| The workshop format of this course is such that all participants must be self-contained in terms of photographic equipment. It should be noted, however, that extensive equipment is not required or necessary: photography has as much to do with seeing as shooting. That said, shooting at the Station generally requires more than point-and-shoot cameras!
Cameras
Digital SLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex, e.g. Canon Rebel) are the way to go. They are the most effective systems given the variable conditions of La Suerte because they offer portability and a wide variety of lenses. Medium format may be the choice format of some photographers - no worries. Large format cameras, however, are not recommended for this workshop.
Again, for those will little prior photographic experience or equipment, a Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera body with interchangable lenses is highly recommended. If you are going to make a purchase, Nikon and Canon bodies are a good choice given their wide availability, recognized quality, and innumerable lens offerings.
Lenses
One lens is all you need to get started. If you can, choose one depending on what you like or plan to shoot (e.g. animals = long lens, flowers = macro). But, if you have the luxury:
Focal length variety in lenses can really help you in the rainforest. For 35 mm format (or the digital equivalent) cameras, possessing a long lens ( > 200 mm), a midrange lens ( ~ 50 mm), and a wide lens ( < 28 mm) opens up a lot of possibilities. A macro lens (often doubling with one of the above choices) is also highly desirable for close-ups. Fast lenses (with wide apertures such as f/2) are also excellent in the low light of the rainforest when dealing with moving subjects such as primates. Zoom lenses are also handy - however be aware that they will be generally slower (in terms of maximum aperture) and some cases less sharp than their fixed counterparts at any given price.
Storage
Participants who use Digital SLRs must bring a laptop and/or other media storage device (burnable DVD-Rs at the very least) to download their memory cards onto. Electricity is available, but a surge protector is recommended due to regular voltage fluctuations. Once again, participants are responsible for possessing self-contained camera systems, including batteries, chargers, etc.
Tripod
Just bring one - it's dark under the canopy!
Additional Items (optional))
Tripod, flash, sync cords, reflector(s), filters (graduated, polarizer, etc), light meter, camera care products (lens cleaner, cloth, etc...), silica gel packets (for overnight storage - keeps equipment dry in the humid environment), cable release/remote shutter. Anything else you'd like to apply or experiment with in your photography!
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