Travel Photography Gear List and Tips: Best Cameras, Lenses, Backpacks
We’ve been traveling with cameras for over a decade and this has led to a variety of opinions on minimalist travel photography gear. We want to help you find the perfect camera and teach you some tips that will make your journey more enjoyable!
Let’s embark on your photography journey by learning some travel photography tips as well as suggestions for building your minimalist travel photography gear list. I’ve broken this post into two sections. First we’lltalk about travel photography gear and then we’ll walk through some tips to make your photography better.
Travel photography is about the journey, the only way to get to your destination is one step at a time.
Part 1: My Travel Photography Gear Guide
Part 2: Tips for Capturing Great Travel Photos
Travel Photography Gear Guide
Below is a travel photography gear guide (aka outdoor photography equipment list) to help you decide which camera gear you’re bringing with you. From the right camera bag to the perfect camera lens, having the right travel photography gear can help you focus on how to shoot photos rather than juggle lenses.
Travel Photography Gear Topics
Designing your kit
Best cameras
Best Lenses
Essential Accessories
Best Drone
Travel with Camera Gear
Buying Tips
My Minimalist Gear List

Designing a Photography Kit For Travel
When designing your travel photography kit, you’ll need to make a couple of decisions. Will you go minimalist and only have one lightweight lens for travel photography or will you try to bring more camera equipment into your bag? Photography equipment should make your creative process easier, not more difficult.
The right camera lens won’t make you a professional photographer, but the right camera lens might just help you get out of your own way. As you design your photography equipment list, be sure to find things that will help you instead of hinder you.
Your kit should be portable, affordable, and durable. You don’t want to worry about camera equipment breaking while you’re thousands of miles from home. You also don’t want to be bogged down by so much gear that the camera strap feels like it’s strangling you.
My best travel images are made when I feel nimble. Most travel photographers will tell you to keep things light and simple. It’s helpful to consider a travel photography definition to know you need to have gear that can also shoot video, shoot landscapes, people, and more.
The Best Cameras for Travel Photography

When it comes to camera bodies, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. I like my camera bodies to be lightweight and compact but also very durable. For these reasons, I love the Sony mirrorless cameras.
Sony has some of the smallest and most feature-rich camera designs on the market today. I encourage you to consider a mirrorless camera as the start of your travel photography kit. They have several advantages over DSLR cameras that you can read about in my post comparing the differences.
Compact Travel Photography
You don’t want to sacrifice image quality for a compact mirrorless camera and luckily you don’t have to because camera gear is getting more powerful and more packable.
Fully Featured Travel Camera
The Sony A7C is ultra-compact and still has excellent image quality. If you want a little more control and don’t my a little more bulk:
Top of the Line Travel Camera
The Sony A7IV is fully featured with more dials and custom buttons that some travel photographers are going to appreciate. It is also a solid hybrid photo and video camera that won’t break the bank like the much more expensive:
The Sony A1 is the top of the pyramid of mirrorless cameras. If you want the highest quality, definitely check this mirrorless camera one out. Most travel photographers have some concerns about their equipment being stolen. If you bring the Sony A1, definitely get some insurance!
Back Up Camera
You might consider a backup camera body in case anything happens to your camera. While it can be a pain to carry two camera bodies, it’s more of a pain to not have a plan if your camera fails. Great backups include:
This is an APS-C sensor camera meaning it is smaller than the full frame bodies above but it still has excellent image quality. It also crops in on your lenses so you get a little extra telephoto reach for distant subjects. Lastly, it is the most compact camera on this list so it won’t weigh you down.
More Budget Friendly Options
If you’re looking for even more budget-friendly cameras, I highly recommend checking out some of the older generations of the above cameras on the used market. I listed some great options below:
Sony a6000 – excellent used camera body for around $300-$400
Sony A7 – the original camera in the series is around $400-$500
Sony A7II – a slightly newer generation for around $600-$800
Sony A7III – awesome features (and the bigger battery) for around $1300
All of the above cameras will be compatible with all the Sony lenses. If you decide to upgrade your camera body later for battery life, you can keep your camera lenses!
