Rainbow Photo Tours of
"Even though the roads are rough, and a little hair-raising at times, the drivers are obviously well experienced professionals, safe, courteous and capable. "
—TripAdvisor Reviews of Rainbow Photo Tours
Think of every step of your Digital Process and figure out how to duplicate it. If anything can go wrong, it will. In my case, nothing went wrong except for the Battery in my Portable Hard Drive always failing (requiring the Car Converter). However (while my companions on the trip felt I was compulsive about backup) somebody needed almost everything I had considered necessary backup. Think of how you download (backup), Batteries (backup), Cords (backup), Computer (backup), Camera (backup). If anything can go wrong, it will on the "Trip of a Lifetime". All this involves is talking with the Group ahead of time and finding out who is backing up whom and it will work out fine.
Remember, the further East you go, it can be difficult to find electricity let alone Camera Gear or essentials.
"I have done a lot of traveling and have never quite had an experience such as I had with Robin & Cathy. In other travels, the Photography has always been most important to me but not necessarily with my companions. This is not the case with this trip. The whole purpose of the trip is Photography so you have the luxury to stop anywhere you want, go anywhere you want and stay as long as you want.
The only problem with this format is the "Photo Ops" in this country are so overwhelming, you are in constant frustration that you can't be everywhere all at the same time. Be aware of probable stimulus overload.
I just can't imagine going to Bhutan with anybody other than Robin & Cathy. They are becoming quite well known in Bhutan and because of this, the Participants get into places and meet People that other Tour Operators couldn't even dream of. As well, the Guides are so friendly and helpful, they soon become Family.
After getting home, I read the Book "So Close to Heaven : The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas by Barbara Crossette. This Book really helped to explain many of the things I was seeing but didn't even think to ask about. I highly recommend reading this before you go and then re-reading it when you get back. Everything and Everybody you see are in themselves quite an experience but to know what you are seeing would add to the experience. You can obviously ask anybody what you are seeing but the importance of it at the time might not seem consequential. This will help you prepare for what to look for and to realize its' importance.
Nikon D-100
Nikon 12-25 mm
Nikon 80-200 mm
Tamron 28-105 mm
Nikon Speedlight SB-80
Nikon 5400 for backup (never used)
Extra Batteries
ExpoDisk / (Automatic White Balance Filter)
Tripper 60Gb Portable Hard Drive
Dell 60Gb Laptop Computer
4ea 512Mb Compact Flash Cards (Wish I had 5 or 6, I am shooting RAW)
140 Watt AC Car Converter
Gitzo Carbon Fiber Tripod and Ball Head
Photo Rescue Software (restoring lost files)