Filming and photographing abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?

What is filming and photographing abroad like?

• Filming and photographing abroad usually means capturing images of your surroundings, experiences, and encounters during your trip or stay.
• This can be done in various ways. Sometimes you simply take photos or videos to capture memories, but it can also be more goal-oriented, such as storytelling, documenting projects, creating content, or even professional work.
• Professional work often involves journalism, sports photography, or nature reportages.
• What makes it different from home is that you are working in a new and often unpredictable context. The light is different, the environment is unfamiliar, and situations arise spontaneously. As a result, you often look more consciously and think more about what you are capturing and why.

In practice, you will notice, for example, that:

• you pay more attention to details and small moments.
• you look at people, culture, and the environment differently.
• you have to improvise due to light, weather, or unexpected situations.
• you make contact with others more easily (but sometimes also more difficultly) through your camera.

• Filming and photographing is therefore not only capturing, but also observing and interpreting, telling stories, and being consciously present in the moment. In addition, it is important to realize that filming and photography are viewed differently in various countries. What is normal in one country may be sensitive or even prohibited elsewhere.

For example, you will notice that:

• in some countries (such as Japan), photographing people in a recognizable way without permission is not always appreciated.
• photography at religious sites or ceremonies is sometimes not allowed.
• government buildings, police, or military locations often cannot be photographed.
• people in some cultures actually enjoy having their picture taken, while in other situations it is perceived as intrusive.

Therefore, photographing abroad requires not only technical skills but also awareness and respect. It helps to:

• always observe first before you photograph.
• ask for permission where possible.
• take body language and reactions into account.
• respect a “no” without discussion.

What are the reasons for filming and photographing abroad?

• To learn to look more consciously and strengthen your observational skills: you learn to see details that you might otherwise miss.
• To develop your creativity and express yourself visually: you experiment with imagery, composition, and narrative. (Being creativz
• To share experiences and convey stories: images help you take others along in your perspective. (Communicating: learning or strengthening)
• To be more involved with your surroundings: you look more actively and pay more attention to what is happening around you. (Being involved: learning or strengthening)
• To develop your own style and choices with more confidence: you learn to make decisions and stand behind your work. (Having self-confidence: learning or strengthening)

What skills and motivations do you need for filming and photographing abroad?

• Creativity: you can play with perspective, light, and storytelling. (learning or strengthening)
• Being aware of your surroundings: you understand where you are and what is appropriate to capture. (learning or strengthening)
• Empathy: you respect people and situations and sense what is and isn't possible. (learn or strengthen)
• Flexibility: you adapt to changing circumstances such as light, weather, or schedule. (learn or strengthen)
• Act professionally: you handle people, permission, and your equipment with care. (learn or strengthen)

What are the best countries and locations for filming and photographing abroad?

• Nature and landscapes: Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, Canada, Nepal.
• Culture and street life: India, Morocco, Vietnam, Mexico.
• Cities and architecture: Japan, Italy, United States, Germany.
• Wildlife and nature projects: South Africa, Kenya, Costa Rica, Indonesia.

What are the risks of filming and photographing abroad, and are you insured against those risks? 

What are the risks of filming and photographing abroad, and what happens with some regularity:

• that you capture people or situations without permission, which can lead to uncomfortable or unsafe situations.
• that you violate cultural norms because you do not know what may and may not be photographed. that your equipment gets stolen or damaged, especially in busy or tourist areas.
• that you are too focused on capturing and less present in the moment itself.
• that you end up in risky situations to take a photo or video (e.g., traffic, nature, or at height).
• that you encounter rules or restrictions regarding filming (e.g., at religious sites or government buildings).
• that you become physically strained due to long days, heat, or carrying equipment.
• that you are dependent on technology (batteries, storage) that may fail.
• that help or support is limited in remote areas in case of problems.

Are you insured while filming and photographing abroad?

• During activities and trips abroad, the coverage of your own health insurance in the Netherlands may be insufficient, or even lapse. See the pages on insuring activities abroad.