The Best Lenses for Travel Photography: What You NEED to Pack!
We all know that packing light is key when you’re traveling, but it’s also crucial to take the right lenses to capture all those amazing moments. After you choose your camera body, it’s time to decide which camera lens you’ll take with you on your travels. This will come down to the focal length you want to shoot, how much room you have in your camera bag, and your budget.

When it comes to focal lengths I’m a big fan of a nice wide-angle lens because it’s versatile. However, I also appreciate a solid telephoto lens for creating compression in my images. You might have a favorite focal length or you might need to do some research such as comparing the 35mm and 50mm focal lengths.
Travel camera gear is meant to help you enjoy the experience. Pick a camera kit that feels good in your hands. Something that you are excited to pick up and you like the design. Many people have been drawn to high-end cameras such as Leica because the designs are so aesthetically pleasing.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Lens
Before we dive into specific lenses, let’s first talk about what you should consider when choosing the best lens for your trip.
Versatility
The number one rule is to keep it versatile. You don’t want to pack an entire bag full of lenses, so look for a lens that can cover multiple types of shots: landscapes, portraits, street photography, and architecture.
Size and Weight
Also, consider the weight and size of the lens. If you’re hiking or moving around a lot, you want something compact and lightweight.
Image Quality
But, at the same time, it should give you the image quality you need to capture breathtaking moments.
Budget
Budget is always a doctor for most of us too. One way to alleviate travel stress is to make sure your equipment is insured or covered by something like renters insurance.
One time we got robbed on a beach in Puerto Rico. Ended up at the police station without shoes or t-shirts. Some kids took our rental car full of camera gear and climbing gear that was lucky all insured. Don’t leave your keys on your towel on the beach, but that’s a different travel advice post.
Multiple Lenses Vs One Lens for Travel Photography
Some people want one versatile lens for travel photography, they want to keep it simple. While that sounds ideal, I am a big fan of being able to create diversity in my images. If everything is shot with a 35mm wide-angle lens, all my photos will start to look the same. Sure you can zoom with your feet but the images will all have the same perspective.
That’s why I like some focal length variety and interchangeable lenses. This means either a zoom lens with a broad focal range or more preferably multiple lightweight prime lenses that cover the spectrum.
It really comes down to how you like to shoot photos. If you’re in a fast-paced environment where you don’t want to swap lenses, opt for a zoom lens. If you’re traveling more slowly and want to take the time to frame up your images and enjoy the experience, get a prime lens kit.
Top Lenses for Travel Photography
Now, let’s talk about some top lenses for travel photography. We’ll go over a mix of zoom lenses and prime lenses to give you a well-rounded list and links to the lenses in the description below. Note that I’m going to be talking about full frame lenses so if you’re shooting with a crop sensor camera just comment below and I’ll help you out with some equivalent suggestions.
24-70mm f/2.8
The 24-70mm f/2.8 is a must-have for any travel photographer. This zoom lens offers a great range, from wide-angle shots at 24mm to close-up shots at 70mm. It’s ideal for everything from sweeping landscapes to portraits of locals, and it performs relatively well in low light thanks to the f/2.8 aperture.
The best part? It’s versatile enough that you can leave a lot of your other lenses at home. However, it’s a bit bulkier, so if you’re looking to travel light, keep that in mind.
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II : Buy on Amazon
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II: Buy on Amazon
16-35mm f/4
For those of you who love landscape photography, the 16-35mm f/4 is a game-changer. It’s a bit wider, so you can capture vast landscapes or cityscapes without any issues. The f/4 aperture is perfect for bright sunny days, but if you’re shooting in dimmer environments, it’s not as ideal as a faster lens.
But, it’s compact and lightweight, making it a solid choice if you need something for wide-angle shots, especially in tight spaces or architecture. This is one of our go tos. We chose the f 2.8 version for low light performance but we’ve also owned a f/4 version in the past.
