Photography Confessions

OK, might as well get it out of the way right now. I shoot Nikon and currently only have Nikon lenses. I am using the Nikon D90 body with the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and Nikon 50mm f/1.8. I am not a professional, just a avid amateure. The features on the D90 are everything I need without the bulk and cost of the Nikon D300 or D3 (although I do like the high ISO options). I tend towards landscape photography of which we have many opportunities around the Portland area.
I find the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR great for general travel, but I am strongly considering the Tokina 11-16mm 2.8 for landscape work.
The Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR works fine for general people photography, but the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 is outstanding when you have time to switch and use it.
I am also considering the older Nikkor 75-300 instead of the Nikon 70-300mm VR to get a little more reach when shooting birds in the nearby Whittaker Ponds preserve. I don't need VR as I'll be using a tripod and it will save some money.

Irish Travel Tip of the Day

Rent your car online prior to leaving, it is cheaper and easier than negotiating at the airport. Use Irish Car Rentals as they have the best prices. Get a manual if you can drive one, they are a lot cheaper than an automatic. Make sure you allow for people and luggage in your vehicle choice. Get the smallest car possible, the roads are narrow, but make sure you are comfortable and have room for your luggage. We found the Opel Zefira to be a good choice when traveling with older people. It is easy to get in and out of and holds a good deal of luggage. It sits up a bit higher than a car allowing for better visibility.

Irish Travel Tip of the Day

Take travel adapters for your electronics when traveling from the US to Ireland. Irelands electricity supply is 220 volts at 50hz, whereas the United States uses 120 volts at 60hz.
Make sure that your electronic device can switch to accommodate 220 otherwise you'll need a travel converter (most include one each of the different adapters).
The plugs in Ireland look like the first two images below. Your normal plug goes into the back. I usually carry about 3 or 4. The second image is a good travel converter with different plugs. Don't forget your battery chargers for your phone, camera and GPS! (see the Digital Ireland Travel checklist)

Irish Travel Tip of the Day

How to purchase and drink a pint of Guinness. The first key is to go to the bar to place your order. If you get a seat at a table, it would be a good while until someone comes over to take an order. Place your order with the bartender, pay if he asks or if you're only having one pint and then go sit down. Guinness takes awhile to pour properly and unless there is one partially poured, it will take a few minutes. Keep an eye out for the bartender to signal you that your pint is ready. Go back up to the bar and collect it and return carefully to your table. You don't want to spill it after all this time.
At this point techniques will vary. I've heard you can tell by the rings of foam on the inside of the glass you can tell the nationality of the drinker. If there are 12-15 rings, you're American. If there are 8-12 rings, you're English. If there are 5-8 rings, you're Irish. If there is 2 or less, you're Australian. In any event, you can choose your method and enjoy your pint.

Irish Travel Tip of the Day

Scampi can have a different meaning in parts of Ireland. Most people would assume that scampi refers to shrimp cooked in butter and herbs. We saw scampi on the menu in a restaurant and asked for it, they were out. We returned a few nights later and, oh joy, they had it. When it arrived it was shaped more like a pack of gum than a shrimp. On further investigation it proved to be a fish stick. They were fine as fish sticks go, just not an adequate substitute for shrimp when your mouth is set on it. The waitress confirmed that scampi meant "fish fingers" there. The Irish couple next to us said that they always thought it meant shrimp too. The lesson is to look for "shrimp scampi" or ask what the waiter believes scampi to be.

Irish Travel Tip of the Day

Sign distances posted could be in miles or kilometers, and are often not labeled with either one, just a number. Most are in kilometers now, but some signs in miles still linger. Distance also depends on the route. There is more than one way to get anywhere on the back roads.

Irish Travel Tip of the Day

Take reusable grocery bags to the grocery stores. You will be charged for shopping bags (as much as a Euro each), and it is easier to bring your own (sturdier) ones. We brought a couple nylon mesh grocery bags from home and kept them in the car. The bags at IKEA that sell for .59 are great as well. Dunnes Storeshave bags you can purchase for about 2 Euro that are large and reusable and make a good souvenir.

Photo Tips

Do your homework - Research the areas you intend to travel through. Look up scenic sites and areas. Make a list and mark the locations on your travel atlas. Read blogs and travel journals. Do image searches of Counties and towns to see recommended sites and areas you'd like to visit.

Irish Travel Tip of the Day

Sit at the bar if you want to talk to people. If you sit at a table they will assume you want to be left alone. You'll get service and not much else. If you sit at the bar, you're fair game. Buy a round or a pint for people at the bar, and you're sure to be popular.

Irish Travel Tip of the Day

I take a good many pictures when I travel to Ireland. I've used point and shootto larger fixed lens cameras to DSLRs.
My mileage varies as will yours. The trade off is portability vs. image quality. The point and shoot fits in your pocket or small bag, but you won't get the nice interior shots in low light that you can with a DSLR.
Of course you could be a tourist and use the flash, blinding everyone in the pub and disturbing the poor musician causing him to drop the family fiddle onto the flagstone floor. OK, you don't want to be that guy (or gal). Learn how to use your camera, turn off the flash and bump up the ISO setting.