allenahale

<p>Have you looked into using Western Union? I have used them in 2014 and 2016 to send funds to a tour company in Cambodia.<br> My experience in Asia has been large payments such as for tours are paid for in US dollars rather than local currency.<br> If Western Union is an option, be aware that you can save a significant amount of money by having Western Union withdraw the funds from your bank account rather than paying a Western Union rep directly. The Internet withdrawal fee is around $15 whereas the WU agent fee is $70. You have to give them your Internet banking account name and password so that they can verify that it is your account. I was a little skeptical of security, so as soon as I knew that they had received the funds from my account I changed my user name as well as my password for my bank account. It all worked out fine.</p>

<p>Thailand is not that big of a country but "interior" is way too vague for someone to help you. Where specifically will you be going? Have you raised this question with the hotel(s) where you will be staying? I am not a birdwatcher but I travel extensively in Thailand and Lao - I first do my research on Google, determine where and when I want to see. I make arrangements over the Internet for accommodation and transportation. Once in the local area, I either trust my instincts for local transportation at the local airport or check for my transportation needs at the hotel. It is easy and affordable to hire a car (tuk-tuk, small truck, samlaw) and driver for a day or even more. I have done this many times and never regretted it.</p>

<p>John H has many valid points. You would also need liability insurance and by having employees, have to file all kinds of reports to local, state and federal reports related to the earnings and safety of your employees. Unless you hire someone knowledgeable to perform those requirements, you will have to do it yourself - giving you even less time to take "your" photographs. The "Employee" - "Independent Contractor" relationship/definition is a complicated legal definition with huge implications on you and your business. Training people and setting standards that they must meet AND the "Non-compete" requirement sure sounds like they would be your employee - but I am not an expert - your local, state and federal tax authorities will the people to "help" you (I am being sarcastic) Research and consult experts such as accountants, lawyers, tax officials and check again so that you can make an informed decision.</p>

<p>I agree with Jeff - I prefer traveling alone with just my wife. We were in Hanoi and Northern Vietnam this September. I had not been in Vietnam for 7 years and I was shocked at how much easier it was to travel in Vietnam. The people were working very hard to make tourism easy and pleasant for guests. I was very impressed. My favorites - Hanoi, Can Cau, Sapa, Bac Ha.</p><div></div>

<p>If they are willing to pay for the printing and framing, they should be willing to purchase a framed print from you. That would ensure that you are compensated for your talent and you are not waiting for a customer of theirs to buy a framed print and you end up compensating the bistro for decorating their business with your work. You should also do some research, especially for your area, as to how many photographs are sold off the walls of restaurants and bistros, and how many off of gallery walls.</p>

<p>I use Smugmug.<br> I do not profit from it.<br> Absolutely - success depends upon Quality of work, as well as making yourself known. I would also add the success is also having a market for the type of photos that you take - wedding photographer has a greater market than a documentary/editorial photographer.<br> Bottom line - I am satisfied with SmugMug as a platform to showcase and marketplace for my work - despite a lack of success ... so far.</p>

<p>Don't forget there is also the matter of how that photo is to be used -"editorial" versus "commercial" use which determines if a "property release" is necessary.</p>

<p>I don't know about the validity of their photography policy. However I am convinced that they got the name correct - "Dismals". Looks like it is all not much of a fun place to go to, let alone pay to get in. Paying to get in may be a significant fact in support of their photo policy - paying may impact the definition of a "public' place and paying indicates your acceptance of their photo policy - sort of like going to a concert or sporting event. Personally I would go somewhere different</p>

<p>My $0.02 USD or rather 2 Bahts worth - per Steve Smith "Can you think of any other physical products where the price varies depending on the buyer?"<br> Actually yes - here in Thailand - There is a price for Thais and a price, a higher price, for foreigners for entrance fees to public places, National Parks, market goods where prices are not listed, services such as repairs ... </p>

<p>Could it be that it started when androids started taking over the retouching business?</p>

<p>You could also consider reflectors. They are not necessarily the best choice for all situations but they are much cheaper than lights AND they can be used with lights.</p><div></div>

<p>You can do what you would like to do in Lightroom 5. I download my files on to USB external drive. I edit them with Photoshop Elements (I know that this is most likely the best way of doing things - but I am informing you what is possible in Lightroom) I save the originals in separate subfolders, edited photos in separate folders and email versions (reduced size) as a subfolder of the "Edited" subfolder. I then import the "Edited" files into Lightroom with the exclusion of subfolders. All the photographs in the "Edited" folder are then displayed in Lighroom - they are all checked for import but at this stage I could deselect any photographs that I do not choose to import when I next select the "Import Selected Photos" in Lightroom.</p>

<p>I have no experience with either a home studio or store front studio, however I know a very successful photographer in Northeast United States. His photographs have been used by Newsweek, Time, New York Times, Stern, Discover, USA Today, Nature, The Guardian ... his studio is the kitchen of his home. He does not have a downtown store front studio although his home is downtown. For me this says a great deal - to be successful and internationally known, you do not need a store front studio ... especially all the expenses of such a location. You have to be creative, consistent, and dependable. I suggest that you advertise your willingness and ability to go to people's home to photograph their children and babies - place where the children and parents feel comfortable and secure - locations which have more emotional attachment and significance to your clients.</p>

<p>How much of market is there for what you propose? How much will it cost you to provide your proposed services? How much profit do you expect to make? The world may have gone digital, but the fundamentals of business have remained the same.</p>

<p>For any trip, the best lenses to take are the lenses that you already own. You need to ask yourself why you believe that you need to buy additional lens or lenses. Many of the lenses that you are considering are almost the same as you already have. What type of photos and under what conditions do you expect to take that you can not with your current kit? If you really must buy a new lens from the list that you have shared, I would recommend the 50mm f/1.8. For future consideration I would recommend obtaining faster lenses for the ranges in your existing kit but that is based upon my shooting style and preferences. You need to know and understand your style of shooting and purchase accordingly.</p>

<p>Consult tide tables for the beach locations to ensure that you can enjoy and experience them at low tide.</p><div></div>

<p>Don't drink before going through security. Seriously - the biggest threat is you not being situational aware of your surroundings going through security. Stay alert and you will not have a problem. The threat and risk is low especially if you remain alert. My experience is much like Ian's - never had a problem - all over the world.</p>

<p>David Henderson is correct. I have been to two of your destinations while traveling alone. I did not have any problems. When traveling it is important to keep your wits about you and be aware of your surroundings. Traveling with a partner makes it easier. Traveling in a large group is distracting and not all that good unless you are planning to riot with the locals (never recommended) Twice in Cusco in the middle of town during a festival I felt a little uncomfortable with surroundings - my solutions - once I relocated from the edge of the crowd deeper into the crowd amongst several families with babies, another time I went and sat on the stairs of the cathedral amongst the grandmothers who were selling cooked potatoes - no body anywhere messes with grandmothers! As for your lens selection - you said it, this is a trip of a lifetime - I would recommend taking what you think you need rather than leaving something at home that you think that you may not need. Quality is a major uncompromisable issue. It is only 2-1/2 weeks. If weight is a concern - bring less clothes.</p>

<p>Or you could look upon this as opportunities to meet interesting people and perhaps use them in your photography. Unfortunately it is the reality of life in many countries today including those that consider themselves "land of the free"</p>