The following is an excerpt from Shutterstock’s\u00a0The Explorer\u2019s Guide to Travel Photography and Destination Video<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n The free e-book also covers<\/strong> the following topics:<\/p>\n Go\u00a0grab a free copy of the e-book<\/strong> as a\u00a0downloadable PDF on the Shutterstock blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n Shutterstock image by rdonar<\/a>.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n Shooting abroad poses one of the biggest challenges for photographers and videographers. How much gear is the right amount? From extra baggage fees to misplaced luggage, there are plenty of valid concerns.<\/p>\n Your best resource is your own research of the locations. You may find that some places, like major cities, have plenty of rental houses for you to rent additional gear \u2014 like specialty lenses or big gear like tripods. Renting can save you the hassle of packing all your gear.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t have the luxury of renting, choosing the right gear should be a priority.<\/p>\n Shutterstock image by EKKAPHAN CHIMPALEE.<\/em><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n To operate your camera, you\u2019re going to need power. Depending on your location, you may not have access to electricity while shooting.\u00a0Be sure you have enough batteries to keep you out in the field long enough to capture what you need.<\/strong><\/p>\n The camera isn\u2019t the only thing that needs batteries. Don\u2019t forget AA, AAA, 9V, or any other type of battery you may need to operate equipment like lights. It\u2019s also recommended to carry a battery pack so you can recharge your phone while on location.<\/p>\n In addition to batteries, it\u2019s\u00a0always good to have some surge protectors and an extension cord<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b>to add a few outlets to your hotel room. Don\u2019t forget power adapters for the various types of outlets around the world. Make sure you have one that works in the country or countries you are headed to. If you will spend significant time in a car, pack a car charger as well.<\/p>\n Now that you have a camera, lens, and batteries, you\u2019re certainly going to need plenty of memory.<\/p>\n If you plan to shoot a ton of material, your first thought may be to purchase one very large SD or CF card. While that may seem like an easy solution, it\u2019s actually\u00a0best to have multiple smaller cards<\/strong>. That way if something happens on location \u2014 like dropping your camera into the water \u2014 then you will still have all the photos and footage you shot on the other memory cards.<\/p>\n Make sure you purchase the appropriate card speed for your camera, as that will help you capture the best quality images as quickly as possible. Don\u2019t forget to pack any cables you may need to dump and back up your photos and video.<\/p>\n Shutterstock image by eldar nurkovic.<\/em><\/a><\/p><\/div><\/figure>\n Stable images and footage\u00a0are crucial\u00a0for a successful travel shoot. You will want to find gear that is as light as possible. Carrying heavy sticks over a long period of time will really wear you down and hurt your back. Compact gear should be a priority.<\/p>\n Monopods are the easiest form of stabilization to travel with.<\/strong>\u00a0They are incredibly compact, and even some of the more rugged ones are still rather lightweight. A carbon fiber monopod may cost more upfront, but\u00a0it is well worth the price.<\/p>\n Tripods are the standard form of stabilization for photographers and videographers. There are a ton of different options, and there is a whole market for traveling shooters. You can find compact tripods that collapse to an incredibly small size. There are a variety of heads, from traditional mounts to pistol grip pivot heads.\u00a0Tripods with pivoting heads tend to be the best for travel\u00a0<\/strong>since they can offer level images no matter how rugged the terrain. There are also travel tripods that have additional features like built in flashlights.<\/p>\n Shutterstock image by djgis.<\/em><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n When it comes to choosing the right tripod, your main concerns should be the weight, size when collapsed, tallest height when extended, and weight\u00a0tolerance.<\/p>\n Videographers may want more options when it comes to stabilization. There are\u00a0travel shoulder-rigs<\/strong>\u00a0built for a variety of cameras, as well as\u00a0traditional stabilizers like a Steadicam<\/strong>.\u00a0When traveling, weight should be a primary concern, as well as the size of the rig when collapsed. The smaller the better, but remember that a variety of small parts\u00a0greater potential for losing pieces in the shuffle. You may also need a set of tools to put the rig together, depending on the type of stabilizer you choose.