11 “Non-Photo” Items Every Photographer Should Travel With

Backup Hard Drive

You never know what might happen when you're traveling with your camera equipment. You could drop your camera, lose a memory card, or accidentally delete all of yesterday's shots. This is why it's always best to back up your photos everyday when you're traveling. Whether you took a couple dozen photos or a couple hundred, you'll be disappointed if you find your precious images missing. Most traveling photographers will have a laptop, but backing your images up to an external hard drive will give you extra security and peace of mind.

Outlet Adapter

Unfortunately, wall outlets are not universal. Finding an adapter, however, is very easy. They're small and affordable and will save you a lot of grief when you go to charge your camera battery after a long day of shooting. Also think about car chargers for when you're on the go and don't have time to stop and plug your battery in.

Cleaning Supplies

Microfiber cloths, air pumps, lens pens, etc. can save you a lot of hassle when you're shooting out in the field. A splash from a puddle or a gust of wind can cover your camera in dirt and grime. The last thing you want to do is rub the mud off your lens with your shirt (though some of us may have been desperate enough to do this.)

Insurance

While traveling through Europe, a thief attempts to steal your photo gear. He grabs your camera bag and your DSLR and lenses go crashing to the ground. He runs off with nothing, but your camera and lenses are busted. Do you have insurance? Yes? Good. Can you prove it? When traveling, it's always smart to carry your insurance information with you. Keep it somewhere safe in your suitcase or hotel. That way, if someone does steal your equipment, you still have your insurance info.

Pen and Paper

A simple thing, but you never know when you may need to write down something important such as a person's name or the location of a local's favorite shooting spot.

Business Cards

Opportunities don't always come walking up to you on the streets, but when they do, you don't want to be caught empty handed. Always keep a few business cards tucked into your camera bag (and your wallet.) That way, you'll never miss an opportunity.

A Snack

Photographers get hungry too, and when they're out shooting in the field, they sometimes forget to eat. A small bag of trail mix or a candy bar can be just what you need in the middle of a long day. Just be careful you don't pack something that could potentially melt or leak inside your camera bag.

Model Release Form

So you capture an amazing shot of a woman in a red dress walking down a cobblestone street during sunset. You think it would make a great image for a magazine or contest. Unfortunately, they won't take the image because the woman didn't sign a model release. Print a few of these off and keep them in your bag just in case.

Large Plastic Bag

This is for rain protection. If you find yourself suddenly caught in a rainstorm, you can whip out a garbage sack and quickly wrap it around your camera bag.

Silica Packets

Silica packets are great for absorbing water. Say you get a few sprinkles on your DLSR. Just throw it in your bag with a couple of these packets and they'll have your camera dry in no time. Keeping them in your bag at all times will ensure the air in your bag doesn't become too humid.

A Copy of “Photographer's Rights”

This is particularly handy for street photographers. Many law enforcement officers and other security officials aren't aware of your rights as a photographer. Even some that do know the laws will attempt to stop you from shooting and ask you to delete your images. Having a copy of photographer's rights in your bag will show others that you know what you can and can't do. This will often cause them to leave you alone.

Written by Spencer Seastrom

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