Prepared for travel

Travel and photography enthusiasts know that proper preparation and planning is essential. There are countless apps that can help you with that, both during the preparations and during the trip. In this news item we give you a tip on a number of useful apps that should not be missed during your trip.

The most useful apps for travelling

Camera app

If you have a camera that is compatible with an app, it can be downloaded for free. SnapBridge from Nikon or Camera Connect from Canon are examples of this. The app gives you the option of remote shooting, viewing and downloading photos directly.

Astro photography

There are a few factors to take into account when photographing the (starry) sky. First of all, the Golden Hour app is highly recommended so that you know exactly when twilight takes place. The Stellarium app helps you with an accurate overview of all the stars and planets. There is also an app for photographing the northern lights, which is called Aurora and lets you know exactly when and how big the chance is to see the northern lights. With the Light Pollution Map app you can check how much light pollution there is, so you know whether the phenomenon can be captured properly with the camera.

Weather conditions

One of the most important factors to consider when traveling and when shooting. By having different weather apps on your phone you can compare them with each other for an even more accurate weather forecast. The AccuWeather, Clear Outside and Weer Online app are quite accurate and therefore a good option.

Maps

The Google Maps app is already known to many, but the Maps.me app is a good alternative for offline use. You can also download different maps as long as you still have internet and use them when you no longer have access to WiFi. The Google Earth app is very useful if you want a more detailed map.

Government

The government also has some useful apps. The Reisapp contains a lot of important and useful information, for example about the safety of the country you want to go to and other travel advice. The CoronaCheck app is also one of them, on which you will find an overview of all your vaccinations.

Airlines

Are you traveling by plane and has the flight already been booked? With an app from the airline itself, you can often already check in online via the app, which saves time at the airport. In addition, you immediately have your boarding pass in the app and you cannot lose it. The Skyscanner app is a good option for comparing flights, so you can see at a glance what the options are.

Accommodations

Looking for a place to stay? There are also apps that offer endless possibilities for this. Booking.com is a well-known platform that compares different providers. Airbnb is a popular alternative, and you can often find more unique accommodations there. For those who prefer to stay in a hostel, the Hostelworld app is recommended. Would you rather go out with the camper and are you looking for a place to camp wild? Park4night is an app that shows you all these places.

Transport

Those looking for transport during their trip can use the Uber or Grab app to request a ride. When using public transport, apps such as Rome2rio, Omio and Moovit are very useful to plan your journey. These apps show you your route step by step and you will be immediately redirected to buy a ticket.

Relaxation

Some entertainment during the trip cannot be missed, especially during a long drive, flight or evening off. With apps such as Spotify and Netflix, it is possible to download music, films and series so that you can still enjoy them without internet. It is only possible if you have a subscription.

Inspiration and entertainment

Some apps for entertainment during the trip are Tripadvisor and GetYourGuide. Not only reviews can be found there, but also activities and tours. GetYourGuide is mainly aimed at attractions, museums, activities and tours that can be booked directly via the app. For more inspiration or sharing your own journey, Polarsteps is a well-known app. You can record your trip and route per day with photos or plan a trip with the help of other people's guides and tips.

Photography workshops and trips

Would you like to learn more about photography and your camera yourself? Or gain more experience during one of our photography trips? All Travelmarks workshops and trips are in small groups and accompanied by a professional photographer. For more information, take a look at the many workshops and photo trips and sign up.

Till clicks!

Photographing in Rotterdam

Rotterdam, the port city of the Netherlands and also the largest in Europe. Not only one of the largest and most important cities in the Netherlands, but also a city with a lot of history and diversity. Because the historic center was largely destroyed during the bombardment in 1940, the city was rebuilt, so that the city is now a mix of historic districts and modern architecture. This makes Rotterdam a playground for photographers who love architecture and street photography.

The best photo locations in Rotterdam

• The Erasmus Bridge cannot be missing from the skyline of Rotterdam. This special building in the center of the city is definitely worth a visit. Especially in the evening when it is completely lit up. From the Kop van Zuid and opposite, you can shoot a beautiful panoramic picture with the Erasmus Bridge on it.
• Every year the national fireworks take place in Rotterdam at the Erasmus Bridge. This fireworks show is a spectacle to capture. Do you want to know more about photographing fireworks? Then read the photography tips item how to capture fireworks..
• A spectacular fireworks show can also be admired during the World Port Day to conclude this three-day event. During the event, visitors can get acquainted with the port and enjoy all kinds of demonstrations on the water, ship viewings and presentations.
• In addition to being a popular nightlife area, the Oude Haven is also a good location for photographing the old harbour. There are also several old ships in the harbor, which again creates a nice contrast between old and new.
• The Delfshaven in Rotterdam is a picturesque marina, which can still be admired in its original state. The characteristic mansions make it seem as if you are in Amsterdam.
• The popular cube houses are almost impossible to miss. Close to the Market Hall, the cube houses can be admired from below, which makes for a beautiful but interesting image.
• For a more industrial picture, the railway bridge De Hef is the place to be. De Hef, also known as Koningshavenbrug, is now a symbol of Rotterdam's industrial past.
• For nature lovers, the Kralingse bosgebied with pond is a nice place to photograph, and that in the heart of Rotterdam. With the greenery and the Kralingse plas in the foreground, the city center of Rotterdam still stands out.
• Whoever thinks of Rotterdam probably also immediately thinks of the Euromast. In addition to photographing the Euromast itself, it is also possible to look over the city at the panoramic points and photograph it from above.

