TRAVEL LIGHT!!

The weather should be mild and lovely although somewhat cool in the evenings. Pack clothes that can be layered so if you are too warm, you can remove something and if too cold, you can add something. It is chilly in the old cathedrals, so a sweatshirt/sweater is a good idea. It is NOT necessary to bring a new outfit for each day.

Suggestions:

• 1 sweater, sweatshirt, light wrap in case of a chill
• 1 light jacket
• 2-3 pairs of jeans or pants, shirts or blouses
• 1 nice outfit
• Bathing suit
• COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES
• Umbrella or hat
• Poncho to protect camera gear in case of bad weather
• Toiletries
• MEDICATIONS and sun screen
• EARPLUGS (wise because we’re sharing rooms, and don’t know local noises, including the possible presence of barking dogs)
• Wash Cloth – many places in Europe don’t provide them. Consider a package of disposables.
• Electrical converters for hair dryers, digital cameras, battery chargers, etc.
• EXTRA BATTERIES
• A journal and pens for journal entries

CAMERA EQUIPMENT

Film and Course Requirements
During the course, each student will create a ten-image portfolio that will be presented the night before our departure. A narrative must accompany the images. The theme of the images is the responsibility of each student. The grade for this portfolio and narrative will constitute 50% of the course grade. The other 50% will be in the form of three one-page written summaries of gallery, museum, cathedral, city, village, event visits and the journal each is required to keep.

Participants may use either black and white film or digital images or a combination of both. We will have a digital projector for use in the evenings while looking at work from that day, so it will be necessary to bring a digital camera even if the main emphasis of your work will be produced using black and white materials. If digital is your main way of seeing, please consider investing in a camera that produces a minimum of 10 megapixels so you are assured of making files large enough to reproduce and print well.

DO NOT PUT FILM OR CAMERA SUPPLIES IN YOUR SUITCASE . Carry your gear and film onto the aircraft and store it in the overhead in your carry-on bag. Make sure your name is on everything! Once there, when traveling on the train, bus, taxi, or van, keep your gear where you can see it and don't forget to check the racks overhead when departing.

Take your film out of the boxes and canisters so it can be seen easily, and store in a zip lock bag close to the top of your carry-on so it can be pulled out at security stops. At some airports the film is required to go through x-ray up to ISO 1600. Be prepared to let it go through the machine.

Digital Work:
If you are planning on using digital equipment, you must bring ALL equipment necessary to insure you can make the images. This includes but is not limited to the camera, all necessary batteries, image storage cards, equipment for charging or re-charging batteries. REMEMBER THAT YOU WILL NOT HAVE COMPUTER ACCESS ON A DAILY BASIS UNLESS YOU BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP OR IPAD.

All film supplies need to be purchased prior to departure . Additional film can be acquired in the local area, but it will cost more. In some areas it is harder to find, so if you supply your own, you will not have to look for it abroad.

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO CARRY YOUR OWN LUGGAGE OR MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH OTHERS TO CARRY IT FOR YOU. KEEP IT SIMPLE—ONE SMALL SUITCASE AND ONE CARRY-ON.

Pay attention to your money and keep it in a safe place. You may want to investigate a money belt, fanny pack, or passport case for storage of valuables. Leave a list of traveler’s check numbers at home in case of emergency replacement.

Xerox the contents of your wallet—credit cards, etc., BOTH SIDES, and leave a copy at home (near the phone) so if they are stolen you can phone home and easily get the information. It might be wise to make three copies: one to leave at home, one for you to store separately from your wallet, one for me.

Check with your insurance agent about your camera equipment and/or computer. You may want to “schedule” these things on your homeowner’s policy, as they will not be insured overseas for full value unless you do. Check to see if they will be insured at all without being “scheduled.” Don’t bring any really GOOD jewelry as it can be easily lost and you do not want to attract attention to yourself by wearing anything too flashy. Know where your valuables are at all times.

Bring all necessary medicines in the original containers with your name and prescription information clearly printed by the pharmacy on the bottles. If you know you are allergic to something, bring the proper medicine to help you through it.