Traveling picture-takers should carry their cameras onboard the plane, bus, train or other mode of transportation rather than checking them. Most photographers should use a camera bag.
If the camera is a compact one with self-contained lens cover that activates when the camera is not in use and if the camera fits safely in a waist pack, purse or other carryall, then perhaps a camera bag is not necessary. But anyone who carries accessories such as extra batteries, film or memory cards, photo viewers, USB and other cables, auxiliary flashes, etc. will probably need a camera bag.
Backpacks for Carrying Cameras
For those who have a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera or film SLR, a camera bag will protect the camera and accessories from scratches, shocks and bad weather. Standard camera bags are available, as are backpacks made especially for cameras.
The standard camera bag with shoulder strap might be the better choice for most photographers. However, hikers, climbers and others out in the great outdoors might prefer the backpacks that come with all the padding and inserts to protect a camera and accessories. A camera bag allows access to the contents without removing the bag from the shoulder, while most backpacks require that the photographer put them down on some surface to get to the contents.
The traveler with a lot of camera equipment might need one camera bag for carrying the camera and its accessories from destination to destination and another more compact one to carry the items selected for the day's photo shoot.. If the camera bag is not waterproof, the photographer should carry some plastic bags to protect the camera, memory cards, film and anything else that should stay dry and free of dust.
How to Make a Protective Cover for a Camera
Waterproof housings are available for some cameras. A simple way for the photographer with a DSLR or similar camera to protect it in inclement weather is to make a protective cover using a two – gallon plastic storage bag.
Open the storage bag. On a level surface, slide the camera—lens first and centered—to the bottom of the bag. (Proceed with the next step only if a protective UV (ultraviolet) or skylight filter is in place on the lens.) With a soft-tipped marker, trace around the circumference of the front of the lens.
Remove the camera from the bag. With scissors, carefully cut out the just-traced circle. To provide the best protection for the camera, aim for a snug fit around the front of the lens. Let only the smallest part of the lens stick out from the plastic bag. Secure the bag with a rubber band. The photographer's hands operate the camera's controls from inside the plastic bag.
Essential Items
All photographers should pack a lens cleaning kit and a cloth to wipe the camera body. If the camera is a DSLR, the photographer should carry a sensor cleaning kit if he or she knows how to clean the sensor. Otherwise, let a professional clean it.
Photographers should not forget the owner's manual for the camera.. A hat or cap will protect the head in all kinds of weather. A small flashlight helps the user to see the camera's controls in low light. Photographers should also pack a hand towel for drying the hands when wet and for wiping dust and dirt from them too.
Professional photographers who use digital cameras usually travel with laptops so they can save and process their images. Other traveling photographers can skip the laptop by taking a battery-operated portable hard drive/photo storage device for transferring images from the memory card to free up space on the card .Alternately, many locales have photo shops where the photographer can take the memory card and have a photo CD or DVD burned or have prints made the same day. Of course, the photographer can just wait until he or she returns home to make the photos, taking care not to lose or damage the memory card.
All photographers should think about their individual photo needs and carry the appropriate equipment. Make a list. And remember what Krist wrote: Once at the destination, the camera bag "should contain everything you need and nothing you don't."
Sources:
- Freeman, Michael. Pro Digital Photographer's Handbook. New York: Lark Books. 2005.
- Krist, Bob. Digital Masters: Travel Photography: Documenting the World's People & Places. New York: Lark Books. 2008.
Further Reading:
 |
