Do you really need it?

When it comes to packing for trips, I must admit, I tend to over-pack just a little. I like to be prepared. I'm sure anyone who knows me may question my definition of 'a little' But, I honestly think I've gotten a lot better. Now I just have to work on my inability to finish packing until the night before. It's slightly exciting, yet simultaneously stressful. Is that a Sagittarius thing? Then there's my general disdain for unpacking. But don't get me started on that. But its a part of the process, and I'm always ready for an adventure. So that means dealing with the pleasant and not so exciting parts of the process.

I really enjoy local/quick trips. Especially the ones that allow for one backpack. You read that right, one backpack. Despite being far and few between. These types of trips allow for the always refreshing, pack & go. With these, the art of pre-planning is a necessary skill.

Ready? Lets get to it then!

Packing for me is normally dictated by the following categories:

- How long I'll be gone

- The weather/temp (will I need a jacket, gloves, a poncho, etc.)

- The terrain (off-road, sandy, etc.)

- Type of photo-shoots ( sunrise, sunset, portraits, macro, landscapes, etc.)

- Will I be traveling alone (This is critical. Ask yourself, am I able to carry all of my equipment by myself?)

- How many sites do I plan to visit (Will one shoot require a telephoto lens and the others additional lighting, or maybe a rain cover or filters. Do I need water shoes or hiking boots?)

There's being prepared, and then there's overcompensating. Planning helps to minimize over-packing. You probably won't need a light jacket and a sweater for that trip to Miami in August. You may not need 6 pairs of shoes for a 3-day trip. I know many of us like to have options. But, when the extra options lead to a sore back and additional charges due to heavy luggage. The novelty begins to wear off rather quickly. Not to mention, those extra items tend to get in the way. So, pack the dress or pants you love. But, make sure you can re-wear your clothes in different outfits. For an example, please see the photos of male and female capsule outfits below.

Images by Melissa. EverydaySavy

Options, Options, Options. My former teacher often said, "Keep the boat in the water, and the baseball in the field. Because boats don't do well on land, and not all balls float". Meaning, your equipment should match the task.

Let's say you're shooting a child's first birthday or hiking two hours to get to your location. Packing a 650-1300mm lens would not only be overkill in most cases. It's also an inefficient use of space, resources, and let's also be honest, energy. Why is this a bad idea?

Because:

A. Those bad boys aren't light.

B. You can't use a lightweight tripod. Which means packing the bulkier and often much heavier tripod. (Insert a photo of a tired person here)

C. Did I say they are heavy

D. They aren't ideal for shooting fleeting objects; excited children on sugar, moving animals, sports or close objects and etc.

Maybe you do need it? In some instances, it's necessary to carry around the 'big guns'. When shooting an eclipse, carrying the extra load can be unavoidable at times. In 2017 I ended up recruiting my family for just that. An eclipse is a shoot it or lose it moment. It's not the time for "Oh shoot, I left it in the car!" So ill say it again, pack smart ladies and gentlemen!

So we've discussed local and short trips. But what about the ones that require getting on a plane. TSA. Yes, I know. I can hear the audible groans. Unfortunately, this repetitive and mildly inconvenient delay is necessary. Since we can't get around it, we might as well learn how to get through it as painlessly as possible.

Ladies & Gentleman, this is the time to make your life as easy as possible. Unless there's some Angel Protection Program for electronics that I don't know about. Always, always, always pack your valuables, camera bodies and lenses in your carry on! This is not only to prevent damage, but also theft. Travel tripods, batteries, chargers, cables, and etc. can go in a checked bag if you like. But make sure they are packed properly, preferably in something padded and waterproof. I also like to surround these items with my clothes for extra protection. When I fly, I either carry a backpack or over the shoulder camera bag. Regardless of the bag, my camera is broken down. Meaning the lens has been detached from the camera body. Both are packed separately and securely.

My memory cards, tablet, chargers, batteries, portable charger, and etc. get packed in a waterproof electronic organizer. The organizer is about the size of a tablet. If you would like one, you can find it here. This also goes in my carry on. That way, when it's my turn to go through security. It goes by much faster and with less anxiety. The camera equipment and other electronics are secure and easily removed from my bag. The chances of avoidable damage are greatly reduced this way. I don't hold up the line, and in no time I'm heading toward my gate.

Now, mind you. Packing this way is not ideal for when I want to shoot from the airplane window. Being that I now have to build my camera. But I'd rather be safe than sorry. There's nothing wrong with having a camera ready to shoot when out and about. But when traveling, packing this way may increase the chances of damage. The potential for added stress where the camera and lens meet, may also create needless wear and tear.

Also, keep in mind that even when not in use, the camera does drain your battery slowly. How quickly this occurs depends on your camera and battery specifications. But why risk it? Having a dead battery while shooting is almost as annoying as people walking through a photo-shoot.

At the end of the day, go with your gut. When flying, pack light, secure and compact. Make sure you have your essentials, and always double if not triple-check that you have everything. But, most of all... Enjoy the view! Safe traveling everyone.

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#Travel #Flying #Airport #Packing #Planning #Adventure #Safety #Options