Post by Chris Wolfe on Jul 25, 2005 20:06:06 GMT -5
A Special Note from the Editor:
Due to time constraints with the International Center for Photography in New York City, we will be unable to feature them in this issue of The Snapshot. However, they will be included in our special Summer Snapshot. Instead, we will be featuring special travel information, supplied by Memory Makers Magazine. We apologize for the inconvenience, and hope you will enjoy these tips to help pack your film!
Packing Film
Follow these guidelines to keep film safe
Keep Film in Carry-on
Never pack unexposed film in checked luggage, says the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), as the radiation will destroy it. According to the TSA, X-ray machines that screen carry-on baggage at the passenger security checkpoint will not affect undeveloped film under 800 ISO.
“If the same roll of film is exposed to X-ray inspection more than five time before it is developed, however, damage may occur,” according to the TSA web site (tsa.gov/public/lindex). Request a hand-inspection for your film if it passed through the X-ray four times. (Please note: Not all airports, and most foreign airports, will perform hand-screenings)
Kelli Noto puts all of her film into a large plastic zipper bag so it is easy for airport personnel to identify. Natalie Abbott of Creative Impressions recommends removing film from its packaging and placing it in a plastic container to expedite hand-checking. While the TSA cautions against lead-line bags, it does advise considering this option if traveling abroad.
Customs Concerns
The Professional Photographers of America (PPA) says if you are traveling with average equipment and 20 to 30 rolls of film, getting through customs should not be a problem. If you are taking professional equipment, you may have to prove you bought it stateside. A sales receipt should work as proof.
Keep Film Cool and Dry
Film is heat-sensitive; store it in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, recommends the PPA. If traveling by car to warmer climates, keep film in the trunk or a dry cooler. If in a hotel, store unused film in the fridge.
Keeping Track of Film
Quick tips for keeping track of film while on the road
Divide Exposed and Unexposed Film
Mark clear plastic zipper bags across the top with red and green electrical tape for exposed and unexposed film, respectively. Marking the tops of the bags makes it fast and easy to deposit used film and grab a new roll.
Take Mail-in Envelopes for Photo Developing
Cut down on space and eliminate the risk of film being ruined by airport X-ray machines by mailing exposed film to a photo finisher from the road. Once home, happy memories will be waiting to greet you.
Film Buying
Use these tips to determine when to buy film and how much to buy
Buy Film Before You Go
Film not only can be expensive (especially if traveling abroad), the selection can be limited, says Natalie Abbott, co-owner of Creative Impressions.
Buy Twice the Amount You Need
Film, although perishable, will keep for a long time, so it’s better to have too much than not enough. Kelli Noto takes, on average, two rolls for each day. Natalie plans for a minimum of one 36-exposure per day.
Ratio Method
Reader Kate Thaete of Seattle uses the following formula to determine her vacation film needs: One roll per day, per three to four people. If your traveling for five days and traveling with five others, take 10 rolls. Always round up, she says.
Ward Off Thieves
Adopt these savvy skills from street-smart scrapbookers to keep your camera from getting stolen
Keep Your Equipment on You
“When traveling through Europe alone, I tossed my camera on the chair next to me at a café,” says Linda De Los Reyes of California. “A local sat down and started chatting. Later I realized she stole my camera.” For air travel, pack your camera in carry-on bags.
Use Disposable Cameras at the Beach
“I have heard of too many people having things stolen on the beach while playing in the water,” says Samantha Walker. That’s why she uses disposable cameras at the beach. Also, you needn’t worry about a stranger stealing it if you ask one to snap a group shot, says Natalie Abbot. “It’s also easier for them to understand if they do not speak your language.”
Camouflage Your Goods
Camera bags can be thief magnets, says Kelli Noto. Kelli fools would-be filchers by carrying her camera in a soft-sided lunch bag.
