Jim, I went through this with my son and his laptop recently - glad you found the information re:power blocks.

Every airline is going to be different in terms of max weight allowed and carry on. In flying to the U.S. and the Caribbean, I have never had an airline tell me to check my Lowepro Computrekker camera bag. However, on smaller/charter airlines the overhead bins can be really cramped and getting the backpack in and out is a challenge.
There are some special allowances for camera equipment as cabin baggage - the NPAA may be a source of info for that - but I've not been stopped from taking a tripod as cabin baggage, although it is a pita to do so.

ann

I just remember reading about stringent carry-on limits at Heathrow.

I really, really don't want to check bodies or lenses. Bunch of thieves.

Pathfinder,
I know when we went through Paris and on to Barcelona that I carried my Tamarac camera backpack that I had in Utah all the way with no questions asked. I do believe that the weight limit is 50 lbs and the max length is 30 inches. We flew on Air France. Good luck with it. Wish I were going :cry(my hubby is saying to go, but I haven't decided for sure!) but that is my new camera and a lens almost for the trip price.

Sheila

That is one of my concerns exactly, Sid.

I've been round the world (both directions) for trips to India, plus another two trips to India as well as a trip to Germany in the last 12 months and last summer we spent 35 days in Europe.

On these trips I've dealt with United, Air France, Lufthansa, Singapore, Indian Airlines, All Nippon, Delta and Jet. Some, but not all, of that was in the business class cabin and I know they have more of a tendency to turn a blind eye to some stuff over coach, but not always. Additionally, I work with many people who travel frequently to intl destinations -- most of them travel coach. I've only heard of one issue, which I discuss below, and that was due to very bored counter agents.

I have traveled on all these trips with a large Dell notebook bag that is kind of similar to this one:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...x?sku=310-6323

In it I kept my notebook, couple magazines, misc over-the-counter meds, mp3 player, headphones, P&S, sometimes 30D + lens, books, tickets, passport, wallet, etc. Usually weights about 20 lbs. :dunno

All my clothes went in to this:

http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/ca...=product&id=42

Yes, this is the new version and mine were purchase 2 years ago, but they are all the same size of 9" x 21" x 14". I keep this under 40-ish lbs.

We took seven of these bags when I took my family of seven (one for each of us) to Europe. We carried them all on the plane with and additional "personal" item. My personal item was the Dell notebook bag.

I've had two "issues". Leaving India they will only allow you to have one carry-on bag and they consider the "personal" item a carry-on bag, so I checked the Rick Steve's bag and took the Dell bag with me. The other one was returning from Munich in August where they insisted that I attach the lens to my 30D so they could look through the lens. Turning on the camera wasn't enough. She wanted to look through it. The lens and 30D were in my Dell bag at the time.

I have had some co-workers, because they arrived at the airport REALLY early and got very bored counter agents, get hassled about their carry-on stuff because they were over weight. I've NEVER had them weight anything that I've carried on the plane. Flying coach or business. Never heard of anyone else having this issue, so I think it might just be a one-off.

From what I understand Heathrow only allows one bag. Period. One bag per person, so you might need to check something coming home. I try to always avoid Heathrow if possible, but when you're going to Scotland that will be hard. :wink

I purchased, for the Glacier shoot out the Airport International bag from thinktankphoto.com which is just a little smaller at 8x14x21. They also have the Airport Security bag which I wanted, but everyone was out of stock. Security bag is a little bigger. Again, no issues with this and it was REALLY packed with 3 bodies, 400mm DO, 70-200mm f/2.8, etc. Weighed just under 50 lbs and had no issues getting it to Glacier and back except that Chris and I needed to gate check both of them (Chris has one as well) when leaving Kalispell as the plane was totally full. I do recommend this bag and will have the Airport Security version soon, so might be open to selling the International. :thumb

Hope that helps...Doug

Heathrow rules
 

For info about what Heathrow allows, best to check their web site:

http://www.heathrowairport.com/porta...urity+control/

Currently the site says the following for traveling FROM Heathrow to the US:


Each passenger may take only one item of hand baggage through
security control. It must be no larger than:

• 56cm (22in) tall
• 45cm (17.7in) wide
• 25cm (10in) deep

You should also check with your airline, as some operate further limits on
bag size. Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single
item of cabin baggage, but not separately.


If your prefered airline has different rules you might use this as a reason to give another airline a try. :wink

If you stay inside those rules you should not have any issues. Of course they don't always enforce every rule.

If your bag looks heavy and/or you act like it is work to move it, they will be more likely to weight it, so build up those muscles so you can toss it around like it was nothing.

