Packing the Gear Bag for Travel Photography: What You Need and What You Don't

Packing for a lengthy adventure is always a bit of a mental workout. Less-experienced travelers tend to overdo it—bringing too many clothes, books they never open, and shoes that never leave the bottom of the bag. The seasoned traveler learns to pack light and adapt on the go.

The same rule applies to photography gear: deciding what to bring and what to leave behind is a delicate dance, and it all starts with understanding your purpose and goals for your travel photography. A war correspondent, commercial photographer, or wildlife shooter has specific demands—they need gear that meets the job's technical requirements and allows them to edit and submit images within a specific  deadline.  But for the hobbyist, amateur, or beginner who is curious, creatively driven, and just as passionate about the journey itself as the images they take away —a balance between being prepared and staying comfortable is paramount to the experience.


Purpose First, Gear Second

My own purposes for travel photography are typically for personal enjoyment, expanding my portfolio, and generating images that I can incorporate into my work in unique and creative ways. Experience has taught me that I can come away with the type of shots I prefer with minimal gear. Therefore, flexibility and comfort matter more to me than having every focal length covered. After numerous adventures abroad hauling around too much gear I never used (or has proved to be too cumbersome),  I’ve settled into a barebones setup that feels right for how I travel and shoot.


Gear + Terrain = Strategy

If I’m headed to a city where infrastructure is stable, accommodations are reliable, and minimal over-land travel is involved I may consider bringing more gear, as I feel comfortable storing it at my home base and using as needed. But when I’m heading deep into a region like the Sahara or rural Southeast Asia where I'll be using various forms of transportation, from speed boats to tuk-tuks and motorbikes, I always go lean. When out and about taking photos, I want to be mobile and flexible, and I want to blend in with my surroundings as easily as possible. For me, the less the better.


My Preferred Travel Photography Gear



Nikon D850 – My primary workhorse. Insanely sharp, rugged, and reliable.

Nikon D800 – A backup body, just in case.


35mm AF-S Nikkor Prime – Perfect for street, portraits, and everyday scenes. It’s sharp and unobtrusive.


28-70mm AF Nikkor Zoom – Versatile. My go-to when I want flexibility without switching lenses all day.


14-24mm AF-S Nikkor Wide-Angle – Great for landscapes and tight spaces. I don’t bring this everywhere, but it’s a must for big scenery.


Tripod:

I use the Peak Design Travel Tripod (Carbon Fiber) – It’s lightweight, folds down small enough to strap to my pack, and sets up fast. It’s not the cheapest, but its portability makes it worth every ounce. I don't use a tripod often, but it's come in handy for taking self-portraits when in amazing locations and can be handy for night photography. I make sure the tripod fits snuggly and comfortably in a side pocket of my backpack, so I'm only carrying it when in transit between locations or I specifically plan to use it for a shot.


Neutral Density Filter - ND filters can be welcome in bright settings. Not a necessity but a nice addition that takes up little space.

Compartmentalized Camera Backpack – Airline-approved and never leaves my side during flights. Every piece of gear that matters lives here. It's heavy, but it's only with me in transit. Otherwise I'll leave it in my hotel when I step out to explore.


Shoulder Bag – For daily walks, casual shoots, and situations where a full backpack would slow me down.


I travel with a handful of memory cards, each numbered to keep files organized. No formatting on the road.


Depending on the trip length and access to secure lodging, I might bring a laptop for image backup and light editing. Truly, unless I'm working with a group and we'll be doing some sort of review, I prefer to leave the editing until I'm back at home. Id' rather spend my time enjoying the location I'm in to the fullest, or catching up on my rest!


Extra camera batteries + charger. I prefer to have two fully charged camera batteries at all times, plus at least one fully-charged back up battery. This way, if you shoot all day, or find yourself in a location where you can't recharge, you'll be okay until you can get back to basecamp and charge up.


Voltage converter. Always a good thing to have if you'll be traveling to locations with different electricity outlets than you're home country.

Travel With Me On An Upcoming Photography Adventure

I'm currently organizing intimate, small-group photography adventures to some of my favorite places in the world. Curated for curious, thoughtful travelers,  we'll indulge in local culture and cuisine, stay in some amazing places, and capture incredible scenes daily. I keep the vibe relaxed, the groups small, and the photo ops unforgettable for the experience of a lifetime.


Join my mailing list below to stay informed of future adventures. Hope to see you out on the road!