Want to learn to photograph or gain experience?

Would you like to participate in the photography day in Rotterdam during the World Port Days? Then take a look at photography day Rotterdam and sign up! Or choose one of our other workshops.

More interested in a multi-day photography trip? Then there is bound to be something nice for you at the photography weekends- and trips.

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Customer Stories #5 Workshop C-mine

Just across the border in Belgium you will find the C-mine, a beautiful mine perfect for industrial photography. Recently another workshop took place at this unique location. The day was optimally used, both outside and inside the mines were photographed during the blue hour and some spectacular lightpaint demonstrations were given. In these customer stories, Natascha tells about her experience of the workshop.

Participant Natascha about her experience

The workshop C-mine in Genk, Belgium is the first workshop of Travelmarks-Photography in which Natascha has participated. In addition to her work, she has her own photo studio at home where she also regularly photographs. In her field of work as a photographer, she describes herself as very broad because she finds many types of photography interesting and fun to capture, such as fine art, urbex and portraits. In the future, she hopes to turn her passion into her full-time job.

Why did you choose to participate in this workshop?

A friend of mine had selected the workshop, so I went along. The location of the workshop is also a bit urbex-like, so I thought it would be fun to shoot there.

What did you do during the workshop?

We were on location around 11 am until about 8 pm. We have photographed both inside and outside. Even in the evening when it got dark. During the workshop we learned a lot about camera settings, which angles are good to shoot from and how you can create reflections with water. We were also able to take pictures of Mark's lightpaint demonstrations. In doing so, we learned to use the correct camera settings. The C-mine is a great terrain, both the mines and the tunnels were very cool. The stories about the mines and the history behind them were also very impressive. And we were very lucky with the weather. The crowds were also not too bad, which made it easy for us to take pictures. Finally, we all had dinner together to end the day.

Was it as you expected?

I have done workshops before and of course everyone does it differently. But I am very satisfied with the C-mine workshop. There was a nice and relaxed atmosphere. Good instructions were given by Mark and I was able to take a lot of pictures that day. In the whatsapp group with all participants, some have shared their photos. It's nice to see how everyone has their own way of post-processing. Even if everyone took the same photo, the end result can be very different.

How did you find the guidance and would you recommend the workshop to others?

Totally great. Mark was very friendly and open, and you could never ask too many questions. There was enough time for questions and guidance. So a very nice person to follow a workshop with. You notice that he is knowledgeable, takes his time and is calm. But there was definitely a bit of humor too, so highly recommended. I am also certainly open to participating in a photography workshop or trip again.

Want to learn to photograph or gain experience?

Just as excited to participate in one of many workshops? Or even a multi day photography trip? Then take a look for more information and sign up!

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Historic and green Luxembourg

The 4-day photography trip to Luxembourg has recently taken place again. A trip close to home but it still has a lot to offer. Including the old city center where remnants of the fortress walls can still be seen. The city center even belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage List. But there is also plenty to visit outside the city. Luxembourg city is surrounded by beautiful nature, full of hiking trails and castles. Which makes it an ideal destination for photography.

Do you want to know more about the diversity of Luxembourg? Then take a look at our other newsitem.

Photography tour in versatile Luxembourg

Last October, Travelmarks and a group of students spent a few days in the versatile and green Luxembourg. Including student Arijan van Alphen, who has had a passion for nature and sports photography for a long time. It was the first time for him to participate in a photography trip and workshop. In this news item, Arijan tells about his experience of the photography trip to Luxembourg.

Why did you choose to join the Luxembourg trip?

I had been looking for a photography workshop for some time to improve my photography skills, but many workshops are often only half a day and a large group. The advantage of the trip to Luxembourg was the small group and the pricing. When I came across this photo tour on Facebook, it caught my eye. The promise of a small group of students with an appealing, versatile program appealed to me, which is why I decided to sign up.

What did you do during the 4-day trip?

I've tried many things to take different types of photos, for example playing with depth of field. The waterfalls at Schiessentümpel and Kallektuffquell that we visited were nice, because I prefer to have something of water in nature photography. The evening/night photography in Esch-sur-Sûre and Vianden were another branch of photography for me that also gave me inspiration. We couldn't have been more fortunate in terms of weather conditions.

The photos below were taken by Arijan during the photo tour.

How was the guidance and do you have any tips for the next workshop?

As expected actually, excellent guidance before and during the trip. In addition to the planned activities, there was also room for improvisation, which we eagerly used as a group. During the trip, Mark had the necessary tips and tricks for every student at his/her level and, not to forget, sufficient attention, not only in terms of photography, but also for the person. The time schedule was determined so that everyone on location could go wild with photography. In a few weeks we will meet again with the group to share our photos, among other things.

A tip for a next photography tour or workshop would be a general explanation upon arrival at a location, before everyone starts shooting. For example, by sharing some tips and explanations about the correct camera settings, so that we can get started right away.

Would you recommend this trip to others?

It is definitely recommended for others. It is freely accessible and short. In addition, it is suitable for all levels. I will even participate in another photography workshop at Travelmarks soon.

Want to learn to photograph or gain experience?

Would you also like to participate in a photography tour or workshop yourself? Then take a look at the many workshops or at the multi-day photo trips and tours, and sign up!

Till clicks!