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Photography and video
The following are some handy hints for taking better photos:
> The quality of your photos depends on the quality of light you shoot under. Light is best when the sun is low in the sky - around sunrise and sunset.
> Don't buy cheap equipment, but don't load yourself down with expensive equipment you don't know how to use properly either.
> A good SLR camera is advisable, but be aware that the quality of your lenses is the most important thing. Zoom lenses are heavier than fixed focal length lenses and the quality isn't as good. An alternative to the zoom is a teleconverter which fits over your lens and doubles the focal length.
> Always carry a skylight or UV filter. A polarising filter can create dramatic effects and cut glare, but don't fit it over a UV filter.
> Take a tripod and faster film (at least 400ASA) rather than a flash. Flash creates harsh shadows. A cable release is useful for shooting with tripod.
Settle on a brand of film and know how it works before you head off.
Keep you film in a cool dark place if possible, before and after exposure.
Expose for the main component of a scene and fill the frame with what you are taking.
> Previsualise; it's one of the most important elements in photographic vision. You must 'see' your picture clearly before you take it.
Video in India uses the VHS format, although it is possible to convert to and from PAL and NTSC in the larger cities.
Film & Cartridges
Colour print film processing facilities are readily available in larger cities . Film is relatively cheap and the quality is usually (not always) good. Kodak 1100 ASA colour print film costs around Rs 140 for a roll of 36. Always check the use-by date on local film stock. Heat and humidity can play a havoc with film, even if the use-by date hasn't been exceeded. Developing costs are around Rs 25, plus Rs 5 per photo for printing. A Tip: be wary of street hawkers. Some travellers report that old, useless film loaded into new-looking canisters. The hapless tourist only discovers the trick when the film is developed back home. The best advise is to avoid street vendors and only buy film from reputable stores - and preferably film that's been refrigerated.
If you're taking slides bring the film with you. Colour slide film is only available in the major cities. Colour slides can be developed only in Delhi, and quality is not guaranteed-take your film home with you. Kodakchrome and other 'includes developing' film will have to be sent overseas.
Video users can readily get VHS, CVHS, Hi8, Betacam, Umatic (high and low) in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Calcutta and Chennai.
Restrictions & Photographing People
Be careful what you photograph. India is touchy about places of military importance - this can include train stations, bridges, airports, military installations and sensitive border regions. Some temples prohibit photography in the mandapa (fore chamber of a temple) and inner sanctum. If in doubt, ask. Some temples, and numerous forts and palaces, levy fee to bring a still camera or video camera onto the premises. You have to pay up front - generally around Rs 25 for a still camera and Rs 50 for a video camera - and there's no refund if you decide not to take any pictures after all. Some people are more than happy to be photographed, but care should be taken in pointing cameras at women. Again, if in doubt, ask. A zoom is less intrusive means of taking portraits - even when you've obtained permission to take a portrait, shoving a lens in your subject's face can be disconcerting. A reasonable distance between you and your subject will help to reduce your subject's discomfort, and will result in more natural shots.
Protecting Your Camera & Film
Film manufactures warn that, once it's been exposed, film should be developed as quickly as possible; in practise the film seems to last, even in India's summer heat, without deterioration for months. Try to keep you film cool, and protect it in water and airproof containers if you're travelling during the monsoon. Silica gel sachets distributed around your gear will help to absorb moisture.
It's worthwhile investing in a lead-lined bag, as repeated exposure to x-ray (even so called 'film proof' x-ray) can damage film. Never put your film in baggage which will be placed in the cargo holds of aeroplanes. It will probably be subjected to large doses of x-ray which will spoil or completely ruin it. Recently some airports (none in India yet) have installed super high-powered x-ray machines will damage film, lead-shielded or otherwise.
Some professional never take film through any x-ray machine, but prefer to pack it in see through plastic containers and carry them by hand through customs. But be aware that in some places customs officers may wish to open every single canister before you are allowed through.
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