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM: Buy on Amazon
50mm f/1.8 (or f/1.4)
The 50mm is a prime, and it’s one of the best travel lenses if you want to keep things simple. The f/1.8 aperture lets in plenty of light, so it’s great for low-light situations or for creating that beautiful blurry background (aka bokeh). It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and incredibly sharp.
The only drawback is that you don’t have the flexibility of a zoom lens, so you’ll need to move around a bit to get your shot.
Sony 50mm f/1.4: Buy on Amazon
Sony 55mm f/1.8: Buy on Amazon
70-200mm f/4
If you’re planning on capturing some wildlife or want to take detailed shots from a distance, the 70-200mm f/4 is the lens you need. This zoom lens is perfect for getting close-up shots without disturbing your subject. It’s great for nature photography, wildlife, or portrait photography from far away. If you’re going specifically for wildlife you’d want a much longer lens but for most travelers the 70-200 is a good compromise for adding a little telephoto action to your kit.
Just keep in mind, this lens is a bit heavy and bulky, so it might not be the most practical for daily use, especially if you’re trying to pack light.
Sony 70-200mm f/4 G: Buy on Amazon
Sony 70-200mm f/4 G II: Buy on Amazon
35mm f/1.8
The 35mm prime lens is another great choice for travel photography, especially if you like to capture those environmental portraits where you want to include some of the surroundings in your shot.This lens is compact, lightweight, and offers a wide aperture, so you can shoot in low light without any trouble.
It’s perfect for both street photography and travel moments—like photographing a meal at a local restaurant or the streets of an old city. It’s a great walkaround lens that can do a lot.
Rokinon 35mm f/1.8: Buy on Amazon
Sony 35mm f/1.4: Buy on Amazon
Sony 35mm f/1.8: Buy on Amazon
Samyang 35mm f/1.4: Buy on Amazon
Which Lens Should You Take?
Now that you know about some of the best lenses, how do you choose the right one for your trip?
For versatility, the 24-70mm f/2.8 is a great all-around lens that you can rely on for most situations.
If you’re traveling light, the 50mm or the 35mm will give you amazing shots without taking up too much space in your bag.
For landscapes, the 16-35mm will allow you to capture wide vistas and architecture.
For wildlife or far-away shots, the 70-200mm f/2.8 is a must.
We often take the 16-35mm for landscapes and then a 50mm for walking around. And a drone.
Ultimately, the lens you choose will depend on what kind of photography you want to focus on during your trip. So be sure to check out my video on choosing the right focal length for you. But remember, travel photography is about telling a story, so think about the kinds of images you want to capture and make your decision accordingly.
So, which lens are you taking on your next adventure? Drop a comment below and let me know what lens you think is the best for travel photography! Don’t forget to subscribe for more tips and advice on photography gear. Thanks so much for watching, next up some tips for taking better travel photos!
Essential Camera Accessories for Travel Photographers
Aside from your main camera body and camera kit, you’ll need a few accessories to create beautiful images. Included on your travel photography gear list, you’ll need a durable camera bag and a comfortable camera strap.

My Lightweight Camera Tripod
One thing you might need is a lightweight travel tripod. If you plan to shoot long exposure photos such as astrophotography or capturing a waterfall, you’ll want to be able to prevent camera shake. I sometimes use this super lightweight/compact tripod option if I’m going to a remote destination. Landscape photography benefits from a tripod because it slows you down and forces you to focus on your composition.
A travel tripod is something you might leave behind if you’re interested in minimalist travel photography gear, but we love having one for specific images.
Camera Bags For Travel Photography
Having a good camera bag will help make transporting your travel photography gear more practical. Your camera bag needs to fit all of your photography gear including things like snacks and water. Your camera bag will also likely serve as your carry-on for the airplane, you want to always have your photography gear with you.
A good quality camera backpack will keep your gear protected yet accessible and be comfortable to carry. We have a ton of reviews of camera bags on our YouTube channel so make sure you follow us there.
