I have some tips and recommendations for getting better photos in historic cities like Edinburgh Scotland- What to look for, how to frame, what is the best focal length for city photography and the best time of day for photographing in the old historic streets. Filmed on location in Edinburgh Scotland and London England.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAv0gxRVbQg
https://youtu.be/h6qskQ0JueoIt's like we are in the middle of a National Geographic documentary! Watching lions on the hunt, leopard climbing trees, elephants just feet away from the car and some amazing views of Ngorongoro crater and Karatu. Like my epic wooden sunglasses? Back them on Kickstarter - tons of great looks and I love the fact that they are an eco–conscious company! Learn More and snag a pair of awesome sunglasses at a great price.
In Africa, the big five game animals are the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and rhinoceros. (Why are they they Big Five?) We were incredibly lucky and in just a few short days had awesome and multiple photo opportunities with all of these species. Watch my Tanzania Safari Adventure Video with Thomson Safari and McKay Photography Academy.
A photo posted by Toby (@photorectoby) on
A photo posted by Toby (@photorectoby) on
A photo posted by Toby (@photorectoby) on
A photo posted by Toby (@photorectoby) on
https://youtu.be/abWRJCy3IPAContinuing our journey across the northern Serengeti where I continue to be amazed at the huge number of animals we see- Zebras and Wildebeests fill the plains. AND we round out our BIG 5 (learn more - http://photorec.tv/2016/09/big-5-safari/) The Thomson Camp or Nyumba in the Northern Serengeti continues to be paradise- we eat ice cream for dessert... IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SERENGETI And another Wildebeest crossing - this time with a dramatic Nile Crocodile Attack plus a trip across the border into Kenya, no passport required.Learn more about Mckay Photography Academy Learn more about Thomson Safaris Stabilized Shots from the Crane Buy at AmazonSafari and Wildlife Photo Gear recommendations
After spending three weeks in Cuba I share some tips for photographing Havana, the old buildings, the American cars and the people of Cuba!
Don't be rude and stick your camera in people's faces. You are visiting their home not a zoo.
Strike up a conversation before asking if you may take a photo.
Puebo toma una photo.
If you know a little more Spanish you could strike up a conversation with people and ask if you can see or visit their home. As I said I was invited into multiple homes and I feel it's pretty special to be treated so generously. Feel free to offer something in exchange. Another way to make friends is to bring gifts. Stickers for the kids, candy too. Pens are highly valued by the people at the market and is a nice gesture if you spend a few minutes with a camera in their face. And on our McKay trips a few people brought the Insta print cameras and those were a huge hit with the young and the old, it's very nice to share the images with the people you are capturing. Watch your step. Holes, poop, slippery marble and more.
I shot for most of the trip with a full frame camera and a 50mm lens. Great combination.https://www.instagram.com/p/BFxhtL3NMCU/?taken-by=photorectobySony a7RII with Sigma MC-11 Adapter and Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART series lens. (links go to B&H Photo for prices - Your purchase of gear through my links is part of my income and keeps me in business)If I saw an interesting person I would have my camera ready before I asked for permission. You get a more natural look if you are ready to snap the photo right after you ask. The longer you take the less likely you are to get a genuine expression.Wide angle lenses can be fun with all of the curves of the car. Crop: Tokina 11-16 f/2.8Telephoto for sneakier street photography - Suggested 70-200 F/4
There is no shortage of photo ops in Havana no matter where you explore but for the most authentic Havana experience I would stay near Central ParkPrado Ave Also listed on maps as Paseo de Marti separates central Havana from the old city. Fantastic photo opportunities on the broad Ave and central park has a great collection of old American cars for hire and photography. If you want the less shiny American cars, just head down any back street, they really are everywhere. https://www.instagram.com/p/BGZIkpTNMHE/?taken-by=photorectobyWander a few blocks left or right off Prado and you will quickly find the colors, the crumbling walls and more to photograph, really you even get that on Prado though they are trying to restore the buildings along the Avenue. https://www.instagram.com/p/BF7P65BNMNh/?taken-by=photorectobyFountain square, Cathedral square and arms square give you a taste of restored and historic Havana. Obispo Avenue is a car free Avenue that runs from arms square to central park. This is a more touristy stretch but offers lots to see and places to eat. Again I encourage you to venture off onto the side streets, I did this day and night and felt safe at all times. Sunrise and sunset from Malecón, Havana, Cuba(sea wall) and the fort is great for sunset and city skyline plus the Cannon shot ceremony at 9pm every night. You pay to get in but consider paying 1 cuc more to get up on the roof which comes with a free drink, best view of the ceremony and a good view of the city. If you only want the city view stay down below on the fort walls. https://www.instagram.com/p/BGEnlrctMLd/?taken-by=photorectobyMarti theater, across from Central Park is lit beautifully at night. And the capital currently being restored will be beautiful. https://www.instagram.com/p/BGQYud7tMKC/?taken-by=photorectobyIt will be interesting to see what happens to Cuba and especially havana over the next few years as tourism increases. McKay Photography is making plans to return, Email David Here I’m interested in Cuba next year!More photos from Cuba: Want to travel with me to some place other than Cuba? Maybe Croatia? Vietname? Iceland? More information and more locations listed at Photorec.tv/Travel.
