Use Your Camera as a Travel Blogging Tool for Online Writing

Taking hundreds of photos on a weekend is one thing. Keeping them organized is another. That's why I turn my camera a travel blogging tool for online writing. Using it effectively makes life easier and writing faster.

Equipment
Using a camera as a blogging tool requires technique; not special equipment. Early on, an inexpensive camera with settings for audio, macro and video will do just fine. As your travel blogging and online writing improve you can upgrade along the way.

Choose one that feels solid and well made is a must for travel blogging. Expect that the camera will be bumped around. Two sets of long life or rechargeable batteries are a must.

Example
My family frequently adds side trips on to our vacations. On the way to Walt Disney World in 2010 we detoured to visit a wildlife refuge and see where Fried Green Tomatoes was filmed. On return, we had lunch with friends in Daytona, visited a beach and enjoyed a state park.

Using my camera as a blogging tool made doing write-ups on these articles a snap. These techniques should help you too.

How
Photograph a sign when you first reach your destination. All the photos that follow go with that location. In the example above my first photo was a Juliette, GA sign. Photos for the town followed. The next shot was the sign at the Piedmont Wildlife Refuge etc

When shootling like this, sequences are organized chronologically and by topic. It's one way my camera shines as a travel blogging tool. Dates and times on the photos are recorded automatically. Writing the article later is easy.

Taking photographic notes
Using the camera as a travel blogging tool turns my photos into notes. Park entrance and attraction booths often have the hours and costs posted on a sign. A photo is quicker than jotting notes and easier for me to keep up with.

Audio
I also use the audio mode to turn my camera into a travel blogging tool for online writing. By flipping the button to audio I can ask a question and record the tour guide's answer. A sentence or two is usually all that's needed.

Video
The video mode easily turns your camera a travel blogging tool for online writing. You can take a 360 degree video to watch later when you write the article. Short videos of state and national parks can potentially be uploaded.
Another benefit to using your camera a travel blogging tool is the ability to create still photos from video clips. As you review your work for online writing you may want a shot of something from a different angle. Video sometimes offers a second chance at the perfect shot.

Permission
This is a necessity. Always ask permission if you video a person and want to use the clip in your travel blogging later. Some travel bloggers and online writers carry model permission forms for this very reason.

Strictly speaking, the release might not be needed if you only use the video for background information later. However, it's always better to be covered. Be sure to always cite your sources when travel blogging or writing any online article.

Receipts
Photographs make keeping up with receipts a breeze. Plus, using your camera as a travel writing tool this way keeps the receipt in sequence with your trip. Everything is at your fingertips when you write the article later.

These tips are all good ways to use your camera as a travel blogging tool. Online writing goes much faster and smoother. You may be surprised at how much difference it makes.