Several of my favorite camera backpacks:
Shimoda Action X30 – great for hiking, traveling, and adventuring
Shimoda Explore 30 v2 – Great for travel and organization
Alex Strohl Mountain Light by Moment – Great for hiking and small camera kits
Mountainsmith Shoulder Bag – Great bag for simple and versatile camera carry
Camera Cube for Mountainsmight Bag – Get this to put inside your shoulder bag
Youll also want a camera strap that’s comfortable for your body.
Portable Power Bank
Sometimes when you’re traveling you’ll have access to electricity, but regardless you want to make sure you have all your chargers and a source of power. This is where a portable power bank comes in. I’ve become familiar with the tools from Goal Zero because they are rugged and reliable but this has become a crowded market so find one that works for you. Nothing is worse than a dead battery during an epic sunset photo shoot!
Camera Filters for Travel
Filters are one of those simple items that can seem like a hassle but when used correctly, they will level up your images. Polarizing lens filters are one of my favorites to cut glare and add vibrance to your images. Most other lens filters can be mimicked in post-production. The only other filter you might consider is an ND filter if you like to shoot long exposures.
Don’t forget to carry Spare Batteries.
Best Drone For Aerial Travel Photography

This could be a whole article in itself! A drone is one of the most fun cameras to bring with you while traveling because it opens up a whole new dimension of imagery. There are a lot of drones on the but I tend to stick with DJI because I think they have the best user interface. They also offer drones at almost any price point!
Best all-around drone: DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Best mid-size drone: DJI Mavic Air 2S
Best compact drone: DJI Mini 3 Pro
Best Entry-level drone: DJI Mini 3
Drones are so much fun to work with and although the image quality isn’t quite up to that of a full-frame camera, the perspective they offer is incredible. They can also capture some amazing video with intelligent flight modes that work well for solo travelers looking to document their own experience. Check out drone accessories here.
Buying Photography Equipment For Travel: Considerations
If you already have camera gear, start with what you have and work on making better photos based on the information in the next section. However, if you’re looking to buy new camera gear you’re going to want to set a budget. From there you might consider shopping used gear when possible.
Some people worry about buying used gear but I’ve been doing it for years and had great experience so far. You could shop eBay for the best deals or a used camera market like MPB or KEH. If the gear looks decent on the outside, odds are it’s going to perform well for years to come.
Traveling with Photo Equipment
When you plan to travel for photography you have to figure out how to get all this gear to wherever you’re going. Professional photographers have even more gear than the hobby photographer but either way, here are some tips for traveling with your gear.
Keep your gear list minimal and essential
Keep everything you need in a camera backpack that you keep with you
Have a plan for backing up your memory cards periodically
Always keep a copy of your images on your person while traveling (don’t count on the car as a safe place to store things)
Insure all your equipment – check your policy for exemptions in certain destinations
Minimalist Travel Photography Gear List
One reliable, durable, dual card slot camera body (our pick)
One telephoto zoom lens (our pick)
One wide-angle zoom lens (our pick)
One mid-range fast prime (our pick)
A durable camera backpack (our pick)
Polarizing filters (our pick)
Backup camera body (our pick)
Durable Memory cards (our pick)
Tips for Capturing Great Travel Photos

In this section, we’re going to talk about how to take good travel photos. Digital photography has encouraged people to take way too many pictures that never get looked at again. If you’re going to sample photos to document your travel experiences, make sure you do it with intention. Follow through on the process. Cull and edit your photos after your trip and don’t just dump thousands of photos on a hard drive to never be reviewed again.
Travel Photography Tips for Beginners
Imagine this: You’re setting out on a picture-perfect vacation, ready to fill your camera roll with dreamy sunsets, epic landscapes, and the kind of shots that will have your Instagram followers drooling. But just like the Griswolds on their way to Wally World, things don’t always go as planned. Maybe the weather doesn’t cooperate, the crowds are overwhelming, or that ‘hidden gem’ turns out to be more of a tourist trap.
