Travel Photography: Why if You Might Need it, You Should Bring It
It is amazing how portable most photography, videography, and computer gear have become. It is now possible to carry in one or two bags of gear that provides almost all of the functionality of a static environment when we hit the road for adventures.
Obviously, each of us will have different needs and preferences for what we hope to accomplish while on the road, as well as varied preferences in how best to accomplish those goals. A trend we all share though is the ability to pack along a wider variety of gear in less space as more electronic items are battery or bus-powered and charge via USB-C, thereby eliminating the need for separate power bricks for each device. I was really amazed at how much space alone this saved.
This is my road trip photography and video hear packing philosophy: if you think you might use it, and have the room, bring it.
I’d rather have a few extra pounds of gear and end up not using it, then saving that weight and missing an opportunity due to lack of a piece of gear.
For video, I know that I need to participate in at least two Zoom meetings as well as create content for my YouTube channel. I’ll include the complete equipment list below, but here’s an overview to get started: for Zoom meetings I need a laptop, and to stay on visual brand, I use my camera and 23mm f/1.4 for that live meeting look you can’t get with a webcam. For YouTube videos, I’m going to use a phone gimbal for b-roll, as well as the camera I use for Zoom video. For photography, I’ll be using a second camera with a variety of zoom lenses from wide-angle to telephoto. I also brought a couple of prime lenses for low light and indoor use.
It will be interesting to see how much I overpacked, as well as to discover if I left anything behind that I’m going to miss. I’m sure I’ll pack differently for future trips, based on the lessons learned, gear used and unused, on this trip.
Here’s to safe travels and amazing photos! Below is my list of video and photo gear. I am curious how it contrasts with what many other photographers choose to take with them:
Video Gear
- Primary bag – Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L
- Fujifilm X-T3
- Viltrox 23mm f/1.4
- Oben CTT-1000 Carbon Fiber Tabletop Tripod
- Apple MacBook Pro 16”
- Rode Wireless Go
- Rode Lavalier Go
- Rode Video Micro
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface
- Western Digital Elements 5TB Portable Hard Drive
- SanDisk 2TB SSD Drive
- Nanlite Pavotube 6C RGBWWW Tube Light (2)
- Aputure MC LED Light (2)
Photography Gear
- Primary Bag – Peak Design Sling 10L
- Fujifilm X-T3
- Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4
- Fujinon XF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6
- Fujinon XF 70-300mm f/4-5.6
- Fujinon XF 50mm f/2
- Fujifilm XF 2x TC WR Teleconverter
- Vello Extension Tubes
- Benro TSL08AN00 Slim Aluminum-Alloy Tripod
- HYPER HyperDrive Power 9-in-1 USB Type-C Hub (6-in-1 version here)
- SanDisk 128GB SD Cards (4)
- Fujifilm NP-W126S Li-Ion Battery Pack (4+)
About the author: Michael Sladek teaches digital photography at Highline College near Seattle, Washington. He enjoys dad jokes, doughnuts, and helping others discover the fun of creating photos they love. Stay connected with Michael on his website, YouTube channel, and Instagram.
