All right you guys, any last minute suggestions. I'm off with the family tomorrow for 4 days in London and 3 in Paris. We're on one of those Brendan Tours so some of the time will be structured, but lots won't be. What is and isn't worth the trouble. I'm bringing along the D70, 28-70/2.8, 80-200/2.8, 18-70 kit lens (spends lots of time in the bag), SB800 and my sony DCR-TRV-22 with big battery and wide angle. 3.5 gigs of cards and will be shooting on JPG large. I prefer RAW but couldn't afford a portable storage solution after paying for the trip. Oh yeah, I'm also bringing along the kids and my lovely wife.

Time to give up the must see spots.

Thanks in advance.

If you left the wife and kids at home, you'd have a lot more money for storage media. Hey, maybe even a small laptop to hold all your shots during the trip.

Seriously, sounds like you're going ot have a great time, and maybe be a bit overwhelmed at all you'll find to shoot.

When I travel, I try to have two (or more) seperate visions, IOW eyes or ways of looking at things. Part of me tries to document the trip with general shots including family and/or friends.

At the same time, I look very intently for more artistic shots of light play on structures and scenes, being sure to include elements that reflect the distinct culture or country that I'm in.

Thirdly, I keep an eye out for people shots, most likely tighter compositions where the human element is the main focus.

Good luck withthe trip. We can't wait to see what you come up with...

Lets see, London. Well, I could suggest a few places, but I am not sure whether you are going there or not. Greenwich (you know, as Greenwich Mean TIme). Besides the clocks and such, there are some fantastic botanical gradens surrounding it, and lovely walkways and such. The Thames and everything near and on it is good too. The Tower of London as well, but that's pretty much just tourist fodder. Piccadily Square too. Can't think of much else. Hope this helps.

Drew

Have a blast. I wish I could quit my job and find the money to go over for a few months again. I didn't spend a lot of time in Paris but remember there are some great overlooks of the city that you can check out.

http://www.scottharaldson.com/europe/images/Paris.jpg

Wow, bringing that much gear and the family? I just got back from a week in Maui with the family, but alas, I packed light for the trip .There were a few times I wished I had packed my usual photo gear like you are doing, but the airline I was on only allows one carry on for the trip to Maui, and I wasn't about to check in either my cameras or my laptop and take any chances on theft or damages.
Enjoy your trip. Upload some e-postcards from Europe if you get a chance (i'm sure at least some of their hotels have internet access).