MattA
November 20 2007, 09:12 AM
OH - most importantly - get a power converter strip or two. They use these: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_socket#...ne_2.2F3-pin.29
You won't be able to charge batteries, use a laptop or plug in anything if you don't have power. A few things:
1) Chinese do eat dog, but not pet dog. There is a certain breed or two raised on farms much like we raise cows. It's said as gǒu rņu and 狗肉 <--not sure that'll come thru OSP but hopefully.
That's how it's written. 肉 probably means "meat" so don't avoid everything with that ending. lol
2) Bring deodorant. You'll be the only one in the country with it but that'll be a blessing.
3) Wear easily removable shoes on the airplane. First - security is a nightmare if you have laces, 2 coats, a sweater.... ie dress to pass customs.
4) As far as gear, bring versatility. 2 bodies yes, grips no. Grips are convenience factors - I don't wanna change batteries, I don't want to hold my arm up in the air for a few shoots a week. Don't bring convenience, bring versatile necessity. Pick the 50 1.4 or 90 macro and leave the other home. 2 flash, 2 umbrella, 1 lightstand (hold the other if you need a 2nd flash on a stand). Keep it light, but powerful. Skip the reflector unless you are dependant on it in your style. You can always buy a roll of aluminum foil, put it over a cardboard box when you get there. Instant mirrored reflector of any size necessary.
5) Try to avoid tourist traps when you're side-tripping. Silk market, jade market, all bad ideas. ALL counterfeit, illegal goods that you could get stopped bringing back into the country. Also, you can get the same "trinkets" over here for $1 at the Dragon Dollar when you come back. They're the same things only packaged in "the clerk only speaks Chinese" so don't fall for it.
$10 for a crystal with the Empire State Building etched inside - $2 when you get back to this side of the planet.
6) Value people & interactions & sights over meals & guides. Walking around in China, taking photos, meeting new people, making new friends - trust me, when you're on the other side of the world, that's what you'll be feeling. Holy crap I need human contact. LOL
As far as why I'm giving you mostly non-photography advice, I'm going to assume that between you and these other 10 photographers you can figure out what flash to pack (2 SB's leave the vivs home) but I'm going to guess that of the group, I've spent more time in China/Korea/Japan than almost anyone here. I spent a year in Korea, three weeks in China and 10 days in Japan. If you're there for anymore than a week, you're going to experience real culture shock. They're nicer, it's safer over there, and you won't see almost any people who AREN'T Asian while on the trip (except maybe university - but while doing any real travel). Don't let seeing a North American ruin your day either. Trust me, you'll feel like they're ruining your cultural contact whenever it happens. lol
PM me if you have other questions about the cultural, travel or that sort of thing.
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