<\/p>\n Photographers will be quick to find that\u00a0traveling with a video light is usually much more practical than carrying a camera flash.<\/strong>\u00a0That\u2019s not to say camera flashes can\u2019t be the go-to for lighting your travel photos, but the video light also doubles as a flashlight and you can use it in combination with reflectors to help capture stunning images.<\/p>\n Video lights are compact, and you can easily find them at a very low cost. This is great for travel, so if something does happen to your light, it\u2019s easy to replace. Many video lights can use rechargeable batteries, or even AA batteries.<\/p>\n Shutterstock image by EKKAPHAN CHIMPALEE.<\/em><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n High-end video lights and light wands\u00a0offer changeable color temperature.\u00a0<\/strong>This is great for all sorts of shoots. You can use these lights\u00a0on subjects or adjust the colors and use them as backdrop lights.<\/p>\n A collapsible reflector is really the best lighting tool<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b>for traveling photographers and videographers. Most travel shoots will use a ton of natural lighting, and a reflector\u00a0helps you harness sunlight. Collapsible reflectors can fit into small pouches, and many come with a variety of color options. The closer the reflector is to your subject, the more powerful the light.<\/p>\n Additionally, a\u00a0traditional flashlight or headlamp<\/strong>\u00a0can always help light up a subject. Many flashlights have a very harsh light, so make sure you test the look of the flashlight ahead of time. These tools are also helpful when digging through your gear bag in the dark.<\/p>\n Shutterstock image by tigristiara.<\/em><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n No matter if you are shooting stills or footage, you will want to make sure you have some neutral-density filters<\/strong>. Shooting outdoors in the middle of the day can be a nightmare for anyone, but an ND filter can help you capture excellent images in bright conditions.<\/p>\n With an ND filter and the correct combination of aperture and exposure settings, your camera can grab stills and video that would otherwise be overexposed.<\/p>\n Graduating ND filters, or split ND filters, can balance the light, especially at sunrise and sunset. They can darken a bright sky, while leaving the landscape naturally lit.<\/p>\n Variable ND filters offer multiple stops of light control<\/strong>, all in one filter. You can easily adjust the ND filter to whatever you need for the shot. If you invest in a nice variable ND filter, you may want to add a step-up ring. That will allow you to use the filter on all of your lenses, no matter the lens diameter size.<\/p>\n Videographers will need to remember microphones or audio recorders to capture audio on location. From the ambient sounds of an oasis to capturing interviews, quality audio is crucial to every video.<\/p>\n For travelers, the best option is\u00a0a handheld audio recorder and a lavalier mic<\/strong>. Both are small and easy to transport. You can use the hand recorder to capture ambient sounds and then plug the lavalier mic directly in for interviews. It\u2019s the simplest and most travel-friendly setup.<\/p>\n Depending on the type of lavalier mic you own, don\u2019t forget audio cables and adapters if necessary. Wireless lavs can be a hassle on remote locations, so consider going hardwired into the recorder.<\/p>\n Shutterstock image by inewsfoto.<\/em><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n From microfiber wipes to a dust blower, investing in a portable cleaning kit can save your shoot. Dust, dirt, and all the natural elements will wreak havoc on your gear. Make sure you can easily clean your lenses while on the go.<\/p>\n Be sure to pack the necessary tools to take your gear apart if you have to do heavy cleaning or assemble any camera rigs. Invest in a quality multitool. A steel multitool with built-in screwdrivers, pliers, and knives\u00a0is often the best.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget any Allen wrenches or specialty tools you may need for specific gear. Zip ties are also great to have. Keep all your tools in an easy-to-grab pouch, so you know where everything is. Don\u2019t forget that\u00a0tools may need to\u00a0go\u00a0in your checked luggage.<\/strong><\/p>\n Shutterstock image by RossHelen.<\/em><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Working on location is usually much more than just shooting. To dump and check your photos and footage,\u00a0don\u2019t forget to bring your laptop<\/strong>. It\u2019s also recommended to store your files on external hard drives as additional backups.