Information Country

Global communication is now available from our homes - and this is mirrored in the burgeoning number of weblogs from backpacker-types around the planet writing from wherever they are at the time.

From write ups regarding tattoos in Siem Riap to Falun Gong followers in Vietnam, there doesn’t seem to be a issue that isn’t published by these hardy travellers.

These types of websites - often called “travelblogs” - are popular with other travelers and those who have been to the nation they are writing from. Also, such blogs offer an insight for those thinking of travelling in the near future, so they serve a purpose as giving them a snapshot of what they can expect if they do choose to journey there.

Now it’s normal to find such travelblogs, and so it’s sometimes not sufficient to only give your opinion on the country you’re currently in. Now there’s a clamour for travelblogs that pinpoint particular niches in the nation they live in. For instance, a travelblog about park photos from Thailand, or perhaps a blog that details the wedding ceremonies in Laos.

Most write these blogs for fun, not profit, and maybe to attract a readership, however there are bloggers who make a living from writing online. Be it money via adverts on their site, or for writing features for other sites and receiving money for such work as they are travelling. If you’re traveling in nations that have a low cost of living, this can pay your way - though you should have a backup some savings and not soley depend on making money from your website.

To sum up, it’s a good idea to keep a journal of what you’re getting up to when travelling - for looking back on and remembering what you did, while giving other people an uncommon inside view on roads less travelled.

You can get some great images using your camera underwater. Think about the following to ensure you don’t miss that important shot:

Get an underwater housing - most cameras can be fitted with a specialised, waterproof underwater housing. These are available from specialised retailers or from online auction sites.

Think about an underwater camera - this is specifically designed to be moisture-proof and sustain the rigors of immersion in water

Having the sun overhead (that is around either side of midday) gives the best results underwater

The surface of the water will give more light - if you are underwater, try and angle your camera upwards

Conversely, the depths are darker and may give you exposure problems - deep water makes everything look murkier

Most things look closer in water especially if you are looking through goggles or a mask - get closer to your subject to compensate for this illusion

Experiment! - shoot into the sun for backlit silhouettes, look around for interesting subjects - include the human element in your fun shots

Come up to the surface and see what images would be like with the camera only partly immersed

Ensure your background is free from clutter - a tidy background will give your subject more “punch”

Look for powerful colors and shapes - these add more impact

Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com