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How do I photograph tonight without being the tourist everyone hates

Seen by 37 travellers
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Weihao Chen•206 rep•2

I have a small mirrorless, no drone (already left it in Colombo). Last night I watched a guy walk into the road for a low elephant shot and a policeman shoved him back. Where is it actually ok to stand with a camera. Flash? Kids in the procession? Can I kneel on the white line.

10
colombowildlifephotographyfamily-travel

4 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Stay on the pavement side of the police tape / white line. Do not step into the roadway for a clean shot - that is the dancers' and tuskers' lane. No flash in the elephants' faces. No walking alongside the Maligawa tusker or the relic casket to track it. Kids in the troupes are still kids in a religious procession, not models - if a parent or a steward looks at you, lower the camera. A 35 or 50 mm from the kerb is enough. The light is tungsten and fire, push the ISO, do not light them up.

11
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Dhammika Wijetunga•1820 rep•1

I shot last night from a first-floor cafe window I paid for with a ginger beer. Better than fighting the front row. If you are on the street, sit rather than hover over people's heads with a zoom. The procession comes back the same way - you get a second pass if you stay put.

7
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Dimas Pratama•193 rep•1

The pretty shot is the reflection on wet tarmac after a shower, not your face next to a tusker. If it rains tonight, that is the picture. Umbrella down when the line is in front of you so the people behind can see.

4
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Nisansala Hettiarachchi•1185 rep•1

Kerb, no flash, no white line. Got it.

2
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Weihao Chen•206 rep•2

Scam Watch: colombo

Broken Meter ScamVerified

Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.

👍 67•by virajperera
Government TukTuk ScamVerified

Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.

👍 52•by virajperera
Milk Powder Beggar ScamVerified

Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.

👍 25•by virajperera
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