This is my list of the special places that inspire multiple rolls of film being exposed in a somewhat ordered way:

1. Angkor Wat near Siem Reap, Cambodia by far is in first. A MUST see.

2. The Grand Canyon

3. Granada, Spain (Al Alhambra, Sacramonte)

4. Segovia, Spain (Roman Aqueduct)

5. Rome, Italy (Roman Ruins)

6. Djemila and Timgad, Algeria (Roman Ruins near Constantine)

7. Paris (people, places and THE Tower)

8. NYC (The Brooklyn Bridge, skyline, and people)

9. Bilbao, Spain (The Guggenheim Museum)

10. The Great Wall (Badaling and Mutanyue)

11. Hong Kong Skyline (especially from Victoria Peak and the ferry)

12. In and Around San Fransisco

13. Last But Not Least, Auschwitz

On The List:

1. Machu Pichu

2. The Great Pyramids

3. Chichiniza (sp?)

4. Greece

5. Turkey

6. Tunisia

7. The National Parks in southern Utah.

I like people (street), landscape, architecture, particularly ruins (history of great civilizations).

Any More Ideas?

-- chris chen (chrischen@msn.com), March 31, 2002

Answers

And this has WHAT to do with Leica, Chris. Can't you take your travelog somewhere else?

-- Alec (alecj@bellsouth.net), March 31, 2002.

Couldn't help but notice that most (all?) of the places you list are on that list simply because they're "photogenic". Also couldn't help but imagine the resulting pile of "gee, nice pic" postcard shots. OK I admit I'm a DAH brown noser but one of the things he emphasized when I took a workshop with him was to start in your own backyard. When the ordinary and everyday begin to inspire multiple rolls, then you're ready to go out into the world.

-- Anon Terry (anonht@yahoo.com), March 31, 2002.

And no, I don't think I'm ready to go out into the world...

-- Anon Terry (anonht@yahoo.com), March 31, 2002.

WHY the Aggressiveness?

It has to do w/Leica because it's what I use. Leicas make a great travel kit because of its compactness, if not light weight.

I just wanted to add some nice places that are not out of the reach of most of the people within this forum to consider when nearby, and wanted similar recommendations.

Thats All.

-- chris chen (chrischen@msn.com), March 31, 2002.

Also, I have little choice wrt to my employer on where/when/why to go "into the world" w/o changing companies. I find myself particularly lucky for the opportunity. Exploring the world forces one to explore themselves.

And, exactly what is wrong about photogenic places? Yes, I admit to looking at the postcards even if I have a local along with (friends worldwide and am better for it) for ideas, but I NEVER try to duplicate them.

You are missing a lot, cultural differences are photogenic within themselves.

The post was not to brag, I was requesting other DON'T MISS photogenically places other people have been because I'm bound to be nearby.

-- chris chen (chrischen@msn.com), March 31, 2002.

Anon,

This really surprises me considering my previous posts.

I DON'T have a "permanent" back yard, and I did go cycling around my current back yard to find photogenic opportunities. It was nice, but I didn't finish a roll, so it didn't make the list.

I could've shot much more, but I try for ALL "keepers".

I'm flabergasted.

-- chris chen (chrischen@msn.com), March 31, 2002.

Another point,

It's definately NOT a travel log; one would need a great deal of time to go through MY travelog. It's just the hightlights.

Never a flame from me.

-- chris chen (chrischen@msn.com), March 31, 2002.

Sorry Gang, a Small Flame Please,

What's **** got to do with Leica, as well. As I remember, he/she abandoned Leica recently.

So Sorry Folks, but I thought the comments hostile, not knowing anything about me and my experience.

-- chris chen (chrischen@msn.com), March 31, 2002.

Well...some here are so hung up on equipment, rather than going on adventures and capturing some of it photographically, that they would rather not hear it. Anyway, Machu Picchu sounds nice. How about Ireland? Kauai? Big Island. And, why do some criticize others' choices for what to photograph? To me, one should photograph that which interests them, not what others would like to see. Throw my Leica into a hole when I worry more about what others want to see on my photos. A means to an end, remembering where we've been on this planet with a Leica.

-- James (snodoggydogg@hotmail.com), March 31, 2002.

Chris, do yourself, and the rest of us a favor, and shutup.

-- Glenn Travis (leicaddict@hotmail.com), March 31, 2002.

*boohoo* NO you SHUT up hahaha...wooooo am I in grade school now? rofl

-- James (snodoggydogg@hotmail.com), March 31, 2002.