Welcome to the wild and unpredictable world of travel photography, where the most memorable shots often come from the most unexpected moments. In this guide, we’re not just going to show you how to capture the perfect photo—we’re going to embrace the chaos, the mishaps, and the reality of what it’s like to try and turn a family vacation into a photographic masterpiece. Buckle up, because this road trip is about to get real!
Define Your Travel Photography Goals
As a travel photographer, what type of photography will you be shooting? That means asking the question, what is travel photography? Travel photography encompasses telling a story of a place including the landscape, the people, the experience, and the culture.
You might be interested in wildlife photography, landscape photographer, adventure photography, street photography, aerial photography, night photography, travel photojournalism, or just capturing your family. Defining your goals will help you determine your gear budget and the photography skills you need to learn.
Are you just bringing an action camera on your family ski trip to document the fun or are you taking super-telephoto lenses on an African safari? These are very different goals so make sure you have a vision for the experience you want to have.
Make a List of Skills to Learn
You’ll want to figure out where you are in terms of photography skills. If you’re just starting out, there is going to be a lot to learn. However, if you’re applying photography skills you have from a different niche, you can simply see what skills you’re missing and focus on those.
Learning how to nail those landscape shots or tell a story with your travel photography will be a process, an adventure. Take it one step at a time. Learn one new skill at a time.
Lighting, Composition, and Photography Skills for Travel Photography

You’ll discover quickly that understanding things like light and composition can give your travel photography a boost. The hour just after sunrise and the hour just before sunset is known as the “golden hour” and offers beautifully soft light. A little preparation will go a long way as I’ll talk about in the next section.
Don’t just take photos from eye level. Look for unique perspectives, such as shooting from a high vantage point or getting down low to the ground. The rule of thirds is a basic photography composition technique that involves dividing the frame into thirds vertically and horizontally and placing the subject at one of the intersections. This creates a more dynamic composition.
Shoot in Raw and Make time to Edit
Lastly, shooting in RAW format gives you more control over your images in the photo editing and post-processing. RAW files contain more data than JPEGs, allowing you to adjust exposure, white balance, and other settings without sacrificing image quality. Don’t just shoot the photos, edit them too in order to take them to the next level.
Showing ten beautiful pictures from your trip will be so much more gratifying than having thousands of images on a hard drive. One thing that can help is having a goal in mind prior to the trip. I.e. making a book or slideshow to share when you return home. . Shooting photos with a goal will also help you create better images. You’ll be excited to shoot images that fit into the story or goal of the project.
Capture the Details
While it’s tempting to focus on grand landscapes and famous landmarks, don’t forget to capture the small details that tell the story of your travels. Whether it’s the texture of a cobblestone street, the colors of a market, or the expressions of locals, these details add richness to your travel narrative.
There’s more to the story than the big landscapes. Get close, use a low aperture to create beautiful bokeh, and let the details fill the frame. These shots often end up adding to the story.
Embrace the Golden Hours
The best light for travel photography often happens just after sunrise and just before sunset—what we call the golden hours. The soft, warm light during these times can make your photos look magical, adding depth and dimension to your images.
Set your alarm early or plan to stay out late to take advantage of this natural light. You’ll avoid the harsh midday sun and capture scenes in a way that most tourists miss. I’m always shocked when everyone leaves somewhere right before it gets beautiful. Sure, they’re ready for dinner but that’s when its just about to get good. That crowed national park will be nearly empty at sunrise.
Framing and composition
The one thing that most people can do to level up their photography is just to utilize some framing and composition techniques. Most beginners just say “wow that’s beautiful” and then they take a picture of what they see as they see it. But eventually you want to compose the photo and make sure you organize things in the frame in a impactful way.
