Rain Forests and the Tropics

Wild tropical environments elicit a deep sense of mystery and adventure in most of us. Resist the temptation to climb to a clearing to capture as broad a view as possible; all you're likely to get is a vague green mass with little detail or sense of scale. Instead, search out vivid details—a colorful burst of jungle flower, a spray of giant ferns, or a waterfall surging through dense vegetation. Forest wildlife, though elusive, is ever present; tour guides can often help you spot birds or snakes, but you'll need a fairly long lens (135mm to 200mm) to get close views.

Lighting in these environments presents a twofold problem: The canopy of treetops makes for a dim, sun-dappled and very contrast-heavy light. A tripod or raising the ISO (to 400 or higher, as needed) will help you deal with the former, but contrast will still bring exposure problems.

A more pragmatic problem is protecting your gear (and yourself) from the onslaught of humidity and moisture. Keep your cameras packed in self-locking plastic bags that contain a large supply of desiccant (silica gel packets, available at most camera shops). Finally, be sure to bring rain gear, rubber hiking boots, and an umbrella.