Gear • April 2023
Travel work is a constant trade-off between flexibility and weight. I used to pack “just in case” gear, then spend half the trip managing equipment instead of shooting. Now I build a kit that is intentionally minimal: fast to deploy, easy to carry all day, and reliable across unpredictable conditions. The goal is simple—never miss the moment because the setup takes too long.
The philosophy: one bag, one system
I treat the kit as a single system rather than a pile of gadgets. Every item has a role, and if two items do the same job, one goes. The kit has to survive walking, rain, crowded trains, and quick security checks—without looking like a production crew.
- Speed: camera out in seconds.
- Redundancy: backups where failures are expensive (storage, battery).
- Simplicity: fewer options, better decisions.
Core gear: what I actually use
My “core” is a camera body I know in muscle memory, two lenses that cover 90% of assignments, and a light accessory set. I prefer a fast prime for storytelling and a flexible zoom for “unknowns.” The kit stays consistent so I can focus on composition and emotion rather than menus.
Quick packing checklist
- Camera + two lenses
- 2–3 batteries + compact charger
- 2–3 memory cards + SSD backup
- Small reflector / diffusion
- Microfiber cloth + weather cover
Data safety: the boring part that saves you
On travel shoots, losing files is the biggest risk. I keep a simple routine: cards stay in one case, and every evening I back up to an SSD. If the trip is long, I separate backups—one stays in the bag, one stays in the room. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the difference between delivering and apologizing.
| Step | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Copy cards to SSD | 10–20 min | Primary backup |
| Verify folders | 3–5 min | No missing files |
| Separate storage | 1 min | Reduced risk |
Comfort items that matter
The best “gear upgrade” is often comfort: shoes you can walk in, a strap that doesn’t cut your shoulder, and a bag that keeps weight close to your back. If you’re exhausted, your framing suffers. I also pack a small notebook for shot lists and location notes—battery-free, always available, and surprisingly useful when you need to remember what you saw, not what you photographed.
Final note: don’t over-prepare
Minimalism isn’t about deprivation—it’s about clarity. A lighter kit lets you move faster, shoot longer, and stay present. When you travel, the story changes every hour. The best kit is the one that gets out of your way and lets you respond to reality.