Holiday Travel Photography
If you’re going to be traveling this holiday season and plan to do some photography, don’t make the mistake of loading yourself down with too much gear. Consider the following list and add to or amend it as needed; these staples should get you through most any travel photography scenario:
Cameras. Bring the camera that best suits your planned photography. Compact Cameras are great for family photos and are even carried by Pro photographers for assignment shoots. Lighter is better in my book!
Lenses. Discipline yourself to take just two to three lenses on the road with you; more than that is probably superfluous. If you’ll be doing some sightseeing at museums, outdoor markets or other tourist sites, consider making at least one of your choices a stabilized lens. A wide-angle zoom, telephoto and a macro lens are all strong possibilities.
Tripod? A tripod can become optional on your trip if you resolve to use a stabilized lens and high ISOs while shooting. However, if you plan on doing holiday family group shots and want to be included in them (facilitated by your camera’s timer), then bring one along. Of course, opt for your lightest, most compact and travel-friendly model.
Charger and batteries. Regardless of the length of your trip, you’ll want to make sure you’re armed with backup batteries as well as your charger.
Memory cards. As a general rule, take twice as much memory as you think you’re going to need. Of course, the exact amount will be influenced by the photo resolution you favor. Consider packing numerous smaller cards (no more than 4 GB each) so that if you lose a card, you haven’t lost all your work. If you’ll be shooting video as well, take three times as much memory as you believe you’ll need.
Electronic storage. Bring at least one of the following: your laptop computer, a portable storage unit, or several USB flash drives for backup storage of your images.
Voltage converter. Some countries have different electricity outlets than the U.S., so do your homework and bring the appropriate voltage converter for your charger if needed.
Odds and ends. Bring a polarizing filter, cleaning kit, plastic bags (for equipment protection against moisture in humid or outdoor settings), and a recent guide book for your destination if traveling somewhere new.
Take some of the strain out of holiday travel by using this streamlined photo gear list — and enjoy your adventure.