It’s always a struggle for me as a photographer and momtographer to decide what camera gear I really want to lug with me on a trip aka vacation. I want the perfect lens for the perfect moment as well as the lightest bag that has to be partnered with a diaper bag now. So today I’m sharing with you my tips for traveling with a camera. We just recently flew for the first time as a family of three and I felt like we did pretty good, considering we didn’t check a bag, it was all carry on!!!!! Somebody did some miracle packing!!! See more here: 10 Stress Free Tips for Packing for Vacation
1- Pack Light
I know it sounds easy, but it’s a struggle. The fact is decide what your main goal is for the trip. Is it for family memories and moments or for the world winning national geographic picture of the moose running through the field? Well whatever your goals are take the gear needed for that goal.
2- Bring more than enough Memory Cards
I always take more memory than I really think I’ll need. I’d rather be safe than sorry and having to be culling through and deleting on my camera during a vacation. Yeh, lets not let that happen.
3- Use a Small Bag
Take a small camera bag that will fit the gear your taking yet provide the protection your gear needs.
4- Keep your camera handy.
Don’t pack your gear way back in the trunk of the car where no one can even find it. Keep it by you, keep it accessible and handy.
5- One lens and one body
If my goals (see #1) allow I like to travel with one camera body and one lens. I usually will carry my all around lens which is my 24-70mm. It gives me a good enough zoom as well as a great wide angle, as I love a wide angle shot.
6- Battery and Charger
You don’t want to forget your battery and charger. Thats the last thing you want to be left behind! Pack it and keep it charged each night as you never know what adventures lie ahead the next day!
Do you have any extra tips you could share with us? Comment below and we’ll add them to our list!!
Want to take amazing pictures while traveling? Check out these easy steps.
Hi I’m Erin a Southern mama from South Mississippi, owner and chief editor of Sixth Bloom a blog helping mom-tographers capture their kiddos and life, talking all things home, parenting and how we navigate through life. You will find me living life to the fullest with my mister (aka husband) and our new little one year old, Miss Elle, in our 500+ sq foot cottage as we build our dream house on our two acres! We are blessed beyond measure, love to travel, involved in ministry at our church and in between all of that I run three successful businesses!
Lisa Schaap says
I also have a 5dM3. This coming February, I will be traveling abroad for the first time with my camera. I decided to switch my camera strap to a cross body one. From all of my research, I’ve discovered there are 3 important facts. 1. A cross body strap will distribute the weight of the camera better without added neck pain and 2, most importantly it won’t advertise what kind of camera you are carrying. 3, better be safe than sorry and get your equipment insured. No one wants their equipment stolen, but we need to protect ourselves with insurance and have records of serial numbers for every piece of equipment you’re traveling with.
Dan says
Good post! My packing depends on where we vacation.
Visiting Family Out of State: Whole backpack just for camera/video equipment, along with gadgets, and reading material. Have a general purpose 17-50 (on APSC) and 18-270. I do check in bags for clothes, toys, etc.
Non-Family (resort/hotel/camping): Extremely light gear: DSLR and 17-50. I bring my point-and-shoot. RX100 II.