If it’s your first time leaving the country to explore the world through your camera lens, you’re no doubt wondering how to pack smart. After all, carrying around bulky equipment and unnecessarily risking damage to your prized possessions isn’t in anyone’s best interest. While specific equipment would depend on your purpose and what kind of shooting you will be doing, this general list will help you travel light, safe, and convenient, allowing you to make the most out of your travel photography.
Which lens to bring?
The biggest question most people have when planning their photography trips is which lens is most ideal? There is no definite answer to this as each photographer has his own methods and preferences and of course the type of shooting you plan to do will also be a factor. However, if you’re used to shooting with prime lenses, these are ideal for traveling as they are light, and their faster aperture helps you shoot in darker situations without a flash. However, this could mean changing lenses often. If you prefer zoom lenses, you can always carry 2 choices, or a combination of a prime and a zoom lens.
Camera bags
You will want a big, durable, and water-resistant travel camera bag to hold all your equipment safely, and of course which provides easy access in all kinds of situations. Plus, it should have enough compartments to hold all your travel equipment and extra pockets for smaller accessories so they don’t get misplaced, like chargers, remote triggers and memory cards. At the same time, be sure that whatever bag you get can be a carry-on bag – you never want to check your gear as luggage! Finally, you may also want to take along a compact bag for day-to-day shooting trips, so that you are only carrying the essentials for that day.
Extra batteries, charger and adapter
It is not fun to run out of batteries at the wrong time so always be sure to carry extras in case you forget to recharge the night before. Carrying your charger is a no brainer, but often you forget this necessary item. Furthermore, invest in a universal adapter with multiple pins so it will work in most countries.
Extra storage and data transfer cable/card reader
Depending on how much you shoot, you will probably need extra storage space. Moreover, take along a card reader or a transfer cable so you can keep emptying your cards into your laptop or an external hard drive. Many Pros we talk to are now using lightweight and durable SSD drives on travel. This also helps if you need to use a photo editing software on a picture you just have to immediately share!
Don’t take extra filters
With DSLRs and countless amazing Image editing software and apps, you don’t need to carry extra glass filters. They can be easily lost or damaged on trips, and you should just keep a UV filter attached to your lens. Most effects and tonal changes can be made in post-processing when back at home using such tools as Photoshop or the Macphun line of apps. A good choice for travelers is their Snapheal app, which lets you remove unwanted objects from photos (great for tourists!) or Intensify which brings out detail and colors in photos.
Cleaning equipment
A cleaning kit with lens cloths and puffers help clear dust, sand, and dirt from your lenses. If you’re going into dusty or wet situations, you might also want to invest in various camera covers that protect from the elements. Many people only change lenses when in a pristine environment so that chances of getting the camera sensor dirty is limited. Trying to clean your camera sensor while in the field is not recommended.
To flash or not to flash?
Flashes can be bulky, and mostly you don’t need them while traveling, especially if you use a prime lens If you absolutely must, take a smaller one or better yet, improvise with an LED light attached to your camera for dark situations. You should also familiarize yourself with your camera’s ISO settings; many DSLR’s nowadays have terrific low-light performance.
With these basic tips and equipment, your photography trip will definitely be great fun. Just remember to take only what you’ll need, and if you realize later you missed on something essential, don’t fret too much. Simply improvise, have some fun and make the most of the experience! Back home, everybody will love your exotic photos!
