The most dramatic scene on the expedition to Jordan occurred at the ancient city of Petra. My heartbeat quickened, and I held my breath as we reached the last turn. And then…there it was, just a sliver of it, our first glimpse of the treasury, in between the towering limestone cliffs of the Siq.
We were in the ancient city of Petra on an epic photography expedition in the Kingdom of Jordan!
First glimpse of the Treasury at Petra, as you enter through the Siq! Last fall, Great Escape Publishing announced a photography expedition to Jordan. It was more than just a trip; it was a guided experience led by passionate photographers and award-winning documentary filmmaker Joe Sindorf. At first, I hesitated to join. But I kept asking myself, What better way to learn photography?
The location was undeniably captivating. Jordan, which ranks just after Israel in the number of Biblical sites, truly stood out. We explored Jordan’s diverse geography through camel and jeep excursions from our stay at Rahayeb Desert Camp. Additionally, we enjoyed tea and bread at a Bedouin home near Feynan Ecolodge within the mesmerizing Wadi Rum. Our stay at the Crowne Plaza Jordan – Dead Sea Resort & Spa was luxurious, offering us the chance to float in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. We also visited historic cities such as Petra, Jerash, and Umm Qais.
To round out the experience, we shopped in the souks and explored mosques and ancient landmarks near the lively capital, Amman
The ancient Nabataean city of Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Petra was once a vital and thriving crossroads and caravan center between Arabia, Egypt, and Syria-Phoenicia, part of the area that later became known as the Silk Roads. My mind conjured images of camel caravans casting long shadows on the desert sand at sunset as they carried incense from Arabia, silks from China, and spices from India.
I had never used a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) or the increasingly popular mirrorless cameras. My reliable iPhone X and small Canon point-and-shoot take great photos and work fine. I hesitated to get more involved in photography. I questioned whether spending time and money was worth it and if I had enough time to learn enough before the trip.
Ultimately, I was attracted to the opportunity to learn alongside other photographers in a country abundant with stunning photography locations. Its ancient ruins continue to be excavated and studied, showcasing a history rich with civilizations from the Prehistoric Period to the modern Hashemite Kingdom. Notably, the Arab Nabataeans, who created the magnificent city of Petra from sandstone, are among the most renowned historical layers.
The impressive Roman stone roads still clearly show deep tracks left by chariot wheels. The expedition to Jordan was a must-do!
Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) and mirrorless cameras offer a wide range of options. Mastering them is a lifelong journey, and for me, a steep learning curve.
For the expedition to Jordan, I started with these questions.
Online courses, tutorials, and/or YouTube videos?
DSLR or mirrorless camera?
Lens(es)?
Travel tripod?
Purchase or rent equipment?
Where to get help?
Answers to initial questions led to more questions!
Brand and model of camera?
Equipment carrier?
Post-production software and how to use it?
Special cleaning material?
Batteries and battery chargers and how many?
Remote shutter release or use the timer on the camera?
Memory cards? Memory card holders?
Rent or buy and where?
People often say that selecting the camera type and lens(es) depends on the kind of images you want to capture and the locations where you’ll be shooting.
Equipment selections for the expedition to Jordan.
Sony a7III Mirrorless Camera.
Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM Lens
Sony FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM Lens
MeFOTO GlobeTrotter Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod Kit (later I learned that there are smaller and lighter weight tripods that would have worked.)
Remote Shutter Release and cable
Three Sony NP-FZ100 Batteries and two battery chargers with cables Tiffen 82mm Variable ND Filter
Discussion about the Sony camera.
The mirrorless is lighter in weight than traditional DSLR cameras. Although Sony took the lead in developing mirrorless cameras, other brands are catching up and some are said to be just a good. Seasoned photographers are beginning to add a mirrorless camera to their collection, especially as their favorite brands catch up in mirrorless technology.
After spending hours on tutorials, watching YouTube videos, consulting experts, and testing mirrorless cameras, the Sony a7III remained my preferred option. I would find out whether I had made the right choice during the trip to Jordan.
The Sony camera earns respect from experts and has a rugged, military-like build. Its primary drawback is a complicated internal menu. Nonetheless, I chose to give it a try.
Upgrading from beginner Sony models to full-frame sensors marked a major leap. The Sony a7III’s 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBS) was a significant factor in my decision. Moreover, the ergonomic handgrip on the Sony a7 series was noticeably more comfortable than on earlier models.
The next choice was between the Sony a7III with 24.2 MP and the Sony a7RIII with 42.4 MP. I decided on the Sony a7III because I felt it better suited my needs. I valued faster continuous shooting more than higher-resolution still images. Whew, what a buyer’s dilemma!
Choosing the right camera lenses involves weighing several factors such as glass quality, weight, image stabilization, and versatility. After consulting with experienced photographers, including the instructor, and watching numerous YouTube reviews, I settled on two lenses. The Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM Lens, the instructor’s favorite, offers versatility and sharp images, and I expect to use it about 85% of the time. The Sony FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM Lens is ideal for wide-angle shots and nighttime photography.