Whenever we’re somewhere and someone asks to take a picture of us I always hesitate because I know Marc will complain about the framing. People have you stand in front of a view and then just click but they don’t actually think about where the view should be in reference to the people or where they should crop it or what would be included or excluded from the frame. There are various techniques to consider: using foreground, patterns, leading lines, symmetry, filling the frame, etc (mesa verde pics) the leaves or the window
Planning and Research Before You Travel
As I mentioned above, you’ll want to plan for the best locations and time of day to capture your images. Often this means planning around beautiful light or if you’re interested in wildlife photography it’s important to know when the animals are most active.
When you’re traveling, it’s important to pack light, and this applies to your camera gear too which we talked about in length. Bring only the essentials, such camera batteries such as your camera body, a versatile lens, and a lightweight tripod if you plan on shooting in low light.
As I mentioned in the photography gear guide, you want to make sure your camera bag is always with you and that means that it can be a carry-on for your flight or that it’s waterproof if you’re in the rain. Research any information about your destination to help you decide what you need in your camera bag and what you can leave behind.
Research Your Destination
Before you even pack your bags, do some research on your destination. Look for iconic spots, hidden gems, and local culture that you can capture. Check out Instagram, travel blogs, and even Google Earth to get a sense of the best angles and times to shoot.
But here’s the twist—don’t just replicate what you see. Use this research to plan how you’ll capture the destination in your own unique way. Think about the time of day, the lighting, and how you can add your own creative touch to familiar scenes.
Pack Light, Pack Smart
When it comes to travel photography, less is more. You don’t need a ton of gear to capture amazing shots. I recommend bringing a versatile lens like a 24-70mm or your favorite wide angle prime that’s good in low light. BTW Let me know your favorite wide angle prime in the comments below, I’m planning to cover some in coming how to videos. You’ll also want a lightweight tripod, and plenty of memory cards and spare batteries. This way, you’re prepared for a variety of situations without being weighed down.
Also, don’t forget to bring a microfiber cloth and a sensor cleaner to keep your lens clean—dust and smudges can ruin an otherwise perfect shot! If you want more details on our favorite travel photography gear, let us know in the comments and I’ll put Marc right on that.
Landscape photography is about being in the right place at the right time. You can’t do that if you’re lugging a huge bag full of camera lenses. Photo quality doesn’t matter if your bag is too heavy to make it to the best spot! The best strategy to move fast is to generally shoot one lens that matches the vision of your shot and leave the other photo gear in the car.
Stay Flexible
As much as I encourage pre-planning for images, many of my best travel photos are spontaneous. Sure, it’s important to put yourself in the right place at the right time, but make sure you leave yourself open to the experiences that come. Having the best compact camera and telephoto lens is a great start but putting in the work of research/planning is key. Once you do all that, it’s important to stay flexible so you can be open to the image that naturally presents itself.
There are so many examples of chance encounters while traveling that lined up. I had my travel photography gear and was able to capture something truly unexpected. Things are not always going to line up or play out the way you expect so be ready and willing to adapt.
Stay Inspired (and off Instagram)

This may be one of the simplest and hardest tips in this article. Sitting at home wondering how to be a travel photographer while browsing pretty pictures on Instagram is a surefire recipe for disappointment. Many people see the highlight reel that is social media expecting their travels to look exactly like that. The reality of airports, long flights, and the confusion of far-off places is a lot less glamorous. It can be so easy to idealize a place only to realize it is overcrowded when you get there. Photos can be misleading and create so many expectations that often won’t be met.
My advice is to seek inspiration from sources outside social media. Apps like Instagram can be an echo chamber of the same destinations over and over. Don’t allow yourself to be let down by creating expectations of what your trip will be like. The benefit of the internet is that you can find information about just about any destination. The downside is you can mentally take the trip by watching social media video content of people there right now. Get creative about your destination and be open to having your own unique experience. Realize that you’re going to have your own experience and don’t let that be restricted by taking the trip virtually before physically.
Be intentional
Sometimes you have to put your camera away and be present in the moment. Especially if you’re traveling with family, you want to be there with them and actually enjoy the trip. Then when it comes to photo time, you can focus on what you want to capture without taking away from the experience.
