Sodicoff

I try to travel lite. I bring my blue blazer; wife has some suitable dresses but not gowns.

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Dan K said "The single most important thing I ever did to improve my photography had nothing to do with equipment. That single thing was joining our local photography club. Every month we enter photos and have a photographer critique them. Hearing other people's comments about my photographs over the years has vastly improved my photo taking skills."

I think that's exactly right!! Join.

Just got off today. We were struck by how much movement there was - especially in the dining room. We've been on other ships in rougher water and didn't feel as much rolling. I can remember (on another line, RC) that the captain announced that the next day there would be rough seas. So, he suggested that that night would be the time to take your sea sickness meds. In spite of the rough seas the boat was incredibly stable.

Pierce's advice is all good but I would make one exception. When shooting in Auto mode the camera will decide what to focus on. It may not be what you wanted. It will try to focus on a bunch of things all at once. For example, you want a pic of Uncle George on the couch in the living room. The camera searches the scene and finds a lamp in the foreground - it will focus on that and forget about George. Instead, figure out how to choose ONE focal point, put that focal point in the center of your viewfinder, put that spot on George and he will be in focus (and not over exposed).

Auto everything sounds like a great idea for a newbe but I think that the single focal point is essential. You may have to read the instruction manual (Ugh) but it's worth it.

Google this-

"Guy has his camera lens stolen...." on YouTube.

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Good advice about multiple memory cards. Pros do it all the time. If space (or weight) is not an issue I transfer my daily images to a laptop and then reformat my card.

Need help using your new camera? Ask the ever-present ship's photographers.

Don't forget, when walking around in high crime cities your high end camera is a thieve's target. I've bought a cut- proof camera strap. It is only useful if you wear it right - across your body. I can't get used to that.

Also, your lens which is so easily removable from your camera is a target. I've seen a fellow traveler lose her lens to a street of thief in St. Petersburg. Another passenger lent her a lens.

I actually carry a spare lens and a spare camera. I've had both camera and lens fail while on a trip. A cell phone may provide a satisfactory backup for you but not for me.

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I always carry a small, thin plastic bag it my pocket to protect my camera if it rains. I never travel with a camera bag - I never put my camera away - it's ALWAYS on my shoulder. Don't forget a spare battery and charger. Get a large capacity memory card.

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Ditch the Nikon lenses and get a Tamron 16-300mm lens. For traveling you can't beat its versatility. You won't be needing to change lenses when you need a long telephoto. Also, you won't be traveling with 2 lenses only 1.

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Totally confused regarding the Panama Canal stop. HA website doesn't show any shore excursions. I can't figure out where or when the boat docks. I'm left not knowing what I'd like to do or how. If someone can enlighten me I sure would appreciate it.

It's New Years Day and no one answers the phone at HA.

Marvin