Author: Larry M. Lynch
Source: download

Granted, you’ve accepted and applied that shooting your own “art” to accompany your articles and add depth to your queries is an essential tool of the article writer. Perhaps you have a slant or two specifically in mind. But why not add even greater range to your efforts “on location” and explode your options and possibilities for writing? In part 1 of this two-part article, we looked at slants for shooting people pictures in a variety of ways. Here we’ll consider other options to help bolster your multi-media research package. Use these ideas to expand your photo essay shooting range.
Food
While you’re on assignment for goodness sake, don’t eat at the hotel restaurant everyday. Get out there and sample the local fare. Check out farmer’s markets and supermarkets too. Shoot food platters, local fruits and vegetables. I’m shamelessly notorious for taking photos of not only everything I eat, but shots of other people’s meals on occasion as well. If you don’t know the local foods chances are your readers won’t either. While you’re at it, get a few recipes too. Talk to the cook or chef. And yes Bunky, get their pictures. If you discretely record your conversation, these interviews can fuel personality pieces for trade and technical publications dealing with that locale or theme area. In Oaxaca, Mexico, I actually had people coming up asking me to photograph and interview them. It provided me with enough raw input, quotes and photos to write more than 20 articles and shorts from just that one trip.
Architecture
A variety of local architectural styles might make for a good photo shoot. Architectural, building supply and construction publications are potential markets. Flower-adorned porches, balconies and staircases, decorative plants, gardens, leaves and blooms can all add a splash of nature to your portfolio. Storefronts or displays of goods can be editor-pleasing shots too.
On a recent trip, I noticed that an overwhelming number of houses were made of wood, from the most expensive-looking ones to the shabbiest and poorest abodes. I started shooting examples of different types of wooden homes along with architectural details of stairs, doors, balconies and trim winding up with scores of interesting shots that included a two-story house designed to look like a boat. The resulting multi-media package can be milked from now on without the need to travel again to the exotic location I shot from.
Nature
Visit the zoo, aviaries, wildlife preserves, gardens and other promoted sites. Use a fresh eye and your inquiring mind to generate questions, elicit opinions and capture quotations. I almost never miss a chance to spend time in the local zoo. When I heard of an “Iguana Park” in Cali, the Salsa music capitol of Colombia, I couldn’t resist. From Ambato, Ecuador to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania I’ve ogled animals of all types with photo ops leading to numerous assignments on creatures from Ants to Iguanas to Three-toed Sloths. Features and shorts for children’s magazines, animal lover rags and educational pieces with an “on location” flare await you on your next trip or vacation.
Talk with curators, animal keepers, biologists, environmentalists, horticulturalists and gardeners, local green thumbs – anyone who could add depth to your proposed articles. Don’t forget to photograph everyone you can – preferably “in action”. Get their contact information to expand their quotes and bios if you need to later.
So article writers, if you are traveling this summer, by all means, take a camera or two along on your next trip or vacation as part of your article writing research equipment. Shoot high-resolution digital photos. Shoot color slides and some prints too. Photograph people, food, nature and architecture. Record those interviews and quotes to flesh out and deepen your resource pack materials. Offer editors a multi-media package that includes art and article text. You’ll find that your acceptance rate just might start changing – for the better.
Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an ELT Teacher Trainer, English language learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. He has published more than 350 articles and academic papers and presented at numerous EFL teacher training and TEFL conferences throughout North America, South America and Europe. For comments, questions, requests, to receive more information or to be added to his free TESOL articles and teaching materials mailing list, e-mail: lynchlarrym@gmail.com

Author: Rod Tilton
Source: articledashboard.com

As we come out of the cold months of winter, it is time to start planning some trips. To enhance your trips from here to there, keep the following in mind.

1. Foreign Pay Phones – Picking up the phone in another country can present a host of challenges. For instance, how much does the call cost? In most countries, you can now buy calling cards that work the phones to save you the hassle.

2. Stupid Foreigner Tricks – Locals sometimes like to have a joke at your expense. It usually has to do with food. Don’t eat strange stuff unless others are.

3. Deadly Ice Cubes – If you are concerned about the quality of water at a destination, don’t make a common mistake. What is it? Drinks with ice cubes. The ice cubes are made from the same water!

4. Montezumas Revenge – If you get diarrhea in a country, you need to focus on keeping hydrated. Try drinking one glass of carbonated water with a table spoon of sugar.

5. Russia, Friends and Vodka – Russia is a great place to visit. The people are friendly and vodka drinking is very common. Have fun, but use your common sense. Some Russians are simply too friendly if you know what I mean.

6. Wrinkle Free Pants – Always take a pair of wrinkle free pants. You can roll them up to save space. You will need them to enter churches, museums and other places.

7. Taking Travel Guide Books – If you are traveling to multiple destinations, travel guide books can become an issue. Simply put, they are heavy. Pack one for the first destination. You can trade books with other travelers you meet.

8. Laptop Charging – When traveling, it is vital you know what the ampage is in the country you are in. More than a few laptops have been zapped by being hooked up to a 220 outlet. Take a regulator to make sure this doesn’t happen.

9. Asian Airport Relaxation – If you find yourself stuck in an airport in Asia for a bit, take a look around. Most have massage spas on the premises or just outside the front. It beats trying to sleep in uncomfortable seats.

10. Walking at Night – One of the great things about traveling is experiencing the nightlife in a new location. When walking on the streets, keep in mind things may be different. In some countries, manholes are not always covered!

Ultimately, we all find different things in our trips. Whatever your preference, you can only get it by jumping out there and going. Don’t procrastinate, just go.