<\/p>\n Create a solid folder structure for your project so files are easy to find when it comes time to edit. You can break your travel photos and video into individual folders based on the day you shoot or on specific locations.<\/p>\n Backing up your folders on an external hard drive is highly recommended.\u00a0Opt for a Solid State Drive\u00a0<\/strong>(SSD) to store your images and footage. They have faster read\/write speeds and are more durable.<\/p>\n Upon your return, don\u2019t forget that Shutterstock would love to see contributor submissions<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n Now that you have a rough idea of all the camera gear you need to travel with, it\u2019s time to find the right bags for your shoot. The perfect bag is the one that is perfect for you.<\/p>\n Rolling bags will only be your friend in the airport.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b>Oversize rolling bags and hard-shell cases will keep you gear safe in transport, but when it comes to working on location, portable camera bags are far more practical. Heavy cases\u00a0will get your gear to another country, but they’re not always necessary when getting to a specific location.<\/p>\n Sling bags\u00a0and\u00a0messenger-style camera bags<\/strong>\u00a0are great for those with a small amount of lightweight gear. If you will be wearing them for a long period of time, they can start to wear out your shoulders. For the best experience, consider an ergonomic backpack-style camera bag.<\/p>\n Shutterstock image by Maria Savenko.<\/em><\/a><\/p><\/div><\/figure>\n Camera backpacks are perfect for travelers<\/strong>, and they come in a variety of sizes. There are small bags for those with just a camera and a couple lenses, and there are heavy-duty backpacks that can carry several camera bodies, lenses, and gear. You can even clip on additional gear outside of large bags, like your tripod. These backpacks\u00a0help keep you moving, so look for a bag that distributes weight evenly\u00a0with nice, sturdy straps. Most backpacks will also meet the carry-on requirements for your flights.<\/p>\n For safety and security, inconspicuous bags are better, as\u00a0thieves can easily spot tourists with expensive camera gear<\/strong>. Low-profile bags are the best for getting around unnoticed.\u00a0Also consider removing any camera straps with brand names and placing gaff tape over the brand name on the camera body.<\/strong>\u00a0There’s No need to draw extra attention to yourself.<\/p>\n For more tips and tricks on destination video, check out the\u00a0The Explorer\u2019s Guide to Travel Photography and Destination Video<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>on Shutterstock.<\/p>\n I’d also recommend these articles\u00a0<\/strong>on traveling with photo and video gear:<\/strong><\/p>\n Wondering what video gear you need to pack for a destination or travel shoot? Here are all the tools you will need to remember while you’re far \u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":57,"featured_media":95801,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[3843,617,5340,583],"tags":[536,5682,4160,5031,472],"class_list":["post-class-post-95770","post-class-post","post-class-type-post","post-class-status-publish","post-class-format-standard","post-class-has-post-thumbnail","post-class-hentry","post-class-category-filmmaking-2","post-class-category-photography","post-class-category-video-gear","post-class-category-video-production-2","post-class-tag-filmmaking","post-class-tag-photography-gear","post-class-tag-travel","post-class-tag-video-gear-2","post-class-tag-video-production"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n
\nGear and Accessories\u00a0for Travel Photography and Destination Video<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Best_Travel_Photo_Video_Gear.jpg\")
Batteries and Power<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/shutterstock_701175442.jpg\")
Memory Cards<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n
Tripods, Monopods, and Stabilization<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Best_Travel_Photo_Video_Stabilizer.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Best_Travel_Photo_Video_Gear_Accessory.jpg\")
Lights, Flashes, and Reflectors<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/shutterstock_678879418.jpg\")
ND Filters<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Explorers_Guide_Travel_Photography_Video_ND.jpg\")
Microphones and Audio Recorders<\/h3>\n
Cleaning Kit and Tools<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/shutterstock_437508214.jpg\")
Laptops and External Hard Drives<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Best_Travel_Photo_Video_Accessory.jpg\")
Backpacks, Cases, and Carry-Ons<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Best_Travel_Photo_Video_Bags.jpg\")
\n\n