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5 - POWER OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

In remote areas, power sources may be unreliable, scarce or simply non-existent. So if you’re going off the beaten track, it pays to think ahead.

If you’re using a DSLR, pack plenty of spare batteries and memory cards to carry with you on the road. Take any opportunity to recharge, and never just assume that the power will stay on. If you plan to buy a back-up hard drive, it’s worth choosing one that can be charged directly from a laptop – that way, as long as your laptop has power, your files can be backed up safely.

If your accommodation doesn’t have power, check the local cafés for power sources you can borrow. Failing that, seek out a vendor who charges mobile phones, but be wary of leaving expensive equipment there: it may be too much temptation for someone who earns very little money. Stay with them while recharging, or leave a trusted tour guide with them.

Waste not want not

Be wary of wasting precious battery life on filming for filming’s sake. It’s frustrating to find that you can’t capture that perfect moment simply because you used up so much battery on a mediocre sunset the night before.
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