Photographic Field Guides

My favourite thing about France is travelling through a nice rural region. A few good medieval castles perched on hilltops, some classic views of a chateau and the fabulous cuisine that lures both your taste buds and your camera.

Brand new camera gear in Beijing is not very cheap, but when you really need to go camera shopping in Beijing there is one place where the range and selection is pleasingly overwhelming. For fans of second hand cameras and quirky Chinese knock-offs there is even better news.

In the Loire Valley of France I found a garden that threw inspiration at me like a shower of rose petals. The formal gardens at Chateau de Villandry are magnificent examples of how the ruling class of France combined their artistic flare and desire for fresh produce in the kitchen. It's also a world of its own for visiting photographers.

A few days sailing the Southern Ocean is a journey that at first glance holds few photographic opportunities. But even in open waters the company of sea-birds and a reasonable telephoto lens can provide rich inspiration to the creative photographer.

Point Lonsdale Lighthouse is eminently photogenic but as is often the case the best results require some effort. Getting up early is definitely an effort for some of us, but you just never know what treats are waiting for you where a coastal sunrise is concerned.

Angkor is special. Crowded, popular, humid, hot and special. There are a lot of people who visit this place, but because it's special. It's one of those places that lives up to the hype. Hordes of tourists and scores of relentless souvenir sellers are the serious downside, have no doubt. But despite these impedances you can get great shots of the ruins and culture.

Xitang is a taste of old China, old Shanghai and old charms. Hidden away from the madness of Shanghai and its every expanding skyline, the remnants of Xitang's old town is something of a rarity. The town is both popular but photogenic, a genuine attraction for tourists and photographers that is close to Shanghai, yet worlds away.

Iconic mountains capped with snow and untamed by man. Of all the legends that circulate around the newly named Shangri-La county, the "Snow Mountains" known simply as Mei Li are easily the most convincing. Majestic peaks alter the weather and thrill the crowds. There are no certainties about getting clear skies for sunrise, but true landscape photographers are a patient lot anyway.

Some photographic journeys are like taking candy from a baby, while others are like taking candy from a grizzly bear. Litang demands of the photographer to look a little deeper but rewards accordingly. The key is what you bring to the experience, not just worrying about what you hope to get out of it.

Images of this rugged coastline attracts international attention from travellers and photographers, but you don't have to be Ken Duncan to get a great shot. Taking your time to make the most of the inspiration at hand is one way to improve your pictures, the other is to take a professional with you.