Before you leave on a trip, think about how much equipment you’ll need for the particular photos you plan on taking. Many photographers have one or more camera bodies, several lenses, flash units, filters, battery packs, tripods, and even slave/receiver units for the flashes. Although it might be hard to anticipate, try not to pack more than what you think you’ll use. After all, you’ll be lugging this around with you in a backpack or bag. Also consider your travel companions and how understanding they are of your hobby or job.

Once you know what you want, pick the smallest camera bag you have. I looked long and hard for a camera bag that was functional yet did not look like the standard camera bag. I’ll be honest, my intention was to own a cute and girly camera bag for my SLR and several lenses. I finally found a bag manufacturer for men and women’s camera bags that they don’t look like camera bags, but are definitely functional and stylish. They could pass for an ordinal bag so potential thieves might be initially confused. These bags don’t advertize “Expensive equipment in here! Rob me!” Yet they are designed for all levels of serious photographers.

Before you head on your trip, you might consider putting your equipment on your home owner’s or renter’s insurance in case anything happens to it. Also, you can register your equipment at your local US Custom’s Office. The reason for this would be to record that you left with that equipment and didn’t buy it during your destination and have to claim it on your way home.

Airport security is probably the biggest bane for a photographer. Harmful X-Rays can seriously damage unprocessed film. Back in the day, we’d stick our film in lead-lined bags to protect them, but now with tightened security it’s better to put film in a clear baggy and ask for a hand inspection. They would have to open the lead-lines bags for a hand inspection anyway and they might not like the hassle and extra time it takes to dig around. Digital cameras and memory cards are unaffected by the scanners.

Security personnel are trying to process you through as quickly as possible and might not handle your items gently. Pack accordingly.

Lastly, use your head when walking in crowds and pay attention to your belongings. Never leave your bag anywhere and it might be best to keep your bag tight at your side or in front of you. Don’t leave your equipment lying in the open in hotel rooms.

Plan ahead, use some common sense, and traveling with your hard-earned expensive camera equipment will turn out fine.

By: Laura Malischke

About the Author:

Christmas Favorite Toys