5 Travel Photography Essentials That Won't Weigh You Down

Above, a shot of Asakusa, Tokyo's Nakamise Street on film.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the best things about travel is that one can "take home" things and places they've seen in the form of a photograph.

Lonely Planet's Richard Waters has five essentials of travel photography to take along that won't weigh a person down.

Before getting into the five, he starts with:

Some of your best travel pictures will be off the cuff, spontaneous affairs, but taking a few basic pieces of kit – like a tripod, zoom lens, polariser and GorillaPod grip – can ensure you’re ready to make the most of a golden opportunity. Here’s a round-up of the best photography kit to sling in your day pack.

Before digital cameras, I basically used an Olympus OM-1 SLR 35mm camera (along with a Sharp Hi8 camcorder). I took it everywhere with me and it has always been reliable. The only real drawback on film cameras is that one has to buy and lug rolls of film and, after getting back home, finding a place (these days) that will do quality film development. Those are becoming fewer and fewer in number.

Above, a digital image of Nakamise Street.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have been using a Canon Powershot camera for the past six years. It frees me up from packing rolls of film. The only basic problem with digital cameras is that if you see a shot that requires split-second shooting, the digital takes about a second or two longer for the shutter to trigger. Film camera shutters trigger more instantly. But, digital cameras are more versatile in different lighting conditions than film.

The essentials Waters listed are good for either film or digital cameras.

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