PhotoTours FAQ
FAQ - Patagonia Photography Tour
Wardrobe
What type of clothing should I take with me ?
Besides wearing sun blocker at all times, it’s also a great idea to wear a comfortable hat, or baseball cap during the entire tour. It will not only protect you from the sun and the elements, but it will also provide you with enough shade while working outside and with your equipment. Make sure your have head protection (any type of hat) that is tightly in place. High winds are known to remove hats from people’s heads and offer them to the hill’s cliffs! Sunglasses are also a good option while outside. Make sure you get UV protection since without it, you will not be able to see your camera’s monitor/electronic viewfinder.
Technology
What type of electric voltage is available in Argentina & Chile ?
Argentina & Chile have implemented the European norm of 220 volts. Unlike the US, electrical outlets have two rounded holes instead of rectangular ones. It’s strongly recommended the purchase of electrical adapters for charging your photo and electronic devices – see reference picture. Most camera chargers automatically switch between electric currents since they were designed for a global market. If you’re not certain about your device’s electrical compatibility, please make sure to check its manufacturer’s manual before plugging-in to a foreign electrical outlet.
Would I get cellphone coverage and WIFI reception in Patagonia ?
Most US cellphone carriers currently offer either free roaming or an international plan options. Please consult with your carrier regarding your plan options. Argentina and Chile have 4G LTE infrastructure. In big cities, such as Buenos Aires and Santiago, fast coverage is better spread out. In the Patagonia, you can find high speed networks in the cities of El Calafate, Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas. For fast and reliable internet access we suggest you to utilize local WIFI access spots along our trip. WiFi is a worldwide standard and it will be available at every hotel we stay during our trip. Don’t hesitate to request its password access at the time of check-in. Although is very common to find WiFi access on local bars, restaurants and sometimes convenience stores, please remember that these are open networks (even if they are password protected) that are shared with all the other customers around you. Never connect to services that request sensitive information such as a bank, pension or personal account services while on these networks.
Should I back-up all my photos every night ?
YES! We most definitively suggest to do a daily backup. Although digital equipment and storage have become reliable enough, you should always make several backups of your content. Ideally, have external drives to backup to. It's also important not to keep all backups in the same bag. If possible have many memory cards available so you never have to re-use them during the tour (They will become your first backup) IT experts recommend at least three separate backup solutions for any given content. Although backing everything up to the cloud is a good way of storing your files, fast Internet access might be hard to come by in remote locations.
What type of equipment should I take ?
First of all we suggest you have a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera. The rest of the equipment might depend on the type of photos you’re interesting in capturing. Is landscape photography your passion ? Perhaps we can suggest a portable tripod with a fluid head and a set if wide angle lenses as well as some tele-photo primes. Are you interested in Patagonia’s wild life ? Then you might be better off with a long tele-photo lens with a teleconverter. Whatever your aim is, we’ll love to help you decide if you’re unsure. All cameras, equipment and people are welcome.
Travel
What is included on the Patagonia photo tour?
The tour includes one on one photography instruction, all the lodging, transportation for each segment of the trip, all meals, national park entrances and excursions.