Tibet is one of the most photogenic areas in the country, if not the world. Be sure to bring twice as much film or digital cards as you think you may need. While film is sold in Lhasa, it’s better to stock up in Bangkok, Hong Kong or Chengdu. Certain specialty film (ISO200, ISO400, slide-film and black and white film) are almost impossible to find in Lhasa however print film can be processed here. Be sure to bring a supply of batteries if your camera is digital.
The dust on plateau is especially fine; it will get into everything so be sure to clean lenses and have some sort of protective camera case. Keep all photographic equipment in plastic bags away from heat, cold and dust.
Due to high altitudes, the best time to take photography is with the sun low in the sky—early morning or late afternoon. If you want to try and photograph even with the harsh light conditions, you can try to use fine-grain slide film like Fuji Velvia 50 or use a polarizing filter to reduce the glare. However, there can still be dim places where flash is forbidden (such as a temple), and high speed film will would be needed.
Don't forget the extra camera batteries and cleaning equipment. There will not be very many opportunities to recharge batteries for digital and video cameras apart from in Lhasa, and other cities. Take a film camera as a back up.
If trekking, batteries and cameras can sometimes freeze when the temperature drops. To ensure their safety, sleep with them in your pockets and close to your body at night.
When flying all films should carried in hand luggage, and be sure to check if x-ray machines are film-safe. When in doubt, ask for it to be hand checked.
Bring as many solid-state cards as you can because of potential problems when using hard-drives as back-up storage. Sometimes due to the high altitude, these devices won't work (including laptops and iPods). Digital pictures can also be burned to CD as an alternative in internet cafes in Lhasa or you can make prints on photographic paper which takes only a few hours in these places as well.
Bringing in professional video or motion-picture equipment will require a lot of paperwork and special clearance. However, hand-held camcorders and amateur video equipment should not be a problem. What is important to remember is when or when not to use it. Recording something that can later be aired to the public often causes problems.
Forbidden film recordings and photography include the Chinese military, check posts, communication towers, boarder crossings, civil unrest/public demonstrations and any sort of strategic location such as bridges or the airport.
Some restrictions are also placed on monasteries and museums. Inside larger monasteries, there may by a fee for each photo of a room or building that is taken. Generally the fee is ¥10-100 per shot but can be negotiated with the monks. Video fees can be up to ¥800 (US$100). It is free to take any photos of the exterior of the monasteries. These rules are generally enforced and it is not recommended to try and take photos without agreeing to the fee (unless you are willing to lose your film or equipment).
Monasteries in Kham and Amdo do not usually allow photography.
Tibetans also do not like flashes to go off in temples or for there to be photography of sky burial rituals which are particularly sensitive. Be sure to ask permission before taking someones picture and don’t agree to pay for one. Remember, these are people’s daily lives that you want to photograph.
Pamela Riis