Enjoy the Experience
Similar to what I mentioned above, make sure you enjoy the experience. Travel photos can be so much more meaningful if you are fully engaged in the experience. You will be able to translate your feelings about the trip so much better if you are immersed in the experience. This tip can feel a bit vague but I think it comes down to letting go of expectations and making an effort to be fully present. It can also help to connect with some local people to ensure you are experiencing the best of the destination. Skip the tourist photography spots and find a way to experience the destination in a new way.
Capturing things that make you feel
If there’s something about a scene that is a reminder of how it felt, find a way to include that in the scene. Often this is about sounds or smells or other senses. If you can find ways to tell that story it will trigger your memory in a deeper way. This picture from mesa verde when the ranger was playing music and everything in the canyon got still and you could feel the history and soul of the space.
Always take your Camera
This may sound simple but if you want to get the best photos, you have to have your camera with you. It can be easy to think that you’ll leave the camera in the car while you have dinner. This is a missed opportunity. Make sure you have the ability to bring your camera gear with you on every part of the experience so that you never miss a moment. I learned early on that having your camera with you all the time will allow you to capture the unexpected moments that unfold when you least expect them.
An example of this is when I would sometimes leave my water housing behind while swimming in the ocean this past winter. We had traveled to Puerto Rico and I knew I wanted to bring a housing for my camera but it was often a little bulky to take to the beach every time we swam. Luckily, I also brought an action camera. Somehow it seems that the sea life knew when I had my GoPro cameras instead of my higher-quality water housing. We saw some amazing sea life but I was able to capture those moments I would have missed because I always had a camera with me.
Don’t limit yourself to what you think will make a great photo
Sometimes you have to photograph the real as well as the pristine – this is one of our weaknesses for sure. We already have a selective memory of our trips and when we only photograph the sunsets it ends up being a filtered version of realty. I can show you the beauty and magic of swimming with sea turtles or epic rainbows but what about the raw and real moments? What about the delayed flight or changing diapers on tailgates or epic traffic jams or stressful crowded towns? What about sunburns and mosquito bites and exhaustion? Sometimes the best part of an adventure the the obstacles we overcame along the way. That makes the story deeper and more impactful.
Summary
You’ve seen the photos—a perfectly styled van parked on the edge of a cliff, with the doors wide open to reveal a cozy, Instagram-ready interior. It’s the epitome of freedom and adventure, right? Well, before you trade in your day job for a life on the road, let’s talk about the reality behind those #VanLife posts. Because while the views may be stunning, capturing them often involves a lot more sweat, planning, and mosquito bites than the photos let on. Sure, the van life might look glamorous online, but as anyone who’s ever tried to get a good night’s sleep in a Walmart parking lot can tell you, the reality is a lot more work than it appears. But here’s the thing: That’s what makes the journey—and the photos—worth it. So, whether you’re snapping pics from your luxury van or your trusty old tent by the river, remember that the real beauty isn’t just in the shot, it’s in the adventure you took to get there. Keep snapping, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep it real.
I hope this article helped you decide what photography equipment should earn a place in your camera bag as well as what skills you need to know as a travel photographer. Whether you’re interested in being a professional travel photographer or planning a trip with your family, you can scale your equipment and your expectations accordingly. I can’t wait to hear your travel photography ideas and where the journey takes you!
Additional Gear Resources and Photography Tips
If you’re looking to dive deeper into gear that will help you take great photos, the links below might help. You can find information on our favorite mirrorless cameras, the perfect camera bag for your shoot, or which wide angle lens to try. You can also check out gear reviews on YouTube.
Interested in more content like this? What else do you want to hear about?
About the authors
We are Marc and Brenda Bergreen, a husband and wife photography team specializing in Colorado wedding photography and videography, and adventure photography. If you need advice on the best camera gear for your goals, reach out. Based in Evergreen Colorado, we travel wherever we’re needed!
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