Hey Waxy,

Camera gear itself is not a problem for carry on, I've traveled by plane with it more times than I can count. The thing you could possibly run in to, is the size limit of the carry on luggage. Most airlines have certain size limitations. Usually you can find them on the website. They are usually not bad, and as long as you are reasonably close to that, you should be fine. Not sure what you are bringing, but a big Crumpler backpack is not a problem usually, for example.

The stringency is mainly related to fluids. There are a bunch of bizar requirements now that prohibit you from taking items that have more than 100ml of fluids, and more than X amount total. The item itself, needs to be in a special plastic bag. This actually counts for pretty much everything that is not solid. You should be okay though, just leave your makeup at home :thumb


Pathfinder,

I've used mac chargers and canon chargers in the US (110V) and in Europe (230V) without any problems (the Mac charger I know for sure it says on it that input is fine within 100 and 240 V and 50-60Hz, and I'm pretty sure the canon one says the same thing) :thumb You will need a different plug. It's not the same as most of the rest of europe. It looks like this.

What has worked very well for me when I am alone traveling to far off places is the Karachi Outpost model by Crumpler as it will hold my laptop when I need to check in all other bags such as my normal computer case which I normally carry on as my handbag, in addition to my Crumpler. This way I have the important stuff with me no matter what, camera, lenses and laptop. The issue can be that the Crumpler will not slide in the overhead on small regional jets or planes but it is very easy to take it out once on board and place it below your beet. The Crumpler has that sleeve that comes with the pack just for this purpose.

I fly fairly frequently inside the US and know what's permissible here.

But I understand Heathrow, in particular, to be very picky and limiting about carry-on. IOW, it's not an airline issue but an airport security issue.

Am I wrong?

Thanks Doug. Just wondering if this is security driven, or airline driven.

yes but not completely. The size of the carry on luggage can be a security risk, in case it would not fit in the overhead storage compartments or under the chairs. The airport usually gives guidance for this, but the responsibility lies with the company (the captain actually, technically). The airport itself does not have people checking the size of the luggage.

The size of what is permissible for carry on luggage, is determined by airline. This should be looked at during check-in (by people that work for the airline directly or indirectly). You will see iron baskets sometimes and you could be asked to see if your luggage fits in there.

At Heathrow (and a lot of UK airports) they are strict with rules as far as what you can take with you as far as content. I've never found them to be more strict with size there than elsewhere though. As long as you meet the minimums, there should not be any problem. If you get a soft bag/backpack it may be easier to stuff your bag in there.

OK, thanks Ivar. For domestic US travel most (all?) airlines allow two carry-ons, and you can get away with murder.

It's been a long time since I've seen them stuff someone's bag into one of those measuring frames.

As somone who flies fairly regularly out of the UK can I just give the following general advice

Check out the British Airport Authority Website:- http://www.baa.com/

Don't waste time getting through security, do it as soon as you arrive, there are always plenty of services the other side of security so there's no need to wait.

Whatever time you think it's going to take to get through security, treble it, stay calm and don't make comical remarks about bombs and terrorism, if you even mention the 'B' word you'll get yourself in serious difficulties.

Make sure you check what you are allowed to carry in your carry-on luggage, it will be screened and you will be pulled up if you have anything that's prohibited (these are the people that cause the long queues (lines,) they either ignore the instructions or don't read them. For instance you have to place things such as toiletries in a transparent resealable bag.

Current restrictions here

Charlie

I love Mull!!!
 

I spent part of my honeymoon on Mull and I am still threatening to move there someday.
Tobermory is lovely...a line of pretty painted houses along the shore. (just like in Ballimorie on TV)
My husband and I spent some time in the MacDonald Arms pub (I am related to the MacDonalds but from Skye). It was in this pub that I learned to drink scotch. If you want to acquire this (expensive) habit, get a whiskey with a beer chaser - alternate sips. Don't do this with cider...it is much too sweet. Don't drink Tobermory whiskey...it isn't very good. Oban is much better. My favs inlcude Laphroaig (peaty) and Isle of Jura (smooth).

Make sure you take a look at the sky at night. You are so far away from any lights that you see more stars than you thought possible.

I went to the highland clearance cottages that are in the agenda. They are pretty cool. When I saw them, there were sheep all around them. Also, some people were cutting peat in the field near there.

Calgary Alberta was named after Calgary Bay on Mull by an RCMP officer who had vacationed there as a child.

If there are any Australians here/going, make sure you see Macquarie's tomb on the island - he was from Mull and went back when he died.

We also spent an afternoon on Iona which is nice. It is where the Scottish kings are buried but there is no real record of who is buried where.

