Disclosure: We earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through backlinks at no extra cost to you. We are also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Please read our privacy policy for how we use your data and GDPR.

Last updated on October 9th, 2016

I love photographing the world, specifically landscapes during the twilight hours. But damn, trekking around with travel photography equipment is challenging. It’s like a socialite packing six pairs of shoes for a one-week trip.

I traveled through Central America with a Canon 6D, Tamron SP 24-70mm Di VC, Manfrotto tripod, Apple iPad Air 2, 14” Alienware laptop, and a GoPro Hero3+ Black Edition, plus accessories. This list isn’t even exhaustive. I don’t enjoy lugging this stuff between towns and countries. And I barely used the GoPro. Stupid me. I should have reduced my travel photography equipment.

I wasn’t planning to travel long-term until 2016, when I will buy a new, thinner laptop. But the forces of wanderlust made me travel sooner. The Alienware laptop is bulky at 6.5 pounds. It’s a gaming laptop, but I use it for travel blogging and post-processing photos with Lightroom and Photoshop. Sometimes, I use Adobe Premiere and After Effects for video. I need Alienware’s performance to avoid Adobe programs from running slow or crashing. I wish I didn’t have to travel around with this heavy beast. I still plan to downgrade and buy a smaller laptop in the future.

I brought my iPad because I use it to study Spanish, write notes, and read before I go to bed. My laptop is uncomfortable to have on my bed right before I sleep. I’ve now given my iPad to my father – what a waste of space and money.

I wish I had a mirrorless, full-frame camera in order to reduce space and weight; but I already invested money into my Canon 6D, albeit a great camera.

The main problem with travel photography is the increased chance of having camera gear stolen. It’s a big financial loss in addition to potential injuries.

In Central America, where I spent most of my recent time traveling, robberies of travelers are common. Keeping a constant eye-out for the tools of your trade is unpleasant. It’s a gold mine for bandits. If my equipment is stolen, I want to lose the least amount possible in order to cut my losses. When I’m out in the field, I have to be selective and limit when to bring out my camera to shoot.

I already had my hat stolen in Granada. It’s not easy being a traveler. But heck, this isn’t going to stop me from my love of travel.

Unless you’re rolling with the Secret Service, you should only bring a lot of photography equipment for one or two-week trips for specific projects; hopefully, in a safer place to travel like Iceland. I understand on some long-term trips you have to bring all the goods.

The landscape behind Santa Ana, El Salvador.

The landscape behind Santa Ana, El Salvador.

On my next long-term trip, I’m going to travel with less equipment and clothes. Mobility is important. I wanted to leave the GoPro home but I need it for specific project. Its accessories take too much space. However, I’ll still bring a tripod for landscape photography.

I may eat my own words and still bring everything, except the camera manual, on my next adventure.

To my travel photographers, travel light and make photos.

Vincent Croos

About the Author: Vincent Croos

Hola Parceros,

I’m the founder of Aperlust. I enjoy web development and SEO and am into snowboarding and linguistics. In my spare time, you can find me destroying my opponents in chess across the globe.

Get Travel Tips, Improve Your Photography, and Receive the Best Last-Minute Vacations Deals

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This