https://youtu.be/PI_NuC_tLtUThe final cuba photography vlog, we spend time exploring Trinidad Cuba waking up to a beautiful morning in our Casa Particular before heading out for a photowalk on the streets of Trinidad, Visting a sugar plantation in the los ingenios valley climb the tower at Manaca Iznaga and back to Havana to watch the ProDanza School of Ballet in Cuba rehearse and then back to Miami Florida.Travel with us and meet me- more info http://photorec.tv/travelFind and Follow me at: http://instagram.com/photorectoby/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZStH-Grv-YWe wake up in Cienfuegos and watch the town come awake before heading to Trinidad, Cuba where we stay in a Casa particular - Trinidad is a beautiful town with over 500 years of history. I walk you through a shot and share our poor spanish communication with our host. Watch More Photography Travel VlogsFollow me on Instagram to See my favorite Cuba PhotosSubscribe on Youtube to be notified of future travel videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGi3N1P5JGYIs Christina Hobbit sized? We explore the amazing town and landscapes of Hobbiton -by foot and by air.Win an amazing trip with us - http://photorec.tv/giveaway
The coolest miniature train ride through a primordial forest designed by potting hippy - Nighttime skyline photography and much more on the first two days with Mckay Photography Academy.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTRYrYOJgjY&feature=youtu.be
https://youtu.be/39zP3TOXKiw?list=PLCUnGRSvb-aLDl94vaKLxqpvkCigw4zWNWe explore the island of Santorini- towns like Kamari, Thera(Fiera), Oia and I chat about portrait vs landscape, we climb 250 looong steps and watch a sunset in OiaGear List: http://photorec.tv/2015/09/whats-in-our-bags-travel-to-greece-france-edition/Join us on a future trip!Music: https://soundcloud.com/anatolemusic/westbrook
https://youtu.be/cneABU-qKZM?list=PLCUnGRSvb-aLDl94vaKLxqpvkCigw4zWNWe explore the island of Santorini- towns like Kamari, Thera(Fiera), Oia and Christina offers tips for more balanced compositions. You also get to watch me jump off a cliff, a little one, not a big one :)Gear List: http://photorec.tv/2015/09/whats-in-our-bags-travel-to-greece-france-edition/Join us on a future trip!Music: Rhoda - https://soundcloud.com/rhoda/rhodes-island-ft-austin-jones
Acropolis visit at high noon- how to still make great photos. Sunset rooftop views and on our way to Santorini. We tour Athens, the Acropolis and temple of Athena and travel to Santorini.Gear ListFollow us on Instagram:Toby: http://instagram.com/photorectoby/Christina: https://instagram.com/christinabernales/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG2ZuwJFjd0 Full Gear List-
We are headed to Greece with McKay Photography Academy. Here is our gear list
Paris/Greece Packing List- We are stopping for a few days of fun in Paris too.Our main goal on this trip is to produce some videos for you- thus our gear list is video focused. Links go to gear on Amazon or B&H Photo. Using any of these links to buy anything is an easy and free way to support our work. Thanks!Carrying EverythingThink Tank Airport Backpack (smaller backpack style to ensure fits in smaller island hopping flights in Greece)Ona Bag Brixton (Christina is using a different bag so I get to look stylish with the Ona, Our Review)Christina has a Herschel Backpack with an ONA bag insert and an Ona CapriCameras
Lenses
Metabones Speedbooster EF to MFT http://bhpho.to/1LUcFfjCommlite EF to E Mount http://bit.ly/1i94y4QSpare SD Cards64GB, 32GB, 32GB(generally I leave cards in camera - download the footage/photos each night and continue to use the cards until full)
Nebula 4000 -http://bit.ly/PRTV_nebula4000Power Cord for charging ^Hex Wrench for adjusting ^Mefoto Travel Tripod - http://bhpho.to/1XJ3Mvo (Not Pictured)Manfrotto Monopod - http://bhpho.to/1UFGuT1DiCAPac Smartphone case - http://bhpho.to/1ObLTl0LG G4 - http://bhpho.to/1hVAFnL (Not pictured - used to take the photo)RetiCam SmartPhone Tripod Holder -Rode Lav + - http://bhpho.to/1ETpAyiSure VP83F Shotgun micAccessoriesTranscend Military Drop Tested 1 TB USB 3.0 (2x, one for me, one for Christina)XRite Color CheckerRetiCAM® Smartphone Tripod Mount -http://bit.ly/1Fx321cCircular Polarizer filtersPeak Designs Capture ClipPeak Designs Slide Lite (Not Pictured)Bike MountXCom Modem - Stay connected as you travel http://www.xcomglobal.com/plansRocket Blower - http://bit.ly/1ivRc2kSensor Cleaning bits - (blog post)Power Converter 2x -Plug Adapters - I just read the reviews - yikes, hope they work.Monster Power strip
In August 2015 I traveled to Iceland with McKay Photography Academy | Scroll down to see some of my favorite images from the trip.
In January, we traveled to Montana and Yellowstone NP with McKay Photograph Academy. In Montana we had a fantastic experience up close and very personal with some huge and amazing animals.
We traveled to Italy with McKay Photography Academy