Lori Allen, Director at Great Escape Publishing, advised caution when buying expensive cameras, since technology advances quickly and older models can still deliver excellent quality.
Keeping this advice in mind, renting was the best option. It offers a chance to learn about the camera before making a big purchase, which is especially helpful for beginners. I rented a camera, two lenses, and a tripod two weeks before the trip to get comfortable with the gear. That was good advice. I later switched to different lenses for the expedition.
The service at Lensrentals is incredible.
A few days before my second rental departure, the equipment arrived, but the remote shutter release was defective. Lensrentals’ support team guided me through multiple tests via phone and decided to send a replacement remote. The following day, a new remote and camera arrived. Lensrentals also sent a second camera to rule out a faulty shutter port. Excellent customer service!
Many Sony reviewers are hopeful that future models will feature a more intuitive internal menu. I researched extensively before my trip to Jordan.
Shepherds greeted us in Wadi Rum.
Lessons I Learned prior to the expedition to Jordan
1. Start learning by taking a basic course in digital photography. Community colleges provide a great online resource.
2. There is an endless number of YouTube videos about DSLR and mirrorless cameras and lenses. These videos help you figure out what equipment you need for various photography styles like portrait, landscape, astrophotography, and more.
3. Handle the equipment in the store. Nowadays, dedicated camera stores are rare, but most major department stores like Best Buy offer a range of camera equipment and cater to various experience levels.
4. Talk to friends who use professional equipment, whether for hobby or business. My friends answered my questions and even loaned me their equipment to test.
5. Test the equipment before your adventure. Following Great Escape Publishing staff’s advice, I rented the camera gear for a week to familiarize myself with its basic features.
6. Print the manual and use it to get acquainted with the camera. Sony also offers an online handbook, which I frequently consulted. Often, I Googled questions and found answers even faster.
7. Consider renting cameras instead of buying, especially if you’re a beginner. With camera technology changing quickly, renting allows you to stay current with new models, preview upcoming releases, and save money on older gear. Lensrental sometimes offers used cameras and accessories at discounted prices. I personally rented all my camera equipment for my expedition to Jordan, which proved very beneficial.
8. Buy a wheeled carrier for your gear! I quickly found my gear backpack too heavy to carry through airports and on the trip. I purchased a luggage cart at the airport, which eased the load but was also somewhat inconvenient to handle. Next time, I’ll opt for a backpack with wheels!
9. Obtain the latest Adobe software for managing and editing your photos. Following the instructor’s advice, I bought Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic for just under $10.00 per month. While editing in Lightroom involves a learning curve, it becomes amazing once you begin seeing the results.
10. Embark on the journey! The photography trip to Jordan was truly worth every penny, even for a novice. It was filled with stunning photos, breathtaking sights, memorable adventures, welcoming locals, and tasty food.
Special Thanks
Joe and Kathy Sindorf, both professional photographers and humanitarian filmmakers, shared the essential techniques for capturing incredible photos. Working with them was a pleasure, and I was amazed at how much I learned in a brief time.
Alongside Joe and Kathy, my fellow expedition travelers, I was inspired by their impressive photography skills and endurance. They served as patient mentors, helping me enhance my skills as a photographer and traveler by using photography gear. They were truly professional! I especially appreciate Mary Madden for keeping me on track with the itinerary, and Audra Brianne for mentoring me in photography and Adobe Lightroom editing.
The team at Great Escape Publishing truly cares about assisting people. I’m particularly grateful for Karin Kirkland, who responded quickly to my questions and gave me the initial details that made it easier to focus my camera search. Their support made my trip to Jordan much less overwhelming.
Salam enriched the Jordan experience with his charming personality and remarkable story. His warm family made a tasty lunch on our final day, and it was a delight to meet his wife, two young children, and other relatives. Lunch with Salam and his family was one of the most unforgettable moments of our trip to Jordan.
Mohammad, our travel guide, brought Jordan’s history to life with his engaging storytelling.
Sales representatives in the photography department at Best Buy have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Some took the time to show examples of their own images and explain the photography equipment they used to get amazing results.
Pat DeMars, a professional photographer and dear friend, provided invaluable information on lens selection. His detailed guidance resulted in the best selections for my expedition to Jordan.
My kind and patient husband Eddie Goff watched many YouTube videos about cameras and lenses and went with me to stores to talk about camera gear.
It enhances my travel experience to learn about the travel destination in advance, get an historical perspective and current situation. I read these books to prepare for a visit to Jordan.
Our Last Best Chance A Story of War and Peace, King Abdullah II of Jordan, With a New Forward on the Arab Spring, Apple Books
The Silk Roads A New History of the World, Peter Frankopan, Apple Books
Lawrence in Arabia, Scott Anderson, Apple Books
In addition to the expedition to Jordan; find another photography experience, click the story below.
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