Alfonso Calero established Alfonso Calero Photography in 2001. He’s a life-long lover of travel and photography and has found a way to combine both (and educate others) in travel photography. Alfonso is based in Sydney, Australia, but can’t seem to shake off the wanderlust and is always eager to travel to countries that are at peace. (sydneyphotographytours.com)
Cheapflights: What is your favourite kind of trip?
Alfonso Calero: A typical day for me on the road is to combine a cultural experience with photography. I may start by eating breakfast at a roadside food stall and end up taking photos of the person cooking for me. No set itinerary just a little bit of getting lost in a place and a moment.
CF: Best destination you have ever been to and why?
AC: Tokyo is my second home. I love the mix of the old and new, the weird and wonderful and the people and culture are a never ending learning curve.
CF: Where in the world offers the best value for money?
AC: I think Japan, having recently suffered the Tsunami and earthquake is in great need of help economically. Japan is cheaper than you think. I can easily budget three very good meals in a day for US $100.
CF: When you fly, is there a tip you can share to make the experience a great one?
AC: Fly as direct as possible to save time and fatigue. Fly indirect to save money, but make sure to stop over for a night or two to experience another location if time allows.
CF: What is your favourite place/object to photograph?
AC: It is more about the light that attracts me to an object or a place. It is about exploring, isolating and then organising a photo that excites me most. Two hours after sunrise or before sunset are known as the magic hours to photograph soft, warm light. Depending on the time of year and place in the world light can be very different.
CF: What kind of camera do you use?
AC: Canon 5D Mark 2.
CF: Is there a specific type you would recommend to our readers?
AC: Pardon the cliche, it is not about how big it is, but more about how you use it. All camera brands in the past few months have been advancing at great rate and price.
CF: What’s your number one tip for capturing great images during your trip?
AC: Have a look at a preview of my teaching e-book with loads of tips and tricks.
CF: If you could sit next to anyone in the world during a long haul flight, who would you pick and why?
AC: First class next to a lovely person who can show me their culture and country I am about to go to.
CF: And is there anyone else you would avoid?
AC: A loud, smelly and demanding customer.
