“What camera do you use?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions that I get so I thought now would be a good time to take what’s inside of my backpack and show you my travel photography kit. Before we begin, I just would like to say that I am not a photographer, I am just a blogger that has always loved to take photographs and buy cameras and random equipment! I am self-taught and have learned (still learning too) along the way how to capture the images that I love and people appreciate.
So what’s in my travel photography kit? Let’s take a look!
iPhone 7 Plus
Most people think that you need the most expensive and fanciest camera to capture images, but I will be the first person to tell you that you do not. When I first started to travel, I was using a heavy Canon camera and wanted to cry every time I travelled. I was torn between capturing everything on my DSLR and having shoulder pains or using my iPhone. However, one trip I decided to travel armed only with my Apple iPhone and was stunned at the quality of my images and videos. Who would have known my phone would turn into my go-to for capturing my travels. My iPhone 7 Plus has transformed my life and my travel photography kit! It takes stunning images, the bokeh/depth effect option is amazing and let’s not forget this phone shoots video in 4k.
Shot On An iPhone 7 Plus
CAMERAS & LENSES
Canon T-2i
My oldie but goodie, my Canon Rebel has served me well over the years and was the main camera in my travel photography kit. I’ve had this camera for almost eight years and it was what I used to photograph everything. It is a great beginners camera but to be honest, it’s probably not even available anymore as it’s so old. It is a tad heavy, which is why I converted to my iPhone for most of my travel needs. I paired the body with a factory 18-55mm lens and I shot just about everything in auto for a few years until I learned how to use my camera like a real photog. I still prefer to shoot in auto as I hate missing moments setting a camera. While I rarely use this bad boy anymore, when I do, the images are still as flawless as ever. However, I have upgraded and downsized!
Shot On A Canon T2i w/ 18-55mm
Sony A5100 w/16-50 mm
Finding the right camera, one that was lightweight, delivered exceptional video and photos and was easy to use was no easy task. There are so many options, it really just comes down to preference and how much you are willing to spend. After months of research, I have welcomed my new baby home. Say hello to my mirrorless Sony. This camera is so light, yet so powerful and takes beautiful images. I bought it with the purpose of travel vlogging and I am not disappointed. This camera stood out to me because of all the reasons above AND because I wanted a camera with a detachable lens. There’s so much more than can be done when you have this option. I’m looking very soon to purchase a few new lenses and will update this post as soon as I do.
Shot On A Sony A5100 w/16-50 mm
GoPro Hero4
This tiny camera packs quite a punch. You can mount it just about any part of your body and shoot. One of the best things about this camera is that it can take a beating. It’s very durable and you will probably have this around for a long time! I use this to shoot underwater photos, video or action shots…both of which I do not do that much of these days. The quality of this camera is exceptional but the sound is what makes me not pick it up as much in addition to the battery life is not the best. If you were to purchase, buy a few extra batteries to go along with it.
Shot On GoPro Hero4
ACCESSORIES
iPhone Tripod
My smartphone tripod is perhaps one of my favourite accessories. It’s literally every solo traveller’s dream. You don’t have to ask anyone to take a photo of you because you can simply do it yourself. Most times when I ask strangers to take a pic, it’s the worst photo ever, you can angle your phone and tripod exactly how you want to get your signature photo. The tripod is 50″ and compatible with Apple iPhones, Samsungs & just about any other smartphone. This isn’t the sturdiest tripod, it is made out of aluminium so you have to be careful because one breeze can knock it over.
LOHA Flexible Tripod for DSLR
I bought this flexible DSLR tripod to vlog with, it’s akin to the GorillaPod tripod made popular by Casey Niestat, and I’m not sure why I purchased this particular tripod instead of the JOBY. This tripod is able to twist and contort around just about anything ensuring you get the shot. It’s nice and compact and perfect for travelling. While I do like this tripod, there are some slight defects. I find that it doesn’t hold as well as I thought it would, it does drop from time to time and it’s a task at times screwing my camera onto the tripod as tight as I would like. I have to put your back into it!
SANDISK Ultra Plus Class 10 SD Memory Card – 64 GB
I capture and store as many images and videos thanks to my powerful Sandisk memory card. Don’t skimp on the memory else you will have to choose between what to keep and what to delete!
Seagate 1TB Portable External Hard Drive
I take hundreds of images when I travel and I need somewhere to store those memories. For the past few years, I’ve been travelling with my Seagate external hard drive. I don’t have a favourite when it comes to choosing which brand, I know there are lots of other brands that I’ve heard great things about but this gets the job done. Gone are the days when I store my valuable memories on my computer, its just not enough space! A tip is to also have a primary and a backup drive, I’m always cautious of losing or having stuff stolen.
And there you have it, everything that I use to take photographs while travelling the world. When I first started out blogging and travelling, I would obsess over equipment. I needed the most expensive and extravagant camera so my photos could be perfect. If this is your way of thinking, stop it, right now. Your camera is only half of the battle. Most of my dopest images have come from shooting on an iPhone. It’s not what you have, it’s how you use it. Learn to work with what you have, master that, and then move on. Go out there and practice angles, learn how to compose shots, figure out your style.
LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH!
