If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to spend more time traveling and taking photos, now is the time to start planning your adventures!
But traveling with a camera in tow can present some problems, not the least of which is protecting your expensive gear as you galavant all over the globe.
With these must-have travel photography tips, you’ll learn how to keep your gear safe while also being easy to access. The result? More photos, and better photos, too!
Travel Photography Tip: Don’t Bring ALL Your Gear
If you’re like me, when you pack, you think of all the things you might need. It’s easy to lose focus on what you’ll actually use, and instead end up with a camera bag that weighs 50 pounds.
Instead, be purposeful about the gear you take. Do you really need your full-size tripod or will a simple tabletop tripod do? Do you really need your full frame DSLR or will your bridge camera get the job done?
It might be easiest to arrange all the gear you think you’ll need on a table and then cut the fat from there. Realize that though your favorite lens might be your 50mm f/1.4, your 24-70mm f/4 might be more usable as you travel from one destination to the next.
Once you’ve culled your collection of gear, pack your camera bag and try it on. If it feels weighty or uncomfortable, find more gear to leave behind. It’s better to be comfortable and make do with less gear than have everything but the kitchen sink and be bogged down with a giant (and heavy) camera bag.
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Invest in a Better Camera Strap
One of the best investments you can make to ensure the safety of your camera and your comfort is a better camera strap.
Let’s face it - it’s not hard to do better than the flimsy, uncomfortable strap that came with your camera. But at the same time, you don’t want a strap that will be “just fine.”
Instead, you want a camera strap that offers comfort, durability, functionality, and looks good all at the same time.
I recently ordered a Hyperion camera strap, and I have to say that it ticks all the boxes of what a camera strap should be.
The thick cordage that’s used for the strap feels good on the shoulder, and since it’s so thick, it helps distribute the weight of your camera over a larger surface. It’s durable too - it’s not unlike the rope that rock climber’s use - so you can rest assured that no matter where your travels take you, your camera strap will stand up to use, abuse, and the elements.
These camera straps are incredibly functional as well. You can get them in various lengths to accommodate short, medium, or tall statures, that way you can carry your camera in the precise spot on your body that’s most comfortable for you.
Perhaps the best feature of these camera straps is the price. There’s a huge selection of straps for less than $20, which is a phenomenal price considering you get to pick the color combinations of the strap for a totally custom look.
No one ever said you can’t get a comfortable, durable camera strap that also looks good. Hyperion camera straps certainly proves that point!
Get a detailed look at these straps in my hands-on review in the video above.
Learn More:
- Hyperion Camera Strap Review - A Quality Upgrade Without a Huge Price Tag
- Improve the Quality of Your Photos With These Simple Tips and Tricks
Think Hard About the Camera Bag You Use
Like your camera strap, you want your camera bag to be comfortable to carry on your travels. At the same time, you want something that will protect your gear, offers good functionality, and blends in so that you don’t become the target of thieves that want to relieve you of your expensive gear.
For some travelers, a sling bag or shoulder bag is the optimal choice as they afford you easy access to your gear without having to remove the bag. Of course, the downside to these bags is that they only have one strap, which can cause your shoulder to fatigue.
Another option would be a backpack-style bag. The dual straps help transfer the weight to your body more efficiently, which can provide a much more comfortable carrying experience. Of course, access is a little more difficult than a sling or shoulder bag, though many camera bag manufacturers have implemented side-access or back-access zippers for easier gear retrieval.
Whatever type of bag you decide to get, take it for a test-drive first. Load it up and walk around the block a few times to see if there’s any pressure points, if the strap is adjustable enough, and if your gear fits well.
The bottom line is if you have any doubts at all about the bag, send it back and try another one! Your camera bag is the first line of defense in protecting your gear while you travel, so you definitely want to take your time and do the proper research so you get the right bag for you.