery to take

pictures of. That said, the bright blue water, combined with a bright (and hopefully blue)

sky can sometimes confues your TTL metering system. Keep that in mind and adjust

exposures accordingly. I wish I could provide you with some sort of formular to guarantee

good pictures but it all really depends more on experience and knowing your eqiupment

well.

When it come down to it, it is difficult to go completely wrong with beautiful locations. At

least some of the pictures you will take WILL be fantastic (usually within the parameters of

your exeperience and expectations.) For now, don't worry too much about lens combos or

any specific settings. If you feel you need DOF, adjust accordingly. If you find something

that should be the focus of your photo while setting it off against a beautiful background

(say a beautiful shell on the beach with blue waters or palm trees in the background), then

adjust your setting so that the shell is in focus while the background is blurred. Think

about composition, the factors that lend depth to a photo, and about what you want the

photo to convey. There is always a tendency to jam as much into a picture as possible. It is

usually much more rewarding to focus on just one or two objects...

Wow - I am glad you went. It sounds like you are having a good time exploring a new city and

culture. Mexicans tend to be quite friendly in my experience and they seem to be happy to

share their culture and their food with anyone who is open-minded enough.

So sorry to hear about getting pick-pocketed but I guess you know that this can (and usually

will) happen in any big city. It's unfortunate, especially when it's easy to stand out as a

foreigner.

I hope you get to enjoy some authentic food - it can be spectacular.

I travel a lot in poorer regions of the world where you do NOT want to attract any attention

with some flashy equipment. When I feel that I might be exposed to an area with a high

incident of crime, I simply put by camera into a regular grocery store plastic bag (or two, to

make it a littler sturdier). Nobody ever thinks there is anything valuable in a plastic bag.

That said, France isn't exactly a dangerous country and theft isn't any higher than in most

other parts of the world. I've never experienced any problems with any type of equipment

anywhere in Western Europe, especially in places with lots of sight and tourists. There,

common sense is key.

Here's another vote for Antigua. If you are in Gua City, Antigua is a "no-brainer." In other

words, you have to go. The city itself is rather small and compact, at least in regard to

areas that offer beautiful churches and other buildings.

Frankly, I don't think it is necessary to hire a driver to get there. Shuttle buses leave from

the airport at all hours of the day and generally charge US$10 one way. Have them drop

you off at the Parque Central and start exploring - there is more to photograph than you

can shake a stick at...

Don't miss out on the public Lavanderia where you can observe Mayan women do the

week's laundry. It's best to either ask permission (but expect to be asked for a few

Quetzales) or otherwise, use a good tele.

Across the street is an old convent - they charge a nominal fee to enter and although the

ruins aren't all that interesting, there are generally almost no visitors inside which allows

you to take photos of the beautiful gardens/courtyards with the ruins and mountains in

the background. Do not hesitate to ask if you can borrow a ladder to get a better vantage

point. I have found the care takers to be extremely accomodating.

Also, make sure you climb up to the Cerro de la Cruz but do so only with a police escort.

Although it is rare these days, tourists do get mugged on occasion because they tend to

carry not only wallets but also cameras. There are scheduled police escorts twice a day

that depart close to the central square. The starting point is easy to find and just about

anybody will be able to tell you where to go. The escort is free of charge.

Other than that, go and enjoy. Don't hesitate to simply ask people whether you can see the

courtyard of a house. Owners and hoteliers are generally more than willing. I've also found

fellow travelers to be more than willing to let you peek inside their hotels/courtyards.

Richard - may I recommend Antigua, Guatemala to you! It is simply beautiful - both in terms

of the city itself and it's surroundings. Alternatively, there's always Cartagena, Columbia or, if

you can, La Habana, Cuba - which is also stunning.

Keith - Mexico City is quite nice and certainly interesting and rather varied in what it has

to offer. There's always Teotihuacan if the city gets too overwhelming. The flight time from

SAT is reasonable as well - about 2 hours.

Cozumel does not have much to offer, though. I was just there and it's been ravaged by a

hurricane a short while ago. Besides, Cozumel is rather small, flat, and well, boring.

There's Cancun across the bay - but unless you're 20 and plan on getting drunk the entire

time, your options are somewhat limited....

Ron, I LIVE in a very wet tropical country and while relentless humidity and/or rain can

take a number on your equipment, most problems only occur with prolonged exposure.

Since you will only be there for a few weeks, I wouldn't worry too much about it. In other

words, unless you use your camera openly in the rain, you are unlikely to experience any

problems.

At any rate, even countries that do experience intense rainy seasons do not necessarily

suffer from incessant rain. More likely, (depending on exact location and time of the year)

you will experience intermittent rain mostly in the afternoon. Some regions do have

months with incessant rain for at least some time of the year - for us that month is

October when it literally rains all day every day. You might want to check what the

situation is in the country that you are going to.

If you are unsure, try to find accomodation that has a/c and you will not have to worry at

all since the a/c will extract humidity from the room and your equipment. If that is not

possible, perhaps you can find a trustworthy location that is equipped accordingly where

you can safely store the equipment overnight or when not in use.

Other than that, dessicant it is - and daily "recharging" of the dessicant if possible.

Since you said that international would be okay:

I would suggest flying into Guatemala City, Guatemala. From there, it's only a one hour

drive (shuttles are about $10) to Antigua, Guatemala. The city itself is beautiful with many,

many photographic opportunities. To really get your fill of people shots, you could head

up to the Chichicastenango market or to one of the towns surrounding Lago Atitlan - both

of which are readily accessible by shuttle bus. Doing so would also give you an

opportunity for nature shots - Lago Atitlan has been called the most beautiful lake in the

world. You'll be taking pictures like never before...

You could also look into Mexico City...There's always something going on in that corner of

the world. Alternatively, there's Panama City, Panama. However, Antigua would be my

absolute first choice.

Here's my dilemma:

I am in the market for a Panasonic FZ50 but since I live in a developing nation, it is almost impossible to

purchase one here, let alone for a reasonable price. Fortunately, I am going on vacation to Europe in a few

weeks - Germany to be exact.

However, the camera is quite a bit more expensive over there - try about USD150 - and I find it silly to

waste money.

My question, then, is whether I could order the camera in the US and have it send to Germany? I suppose I

have two options for doing so:

1.) Have it send directly from the store to a German address.

2.) Have it send to my mother-in-law in the US who could forward it to the German address.

Naturally, the objective is to save money and consequently, avoid paying any unnecessary taxes.

I should point out that I am a German citizen while my wife is a US citizen. In theory, shouldn't I be able to

buy it in her name and have it send to Germany? Would she, then, have to pay taxes? Would she be

reimbursed once she leaves Germany with the camera?

Unfortunately, we do not have a long-enough stop-over in the US for us to go out and purchase it there -

it's essentially a non-stop flight - or otherwise I would have opted for that solution.

Any experiences, thoughts, and ideas are truly appreciated.