Chris, I tried e-mailing you privately but it bounced. I will be in Angkor Wat in two weeks and have been struggling with lenses/format to bring. Do you recommend more on the wide angle side or the tele side? My choices are either a Rollei 6008i, 645 back, 50mm and 90mm lenses, or R8 with 19mm, 28mm, 50mm and 100mm. Tripod of course. Thanks.

-- ray tai (razerx@netvigator.com), March 31, 2002.

Thanks for your support James, I almost ran out of tissues "boohooing". 8*)

Still waiting for productive suggestions.

-- chris chen (chrischen@msn.com), March 31, 2002.

Maybe on the forum in photo.net you will find more (and more well- rounded perhaps) suggestions on places. Not all Leica users are as dashing or adventuresome as others.

-- James (snodoggydogg@hotmail.com), March 31, 2002.

What's **** got to do with Leica, as well.

About as much as your post does. So we're about on even ground, no?

As I remember, he/she abandoned Leica recently.

So, what... that disqualifies me from posting in this forum? That is elitism at its worst.

not knowing anything about me and my experience.

How is the air up there on your high horse?

-- Anon Terry (anonht@yahoo.com), March 31, 2002.

Chris, I agree with you that Leicas make excellent travel partners. Carried mine all over the world. Carried not lugged. As far as the "gee wiz post card" comment made, it'll look that way if you shoot it that way. Leicas do make you think a bit more, and often lead to a new take on a cliche' subject. One idea that's led to just such an unusual look at overly exposed sites for me has been going there when its off season or shooting at unusual times. I photographed in the Arizonia desert in 122 degree heat , and in the Sedonia area mystic mountains in the rain. The Ranger said it hadn't rained there in 120 days! Waterfalls gushing down red rock into pools near tribal caves. I don't know about you, but that ain't in my back yard. The point is neither trip resulted in "Post Card" images. I also went into Yellow Stone mid-Winter. The river was steaming against the cold air, with eagles flying through it. The mist from "Old Faithful" turned the nearby forest into a crystal fantasy. When working in NY I get up before dawn and shoot the city during the few minutes that it sleeps. Or just as it wakes up. Leave the color film at home and shoot Miami in Black and White ( that takes dicipline). Oh, and I love shooting around the house also. But given the choice of, say, LA during Oscar Weekend like I just experienced, and staying home to photograph Fluffy for the 10 millionth time, I'm on a plane pronto. Hmmm, I wonder how many airline points I have for use now...

-- Marc Williams (mwilliams111313MI@comcast.net), March 31, 2002.

Thanks for the suggestions,

BW is not in the cards because I cannot self-process, read homeless. I used to when there was a down-the-street photo school/workshop club/rentable darkroom at 213-1/2 S. Main St. from our restaurant at 311 S. Main in Ann Arbor; probably already gone before you invaded my 'hood. I'd love to, though.

-- chris chen (chrischen@msn.com), March 31, 2002.

Chris, Try one of the C41 B&Ws. While a bit harder to work with in a darkroom situation, they seem to scan very well and make excellent ink-jet prints or web files for posting. Just a thought.

-- Marc Williams (mwilliams111313MI@comcast.com), March 31, 2002.

Marc, Thanks for the Idea,

I did try the B&W C41 process film, but the local lab (I don't remember the country) did not give satisfactory results; the prints appeared all soft focused when the color they were able to deal with better. I always hope that they get the film processind right. Then, someday, I'll be able to print them on my own.

It's quite a pity travelling so much; I'd love total control over the final product developing my own B&W and color. But, it's just I love what I do - getting paid to travel "into the world" w/all expenses paid and "living in the local economy", working with the local people, not judging, just asking questions and absorbing a different culture.

-- chris chen (chrischen@msn.com), March 31, 2002.

Damn it, this is supposed to be a Leica forum. This is as bad as the "Critique my baby pictures" post, and those multiple posts of people with bipolar disease who stop taking their Lithium, and believe that every thought they have is of paramont interest to everyone who visits the forum. I used to enjoy sharing my limited knowledge and extensive ignorance with others of similar interests. I note that even Tony rarely posts any more, and I used to always enjoy his attitude and what he had to say.

-- Willhelmn (wmitch3400@hotmail.com), March 31, 2002.

This forum is: "Leica Photography", of Leica AND photography - of objects living or otherwise photogenic to oneself - presumably of photographing these using Leicas, but as is obvious within this forum, the use and comments of Leica compatable equipment as well (Contax, Voit., Konica, Kiev, etc), is and has been acceptable. Paramount being photography.

And, this being a free forum, constructive answers are always welcome; as for the offensive or irrevalent, let's let the moderator determine that, as we are mere visitors.

In the end, if it offends you, ignore it and wait for the "gems" that WILL appear on sublects that are important to YOU that you didn't know before, or go someplace else.

