Plan for success
A major factor in ensuring a productive, enjoyable expedition is identifying and addressing common problems in advance
As an extensive photography trip can be a significant financial investment, it is wise to have a detailed itinerary of your day-to-day travel schedule, as well as an appropriate plan of when and where you intend to make images.
One of the biggest issues the travel photographer can expect though is an unpredictable change in itinerary. This may have consequences for planned access to electrical power, for charging camera and laptop batteries for example, which may also impact opportunities to back up images and clear memory card space. Preparing for this by packing reserve batteries can help, but it is also important to remember that restrictions on battery capacity and quantity may be enforced by airport security. A good strategy is to identify outlets for sourcing replacements at the destination, within a wider radius of a pre-planned route. This also prevents airport issues with discharged electrical items being confiscated on the return journey. Furthermore, if you will be crossing multiple borders, it’s important to ensure that you are carrying the appropriate plug adaptors for all stopping points.
As discussed earlier, keeping gear selection concise is a big step towards streamlining the travelling experience from the start. “Airline baggage restrictions are definitely the biggest challenges,” says Teresa Sadurni. “I haven’t travelled with very large lenses – I always try to fit my gear in the cabin suitcase or backpack.” Camera bag choice aids transport restrictions but also helps prevent theft. A branded camera bag is not always the best choice, as thieves at popular tourist spots are able to recognise these and identify the contents as valuable photography equipment. Consider selecting a less conspicuous bag when travelling to unfamiliar cities.
Regarding finances, scheduling can help reduce costs. Having a clear reason to travel – such as a search for images for a specific publication – can ensure a return on investment before you commit, while planning stopping points helps guarantee you capture the images you really need. When booking travel look for discounts on multicity ‘stopovers’ – a practice increasingly encouraged by airlines. Not only are these fares often cheaper, but you can incorporate multiple destinations into the same trip, for increased efficiency.