the wander project dispatches from over there

Protecting Valuables on the Road

Every RTW traveler has concerns about keeping their gear safe, especially when they’re lugging expensive electronics or camera equipment. TWP asked photographer Austin Mann (who’s no longer trapped in Ethiopia) to tell us how he keeps his computer, high-end camera bodies and assortment of lenses out of the hands of thieves in the field, in transit, and even when he’s not around to stand guard.

In the Field: Be Inconspicuous
“You’ve got to actively work to keep you gear (and yourself) off the radar of would-be thieves,” Mann says.  To avoid looking like a [...]

Tips from a Pro: Get the Most From Your Point-and-Shoot

Travelers routinely find themselves making the most of limited photo equipment, often carrying a point-and-shoot and little else. TWP asked professional photographer Will Godfrey for his top five tips for the minimally equipped.

1. Get creative with composition
“Finding a visually interesting angle can be as simple as kneeling down to compose the shot differently or as complicated as climbing onto a rooftop for an aerial view,” says Godfrey. “Even hiking up a nearby hill can completely overhaul an otherwise boring shot.”
2. Stabilize in low light
“Low-light shooting is one of the most [...]

TWP Gear Review: The Canon Powershot G11

A small pack and serious photography are usually mutually exclusive. Sure, you can lug a Pro DSLR and a bag full of lenses or pocket a point and shoot, but you’ll be making concessions with extra baggage or sub-par photos.
When on the hunt for the perfect travel camera, I was initially drawn to compact DSLRs. They’ve recently become truly compact, (relatively) inexpensive and capable of  great photos, so I figured I’d pair that with a single versatile lens and be on my way. But every knowledgeable friend I talked to — several of whom are professional photographers or photo editors [...]