The Far East - a Photographer's Dream Bargain!

A few years ago I was requested to accompany a small group of travellers on their vacation through the Far East. My job was to act as the group’s photographer: whatever portraits wherever they were, I would capture. Whenever they posed together as a group, I would get it. Whatever photo they would want of a fantastic scene, I would record it.







I would be paid a salary and all hotels and food costs were borne by the group; how could I possibly refuse?







It was a month-long vacation through Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and London, then home to Madrid (we were located in southern Spain but it could’ve been any other location in the world.




As a photographer, I couldn’t have asked for more. A chance to shoot many photos on a great getaway for others! My cameras were ready and I was more than ready! Though I had the ability to shoot digital, they preferred film, which I agreed to; they were paying for the film also so I had no complaints.




I have been to the Far East in my navy days and knew the area well for its high temperatures and even higher humidity! I ensured a full new bottle of talcum powder was in my suitcase to soak up the sweat, and I also purchased a camelback water knapsack for the assignment. This very useful accessory allows you to carry water on your back and drink through a drinking tube. My camera knapsack is a Lowepro Mini-Trekker which I had won several months previous in an online photo contest (I’m just so lucky!).