From the Manual

Destination

• Why did you choose your destination?
• On your worksheet jot down some reasons for this destination
• If your album is for others, ask them the same question.

Research

• Devour information about your destination.
• Jot down a list of important and interesting things to photograph, places to go, or things to do. 

From the Transcript

You were probably already planning to make a list before you traveled, right?

This list would contain things that you don’t want to forget. Things like phone chargers, passports, and just the right amount of clean socks. But, might I suggest that you broaden your list to include things you will want later in order to complete a photo book capsulizing your travels.

Before we get started, get out your Before You Go worksheet and follow along with me.

This video assumes that you already know where you're going or you’ve already been there. Take a moment to ponder that destination. What made you decide, out of all the places in the world, to choose this particular place? 

Was it the white sandy beaches? How about the amazing slopes? Perhaps it was a place you could find collections of art that appeal to your particular taste?

Maybe you don’t really even care about where this place is so much as care that you are away, in the peace and quite, with no cares in the world, and no one to call your name.

Whatever the reason you chose this particular destination, obviously it appeals to you. If it didn't, you wouldn't be going there. That site or activity (or inactivity) is one of the big things you want to photograph.

This small exercise will be huge in bringing focus to your photo book. Let me give you a quick and easy real-life example.

I've been to to Disney World several times, and after several times of being there, I’ve began to notice that all the photos from the separate vacation years all look basically the same. It’s the same castle. It’s the same summertime parade. It’s the same food.

But the last time I went, I planned to create a photo book focusing on something more specific about my trip. This last time I intentionally planned to focus my photographs on finding the Hidden Mickeys—which is one of several hidden games that park goers can play.

A photo book about Disney World focused on the Hidden Mickeys would be, not just another repeat, but a treat to display. It brings focus and purpose to the book.

So, again, I ask you. Why there?

On your worksheet take a moment to jot down some reasons you chose your particular destination. It doesn’t matter if the vacation is yet to come or has already passed. Focus can still come after the fact. Here are two examples of destinations from my personal experiences.

The answer to the question might be something you need to think about for a while, but see if you can narrow it down to the real reason or reasons you are making this your destination. If your travel album is for a friend or family member, consider asking them the same question and making a note of it. 

Next I’ll ask you, “Do you know if you’re getting the most photo-bang for your buck?" There’s nothing worse than having spent all the money and time to visit a destination only to find out later that you easily could have visited some iconic location, watched an amazing performance, or eaten the most fantastic local cuisine.

That's why research is next on my list. Research will turn up interesting aspects, that you are unaware of, of the place you intend to visit. These are some of the things you want to make sure to photograph. They will bring life and interest to your adventure and your photo book.

Your research might include reading brochures and travel books. Go to libraries, bookstores, or onto the Web. Talk to friends who have been there. Find whatever you can that is relevant, and devour it. Research will lead you to photograph what you might not have already planned for. 

But, research can also warn you of what’s not to photographed. For example, I live in the heart of Amish country. As part of their beliefs, the Amish do not want to be photographed. We’ll talk more about that in a another video.

As you research, take the time and jot down a list of important and interesting things to photograph, places to go, or things to do. This will take some time, but it will be time well spent.

Before moving on to the next video, I want to pause a moment to see how your worksheet is coming along. Did you find all the answers?

Here's the answer key for this video. I’ll see you in the next one!