Taking Photos from Your Bus Window in Sonora
Okay, I'll be the first to admit that this sounds goofy, and it is. But believe it or not, snapping photos from your bus seat can be a good way to pass the time, and to capture images that you ordinarily wouldn't see.
I first thought of the idea when I was taking a long bus trip in the Mexican state of Veracruz. Both feeling bored but also interested in the scenery outside the window, I decided to take out my camera and snap a few shots. I was surprised by the clarity of the photos (granted, I was using a digital SLR that does well with motion photography), and on that trip I captured images of the Veracruz countryside that I never would have been able to take while walking around.
Since then I've also taken photos while on various bus trips in Sonora, and have found it to be another way of not only beating the boredom of a bus trip, but to remember places that I passed on the bus. And, to capture special aspects of Sonoran scenery and life in Sonora.
Photo Quality
Okay, you're taking photos from inside of a bus, so don't expect to be able to sell them to National Geographic. The photos are likely to have blemishes from reflections and other factors. Still, under the right conditions your efforts can yield some good quality photos, and many of the conditions are under your control.
Tips
First, when you buy your bus ticket, you are typically given the option to choose your seat (if not, just ask to see the available seats). Think about the time of day you will be traveling, and in which direction the bus will be going. Then, choose your seat accordingly.
For example, if you will be traveling south from Nogales in the morning, get a window seat on the right side of the bus. The rising sun will be on the east (left) side of the bus, so you're more likely to get good sunlight exposure looking to the west from your seat.
After you've boarded the bus, check the condition of the window. Mexican buses (especially first class) are maintained in a very clean condition, but sometimes the windows have smudges from previous human contact. If you're serious about taking photos from the bus, you may want to bring a small spray bottle of window cleaner and a couple of napkins or paper towels, just to clean enough space for your vista.
If the outside of the window is dirty, you may be out of luck. However, many times things like water spots won't be visible in a photo if the sun or reflective light doesn't illuminate them. Otherwise, often buses aren't full, and it's likely that you can change your seat to find a location with better window conditions.
I usually just take photos in the auto-setting mode of my digital SLR, with an exposure between 1/250 and 1/500, F8 to F13, ISO 400. A friend who takes pictures with her Kodak digital camera recommends that shooting with the Sports mode (with the icon of the runner) yields the best outcomes.
First take a couple of test shots, to see if there are local environmental conditions that may affect photo quality, that can be controlled. For example, one of the most common issues I've found is with glare from sunlight reflected on windows directly across the aisle. In those situations, if no one is in the seats across from you, close the window's curtains.
When you're ready to shoot, look as far ahead of the bus as you can (which may even mean looking through the window of the seat in front of you). When you see something that may be of interest, look directly outside your window through the lens and do a quick button-depress auto-focus (if you have time). When the item appears in your viewfinder, click away. This all happens very quickly, so you'll want to practice to get the hang of it.
Remember to be discreet, and use common sense. You may get some curious looks from other passengers, but they tend to accept that you're just a tourist taking photos. It's best to just take photos of scenery and inanimate objects, but if you take photos of people, realize that they most likely don't know that you've taking the photo.
Be especially careful when taking photos of soldiers or law enforcement officials - it's best not to photograph them, but if you take a photos that has soldiers or police in the shot, be sure not to show their face or other items where they could be identified. And be prepared to stash your camera if police or soldiers board the bus for an inspection.
Have Fun
Above all, just relax and enjoy the scenery that passes by your window. Photographs are a good reminder of places you've seen, and are great to have available to review and remember your trip to Sonora.
And don't be upset if the photos aren't perfect. Chances are, they won't be. If you look closely at the photos I've included here, you'll find defects - in some you can even see part of my reflection, which is a common problem. Just enjoy the photos for what they are - a great memory of the trip you spent exploring Sonora.
Note: All of the photos on this page were taken from a bus seat. Click on a photo to see a larger image.
