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Photography
Whether you
are an avid photographer or an average tourist carrying a one-touch
instamatic camera, few tourist destinations offer the varied photographic
opportunities of Costa Rica. Volcanoes, monkeys, birds, waterfalls,
museums, sunsets, and churches are just a few of the photographic
possibilities as you travel throughout Costa Rica. The varied
terrain and extreme temperature conditions require responsible
care of your camera gear. The warm, humid, tropical climate often
creates problems for inexpensive camera equipment. Fogged camera
lenses and jammed shutter release button are quite common. For
this reason, you should take the proper precautions as well as
the proper equipment to ensure the best photographic opportunities.
Below, we have listed some gear along with suggestions pertaining
to their use. We hope that it proves beneficial.
Camera
Bag
A sturdy, water repellent camera bag is highly recommended. The
tropics, while always hot and humid, often bring unexpected downpours.
Costa Rica's climate provides a distinct dry and rainy season,
however in certain portions of the country, rain is possible at
any time. For this reason, we suggest placing your camera gear
in a plastic bag, within your camera bag, while not in use. Also,
small, inexpensive moisture packs are advisable as they will absorb
the surrounding moisture, preventing equipment problems.
Film
Generally speaking, the slowest speed films will produce the most
professional results. The speed of your film will be determined
by the speed of your lenses and the lighting conditions present.
The jungle, even at midday, provides surprisingly little in the
way of ambient light. Depending on your camera gear, we recommend
film speeds no slower than 100 ASA; assuming your lenses are F
4.0 or faster. For most tourists using instamatic cameras, this
film speed will be insufficient, therefore, we recommend a minimum
film speed of at least 200 ASA (400 ASA is a better choice). Tripods
and flashes would certainly help reduce the need for higher speed
films (see below: tripods and flashes). Bring more than you think
you will need as purchasing film in Costa Rica is prohibitively
expensive. Also, we recommend placing your film in a lead pouch
when traveling, in order to protect them from any possible damage
resulting from airport X-ray machines.
Flash
Your flash will be either built into your camera or one that mounts
externally to its exterior. While flashes are always beneficial
to have, they sometimes prove inefficient, and at times a hindrance.
When using your flash, make sure you recognize its limitations,
i.e. power, range, coverage, etc., and use it accordingly. Photographing
a howler monkey, 60 ft. up in a densely covered rainforest will
not deliver adequate results. Also, keep in mind that certain
animal, insects, birds, etc. may react negatively to your flashes.
Tripod
Depending on your skill level, expectations, and health, a tripod
is a worthwhile companion. While a bit cumbersome, it is at times
essential in order to get the desired photographs. Costa Rica's
rugged landscape presents challenging lighting conditions, i.e.
taking an evening photograph of the Arenal Volcano, or that of
an orchid under the rain forest's canopy. Hand held cameras, more
often than not, will not provide the stability necessary to capture
the image properly.
Lenses
If the camera body you bring accommodates several lenses, you
will have much more flexibility than those with instamatic cameras.
The varied landscape of Costa Rica requires several lenses to
fully capture its natural beauty. For wide angle photographs,
a 24 or 28 mm lenses will be sufficient. A macro lens of 60 mm
is ideal for butterflies, insects, orchids, etc. A zoom lens of
70-210 mm is perfect for general landscape photography, as well
as people photographs. One long lens of 200+ mm is essential,
in order to get any pleasing photographs of animals in their natural
habitat. Anything less will make your animal photographs appear
more like landscape photographs. For bird photography, a minimum
of 300 mm is necessary, as most birds remain situated high atop
the trees.
Film Development
Fuji, Kodak and Agfa have large photographic film processing labs
in Costa Rica, particularly in downtown San Jose; in addition
to most other large cities, i.e. Heredia and Alejuela. Most photographic
services and products are available at any location. Photo prints
are usually processed the same day they are dropped off, while
slide film normally requires an additional 3-4 days for development.
Camera
Repair & Parts
The best chance you have in Costa Rica is with the Canon Camera
repair department, located just north of San Jose, on avenida
3, between calle 3-5. While they are an authorized Canon dealer,
they do repair cameras of other manufacturers, in addition to
video camera equipment. Expect to conduct most of your business
in Spanish.
For those
who need special items, such as filters, lens cloth, cables, etc.,
there is a camera store, just beside Kodak (along side of the
Plaza de la Cultura), that carries the most complete supply of
camera related products.
A
tropical getaway at your pace
Costa
Rica Rentals Contact
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