Oh, I am sooooo jealous.

Moni,

Thanks for sharing some very cool tips. Looks like we will be shooting all night, maybe with whisky in hand:D

I'm in and can't wait, that's my prize money from Professional Photographer of the Year spent already, and I haven't even got the cheque yet :rofl

Charlie

Hah! :clap

2 spots left, folks. :deal

..I am planning on going to Scotland .... in August/September.


I don't have $4k for this. :cry

Wow - this looks fantastic. Shame I cant afford it :dunno but I might go up on my tod with motorbike and tent and have a good look-see at all these locations after you guys have been there.

Surprised you didn't include Skye in the itinerary, but I'm sure Mull will be most excellent.

For those who are going, would anyone be interested in swinging through Ireland and Wales as well? I was planning an Ireland/Wales/Scotland vacation for next summer anyway, and since my Scotland leg is all planned out, I've been investigating the Ireland/Wales portions. I'd make a great travel partner in Ireland, as I studied abroad there a number of years ago. :D I've been dying to go back ever since.

My ideal plan is to fly in to Shannon and reexplore the west coast (Galway is one of my fave places in the world) then trek across to Dublin (which is about a three-hour drive straight, though I imagine taking a southern route there, through Kerry). From Dublin, you can catch a ferry to Holyhead, Wales. From there, it's simply a matter of driving north. :wink

Still checking prices and all that, but I thought I'd see if anyone else was game. And if you can drive a manual, how may I bribe you to join me? :rofl

What length of time are you considering Kerry? MY wife and I can both drive a stick too....... She drives a Mini everyday!

I have not purchased my airfaire yet, but would like to get cracking on that within the next week or so, as I suspect fares will start rising after the New Year

A bit more info on the Ireland/Wales bit if anyone is curious or interested in joining me: I've found a deal for $1500 for two weeks (one week in Ireland and one week in Wales/England before meeting up with everyone in Glasgow). This includes a rental car and room fees, but not airfare.

Some places of interest I hope to (re)visit (and hope to entice others with): Galway, Aran Islands, Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Killarney, Ring of Kerry (Ireland), Swansea, Cardiff (Wales), Bath, Salisbury, Stonehenge, Manchester (or Liverpool, if you're all about the Beatles), the Lake Country, and maybe Edinburgh (because I just want to say that I've been there). :D

Wales would be an absolutely lovely drive all along the west and south coast (which would take about a day--it's a small country).

I'm slightly addicted to country hopping, but this would be my first time doing it by car. Thus I'd welcome some company on the journey. :wink

Ack! I was replying at the same time! :rofl I just gave a rough sketch above, but I can negotiate on time if it means I can have some company. I recognize not everyone is a fan of the three-week vacation, or has that much PTO. :huh

I absolutely wish I could spend an extra week going around all the Isles. The time I spent in Ireland years ago was too short and I was too new to photography to take advantage of the beautiful country!

Wales has also loooooong been on my list of places to go. But again it's going to have to wait. :(:

Are you sure it has to be a manual transmission? I drive a stick every day but the prospect of doing so on the "wrong" side of the road/car was too daunting and we opted to rent an automatic. :lol3

When I studied abroad there eight years ago, I didn't even own a camera. Many of my photos from that amazing time are from disposable cameras! :rolleyes

And I can upgrade to an automatic, but I'm trying to do this on a budget. :D The "wrong" side of the road thing terrifies me. As do traffic circles. I hate them. The first time I came to DC for an interview, I got lost walking around Dupont Circle. God help me if I try it while driving...

Kathy and I want to spend an extra week or so either prior or after the shoot, but I am not sure we can wangle three weeks total. Give me a few days to talk to here and her boss and my boss etc, etc.

I have never driven on the left side of the road, but what could possibly go wrong with that??:D :D I would not want to do in heavy traffic, but otherwise....

Sure thing! Even just that week of Wales/England would be fantastic to do, and I could certainly settle for that. Absolutely amazing drive, I'm told (and potentially exciting in a Griswold kind of way, sounds like!). :D Could even just fly into Dublin for a day before taking the ferry over, if y'all've never been.

I plan to permanently reside in Ireland one day anyhow (soon as Penguin Books hires me in their Dublin office), so I can get my fill of it then. :wink

There is but one spot remaining on the trip. So, if you've been on the fence about it, now is the time to hop off! :D

As much as I'd love to, I can't make Scotland, but if your interested I'd be keen to meet up / help out for some or all of Swansea, Cardiff, Bath, Salisbury, Stonehenge. I'd strongly recommend that you make some time for West Wales, fantastic coastline and plenty of history.

