With the Internet, you can get lots of info in advance, but a local person who knows how to work the system is invaluable.

Freelancing in Somalia during their civil war and in Kuwait right after the first Bush War, I had some rather intense experiences that made life in the U.S. seem rather shallow and superfluous.

Hot air balloons are terrific to shoot from, although they have become very expensive, as has most lodging and food in the Napa Valley.

Think about the photo you want to make beforehand. Then do it, but also don't be blind to better options that present themselves at the location. Be flexible, and be patient. Leave ego at home. Get the photo before you yell at the asshole, not after.

Everyone thinks it would be great to work for National Geographic. So did I.

It is tough being patient when you are more than a half million dollars in debt.

It is so much better to get the right exposure than to have to mess around later with Photoshop.