Travel Photography: Don't forget these 10 things

Patients in Phnom Penh, Cambodia get numbered for the lottery that will determine if they will get seen that day. Credit: Perry Lawrence

Travel Photography is one of the most exciting forms of photography and it combines exotic locales, new and interesting people and life long memories. To make the most of your travels (and to insure you GET those spectacular images) these are the 10 things you will want to make sure you have with you at all times.

1. Your Passport
The last thing you want to limit your travels is your ability to travel from country to country. By carrying your passport with you at all times you can move across borders at a moment’s notice. Provided you have the right visas and entry fees, you can hopscotch across the continent of your choice. Tip: Carry a copy of your passport in a separate bag (or your camera bag) just in case!

2. Prior Approval
When I was traveling in India I had the opportunity to film at the Taj Mahal. Upon arriving at the crack of dawn the guard looked at my larger than average camera and tripod and asked for the documents for permission to shoot. Well, I had none and to get those documents I would have to go all the way back to New Delhi (where I had just come from). Some places are very cool and some places know the “commercial” aspects of filming and charge accordingly. Tip: Be prepared by asking ahead.

3. Backup Systems
When I was traveling a lot for a large non-profit, I would try to have as many backup systems as was manageable. I would think, what would happen if this item was lost or broke? I carried two battery chargers because having one break (which happened twice) could potentially render me and my equipment useless. Likewise, camera bodies, lenses, card readers etc. are weak points to your system if losing one would shut you down. The old adage used to be “film is the cheapest part of your trip”. Today, having a few back up components that could potentially save your trip are worth the investment.

4. Image Backup
Unless you plan on bringing thousands of dollars worth of SD or CF cards, you are going to want to back up your images each and every night. I recommend backing up to your laptop as well as an external drive. I use Synchronize X Plus (Pro version also available) to help automate the backup process.

5. Stealth Camera Bag
I don’t recommend traveling around foreign countries (or even your home country) with a camera bag that screams NIKON or CANON. A stealthy camera bag that fits your main ‘walk-about-gear’ (camera, a few lenses) helps you blend in. Tip: A backpack style allows you to go hands free.

The arch of Cabo San Lucas. Perry Lawrence

6. A Guide
If you are new to an area and unfamiliar with the photo opportunities, hire a guide. A guide that knows the locations, the language, the current exchange rate and the best time to film at particular times of day is worth paying for. Rates range from $150 and up with the average being around $300 per day. Ask a lot of questions and make sure you feel comfortable with your guide before hiring. Guides aren’t for everyone. But if you are in a strange place and don’t speak the language, a guide can be your best investment.

7. Local Currency
I rarely carry cash in the US, but when in a new country, I try to always have a few bills on hand. Returning from a shoot in a remote village in Cambodia our cab had no AC. The temperature was around 120º outside and we rolled the windows UP to try to keep the heat out. We had to pull over multiple times on that hour long ride to get some 2 liter bottles of water. Fortunately I had some bills. Visa or Master Card were not going to get the job done!

8. Pelican Cases
This one is a matter of opinion as some love soft cases for traveling and some love hard cases. I love hard cases for traveling on airlines for obvious reasons (remember the gorilla tossing the luggage around?). Anyway, Pelican cases have kept my gear safe and sound for decades. I love the carryon sizes as well as the Pelican SC and CF card cases. Pelican cases get me to my destination. The stealth bag above allows me to get around at my destination.

9. Camera Support
Whether you use a neck strap or a sling or a holster or whatever, you want something that will allow you to go hands free at a moment’s notice. I hate neck straps and until recently went sans strap. Now I love my SpiderHolster Black Widow. It is simple, easy and secure. There are a lot of options for you out there so shop around with a system that works for you.

10. Sense of Humor and Awe
And patience (I couldn’t decide which was most important!). If you’re not having fun why bother. Traveling and capturing the sights you encounter along the way, and sharing with others, is hugely rewarding. Having patience, awe and humor will go a long way, whether you are traveling alone or in the company of others. When I travel I get super focused and all business (so I don’t miss my flight, leave a bag, or forget my passport!) However, once I can get to a location and unwind I can start to feel the rhythms of the locale. I am always in awe of the people and how they live and how different they can be. The diversity of each location has its’ own unique beauty. Finally, don’t take yourself too seriously and relax, it’s a vacation after all right?

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Those are my ten things. What would you add to this list? Leave me a comment below and share what you “never leave home without”.