I also drive with a stick on the correct side of the road. Andy and Gus may vouch for my driving capabilities :D

Beautiful photo
 

Can you please explain to me how made the water look like you did? It is truly an amazing photo! I wish I could attend your workshop. It sounds amazing.

You talked me into in Jon.

Now I need to get a large scale map and begin to plot out a route -

How near Manchester are you? I REALLY would prefer to avoid Heathrow
from what I have read.

Am I daft, or is it worthwhile to avoid Heathrow as a phtographer?

Can a Yank learn to drive safely in Great Britain also? Do we need an International drivers License?

I know you drove a motorhome here in the colonies, so you must have some ideas about these questions.

I want to begin to finalize the plans over the next week or so, so that I can purchase my tickets as soon as possible. Any comments, LLewellyn?

If you or anyone else coming, have time to take in Wells, or any other part of the south west that Jon isn't able to show you I would love to share it with you :) Wells is about 20 miles from Bath.

Caroline

How near Manchester are you? I REALLY would prefer to avoid Heathrow
from what I have read.
Am I daft, or is it worthwhile to avoid Heathrow as a phtographer?

Jim, Manchester is 3+ hrs North of Heathrow, If you're trying to avoid LHR because of the security don't, they're all BAA airports and are under the same restrictions.
Heathrow runs at something like 95% capacity so it only takes a small problem to cause a large one., but if you avoid peak holiday periods, you should be fine. When my brother comes home he always flies in to Heathrow or Gatwick & rarely has a problem.

Can a Yank learn to drive safely in Great Britain also? Do we need an International drivers License?

If a limey can drive a motorhome in the US (My problems only came about giving gus a lift, it's hard concentrating when your laughing so much :lol3 ), I'm sure a yank can drive safely in the UK :roflwe just drive on the left, have a few more bends, roundabouts, and traffic everywhere. You'll be fine!!!

I'm positive your US licence is OK, but just did a quick google to double check :thumb

You get used to it very quickly, just remember to go clockwise round the roundabouts otherwise it does get a bit scary :jawdrop

driving in scotland
 

Hello everyone,
I jump late into the discussion but here I am anyways. I also singed up for the workshop and I’m very excited to return yet again to Scotland. A truly amazing land that quickly became on of my favorite places on this earth.
For those that worry about the driving; don’t. Rent automatic it really helps make things simple.
The driving part is easy even in traffic, simply because in traffic you follow others and it becomes very unlikely to be on the wrong side.
Once you are away from the cities and the high traffic then roads often become one lane with passing points all along the route driving there couldn’t be easier.
In other words not much to worry about.

Hello Emmanuel!

I am truly stunned by your photography. I look forward to meeting you and seeing how you go about the land capturing such beauty! :thumb

Wowee. Your work is fantastic. :bow

answer to Plestig
 

Hello Plestig,
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If you want to achieve the cloud like appearance of the water you need to capture the scene with a long exposure.
The more you expose the less detail you get on the moving water, that is the key to understanding this simple procedure.
In this instance I exposed for 3 seconds the scene, as the water kept flowing the camera was recording.
Light conditions are very important to think off, as they make it possible or not to capture scenes with long exposure. On that day the weather was raging furious, with constant rain and the ambient light was dim as you can imagine.
I immediately thought it would be a great day to photograph the Fairy Pools as this place is called.
Overall I would say overcast does allow you to close down enough your diaphragm to get over half a second exposures, which is fine.
Try at home with your shower, record the running water for few seconds with your camera and see for yourself. Keep in mind that just because you need long exposure doesn’t necessarily mean that the more you exposure the better. This is an artistic decision try different things and fine tune according to your taste.
<o:p></o:p>
Cheers,
Emmanuel
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I also want to snag my tickets soon. The route I outlined follows the west coast of Wales and then south before crossing to Bath and Salisbury, then north to Manchester and the Lake Country to Glasgow. I think flying in to Dublin and hopping the ferry over to Holyhead would work best for this. Holyhead is in the NW of Wales. (This is assuming the Wales portion preceeds the Scotland portion.) You could then depart from Glasgow and not have to deal with any London airports. :D

The travel agent I'd been working with could set up the rental car for the week with overnight stays in Aberysywth (should we need it early on the trip), Cardiff, and Manchester. I can check on Bath or Salisbury availability. Price when I last checked with them for the deal was $960 per person, excluding airfare.

I bought my large scale maps of Great Britain this afternoon - I will look at your suggestions more seriously tomorrow evening, and try to finalize these plans.