Please continue to point out specific (not generalities) comments that are offensive/irrevalent to you such that I may rephrase my question/comment in the present and in the future.

-- chris chen (chrischen@msn.com), March 31, 2002.

Chris,

Don't forget the southern hemisphere! From my limited experience, I would say that the most photogenic place I've ever seen is Sydney, Australia and its environs. One of Sydney's magical properties is the light. I emigrated there from England, a long time ago, in 1976 but I still remember vividly how I was overwhelmed by the difference from an amateur photographer's point of view. I think one could spend a lifetime photographing Sydney and still not run out of subjects and inspiration. I now live in Jakarta, which is not at all like that. However, one day I hope to return.

-- Ray Moth (ray_moth@yahoo.com), March 31, 2002.

My 2 cents on Leica travel photography: Best place in the world, IMHO- -Ireland. The westcoast is my favorite-Galway,Connemara, Westport, Roundstone, the Burren and the small southern town of Cobh. As long as you don't mind getting your Leicas wet(and they will get wet!), I recommend the Irish countryside, color or black n white. www.zoeicaimages.com

-- chris a williams (LeicaChris@worldnet.att.net), April 01, 2002.

My suggestion, Chris, would be to relish where ever you can go, and shoot what speaks to you about that place. Every place and every culture has something great to offer - if we pay attention. If your job takes you to these places, all the better.

My additions to your list would include Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand, and almost anywhere in Europe. All good targets for your Leica.

-- Ralph Barker (rbarker@pacbell.net), April 01, 2002.

Chris, don't listen to the rude remarks from some of the members. This is a great post and one they probably wish they'd thought of first!

Some "photographers" seem to think that the place doesn't make the photo and that a "truely creative" photographer can capture a brilliant image anywhere. Sort of true, BUT who said it can't be done in wonderful places?

Don't worry Chris.....you, James and I can go off together. And hey, how do i get a job for your company? Do they need a marketing solutions man?

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), April 01, 2002.

Chris, here's one to add to your list: the county of Kaiping in Guangdong province, China. It's a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site (in fact, the county government is applying to have the place listed as one) with some 1,800 "watchtower- houses" (eclectic Chinese-Western style fortified tower dwellings built by wealthy overseas-Chinese in the 1920s and 1930s), located everywhere outside the county capital (Kaipingshi). The townships of Chikan, Tangkou and Xianggang are a must-see. Went to these places last month armed with a Minolta CLE with an Elmarit-M 21mm/2.8 ASPH, a M-Hexanon 28mm/2.8 and an Elmar 90mm/4. Turned out that the 28mm and 21mm (in that order) were the most useful, and the 90mm hardly used. In hindsight, a 24mm or 25mm would have been much better (oh why did I leave my Voigtlander 25mmf/4 home??)

-- Hoyin Lee (leehoyin@hutchcity.com), April 01, 2002.

What's **** got to do with Leica, as well

Lets talk about the 1938 lenses cap for the new Leica 11c ,it was mad e from plastic,this must be stopped,only metal is .....Please post your comments.Hate photos,please stop....my 1939 rubber shutter has been attacked by moths....

-- Allen Herbert (allen1@btinternet.com), April 01, 2002.

I am not quite sure why this post seems to generate a lot of excitement. Personally, I do not quite see the point of it - by making a list you have to exclude so many other places that should not be excluded. Nothing wrong with it, but I am not sure what it accomplishes, nor why people get worked up about it.

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), April 01, 2002.

Off-hand I'd say that 95+ percent of the time I put the finger to the shutter there are one or more people on the other side of the VF.

When you consider what they have to offer only for the cost of one frame, anything and everywhere else comes in a distant second.

Best,

Jerry

-- Jerome R. Pfile, Jr. (JerryPfile@msn.com), April 01, 2002.

Guess I should put my money where my mouth is....

http:www.borderless-photos.de/panel/YearOneSubs/source/fomc01004

Hope I typed that right.

Best,

Jerry

-- Jerome R. Pfile, Jr. (JerryPfile@msn.com), April 01, 2002.

Evidently I didn't. One more time.

http://www.borderless-photos.de/panel/YearOneSubs/source/fomc01004

Jerry

-- Jerome R. Pfile, Jr. (JerryPfile@msn.com), April 01, 2002.

Allen,

"....my 1939 rubber shutter has been attacked by moths...."

I never touched it, honest! ;-)

-- Ray Moth (ray_moth@yahoo.com), April 01, 2002.

Are you sure Ray,looks like your fingerprint.Regards Allen.

-- Allen Herbert (allen1@btinternet.com), April 03, 2002.