Equipment 
The 35 mm format is easily the most popular film size, and a single lens 
reflex camera with a telephoto lens in the range 300mm to 600mm will be 
the most useful combination. It may seem like an imnecessary luxury, 
but, if getting good results is important to you, a second camera body is 
called for. Without this, a minor accident on the first day of an important 
trip could rule out all photographic opportunities. 
Take all the film you expect to need, and a bit more. The film you want 
may not be available in the area you are visiting, and it will probably be 
much more expensive. Light conditions in the Middle East are usually 
good, and this gives you the opportunity to use slower, better quality 
films. I take most of my photographs on Kodachrome 64, but always take 
along some faster film (usually 200 ISO) for less favourable light conditions. 
Film and other equipment must be protected from dust, particularly 
sand, as even a single grain can leave permanent marks on a film. Care 
and common sense should help you avoid serious problems. 
Light 
The Middle East seems to have ideal light conditions, but in practice the 
light quickly becomes too strong. By late morning, often earlier, the light 
is too harsh, with dense unflattering shadows. The answer is to confine 
photography to the early morning and late afternoon. This means being 
up, and often in position, before sunrise. The middle of the day can be 
used for recharging your batteries, though fanatics may prefer to use this 
time for checking out other likely photographic spots. 
Hides 
Only the committed photographer will go to the trouble of taking a 
portable hide around with them, but if you do not fall into that category, 
do not worry. A car can make an excellent mobile hide. It is surprising the 
areas that a carefully (ie recklessly!) driven car can penetrate. More 
importantly, birds will often allow a much closer approach from a car 
than they would from a person on foot. The list of birds I have 
photographed out of a car window includes such unlikely species as 
Glossy Ibis, Imf>erial Eagle and Sinai Rosefinch. Always consider the 
safety aspect of using a car off the beaten track: cars are easily stuck in 
sand and you should carry plenty of water. 
Even if you do not have a car or purpose-built hide, be prepared to 
improvise. At Eilat, Israel, one autumn, I came across a small pond which 
was attracting many birds to drink. I did not have a hide, but a walk to 
a nearby rubbish tip produced a large cardboard box which, with minor 
alterations, was as good as any hide. The result was an exciting morning 
which gave superb dose-up views, and photographs, of some shy birds. 
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