Always Bring:
Your camera’s manual
(Extra) batteries and/or cords
Specialty lenses
Tripod and remote
Extra memory card
Back-up camera
Always double check that you have everything before leaving the house
Due to time constraints with the International Center for Photography in New York City, we will be unable to feature them in this issue of The Snapshot. However, they will be included in our special Summer Snapshot. Instead, we will be featuring special travel information, supplied by Memory Makers Magazine. We apologize for the inconvenience, and hope you will enjoy these tips to help pack your film!
Packing Film
Follow these guidelines to keep film safe
Keep Film in Carry-on
Never pack unexposed film in checked luggage, says the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), as the radiation will destroy it. According to the TSA, X-ray machines that screen carry-on baggage at the passenger security checkpoint will not affect undeveloped film under 800 ISO.
“If the same roll of film is exposed to X-ray inspection more than five time before it is developed, however, damage may occur,” according to the TSA web site (tsa.gov/public/lindex). Request a hand-inspection for your film if it passed through the X-ray four times. (Please note: Not all airports, and most foreign airports, will perform hand-screenings)
Kelli Noto puts all of her film into a large plastic zipper bag so it is easy for airport personnel to identify. Natalie Abbott of Creative Impressions recommends removing film from its packaging and placing it in a plastic container to expedite hand-checking. While the TSA cautions against lead-line bags, it does advise considering this option if traveling abroad.
Customs Concerns
The Professional Photographers of America (PPA) says if you are traveling with average equipment and 20 to 30 rolls of film, getting through customs should not be a problem. If you are taking professional equipment, you may have to prove you bought it stateside. A sales receipt should work as proof.
Keep Film Cool and Dry
Film is heat-sensitive; store it in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, recommends the PPA. If traveling by car to warmer climates, keep film in the trunk or a dry cooler. If in a hotel, store unused film in the fridge.
Keeping Track of Film
Quick tips for keeping track of film while on the road
Divide Exposed and Unexposed Film
Mark clear plastic zipper bags across the top with red and green electrical tape for exposed and unexposed film, respectively. Marking the tops of the bags makes it fast and easy to deposit used film and grab a new roll.
Take Mail-in Envelopes for Photo Developing
Cut down on space and eliminate the risk of film being ruined by airport X-ray machines by mailing exposed film to a photo finisher from the road. Once home, happy memories will be waiting to greet you.
Film Buying
Use these tips to determine when to buy film and how much to buy
Buy Film Before You Go
Film not only can be expensive (especially if traveling abroad), the selection can be limited, says Natalie Abbott, co-owner of Creative Impressions.
Buy Twice the Amount You Need
Film, although perishable, will keep for a long time, so it’s better to have too much than not enough. Kelli Noto takes, on average, two rolls for each day. Natalie plans for a minimum of one 36-exposure per day.
Ratio Method
Reader Kate Thaete of Seattle uses the following formula to determine her vacation film needs: One roll per day, per three to four people. If your traveling for five days and traveling with five others, take 10 rolls. Always round up, she says.
Ward Off Thieves
Adopt these savvy skills from street-smart scrapbookers to keep your camera from getting stolen
Keep Your Equipment on You
“When traveling through Europe alone, I tossed my camera on the chair next to me at a café,” says Linda De Los Reyes of California. “A local sat down and started chatting. Later I realized she stole my camera.” For air travel, pack your camera in carry-on bags.
Use Disposable Cameras at the Beach
“I have heard of too many people having things stolen on the beach while playing in the water,” says Samantha Walker. That’s why she uses disposable cameras at the beach. Also, you needn’t worry about a stranger stealing it if you ask one to snap a group shot, says Natalie Abbot. “It’s also easier for them to understand if they do not speak your language.”
Camouflage Your Goods
Camera bags can be thief magnets, says Kelli Noto. Kelli fools would-be filchers by carrying her camera in a soft-sided lunch bag.
Always Bring:
Your camera’s manual
(Extra) batteries and/or cords
Specialty lenses
Tripod and remote
Extra memory card
Back-up camera
Always double check that you have everything before leaving the house