Five Ways to Make Traveling with a Camera More Comfortable

There are a lot of things you can do while you’re traveling. You can enjoy good food, experience new things, and meet new people. Just don’t forget to bring your camera!

Unfortunately, traveling with a camera sounds a lot more romantic than it really is. Carrying a camera can be cumbersome and uncomfortable, but that doesn’t mean it has to be.

Don’t miss out on some really great shots because you don’t feel comfortable carrying your camera around. Follow these tips and you’ll actually look forward to having your camera handy the next time you go on an adventure!

The Right Bag

It’s important to have your camera handy to take snaps at a moment’s notice, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be hanging around your neck 24/7. Instead, compare some of the best camera bags on the internet and choose one that will work for you.

Look for bags that have features that you will actually use. For example, some bags include:

• Dedicated spaces to hold more than one camera
• One main compartment with smaller compartments for accessories
• Compact bags for those who are traveling light
• Satchels, backpacks, and other styles

The Right Strap

Although your camera will spend plenty of time in a bag, it will spend plenty of time around your neck too. That’s why you should think carefully about what strap to choose.

Skip the cheap, unpadded straps, unless you have a point-and-shoot camera that can fit in your pocket. Instead, think about whether you want to hang your camera around your neck, or if you want a cross-body strap. Neck straps are great for short photography sessions, while more dedicated photographers will love the cross-body style.

Don’t forget about the style of your strap! Although comfort does come first, feel free to browse black woven straps, aged leather straps, and more in your search for a comfortable camera strap.

A Camera You Understand

Learning how to use a new cameracan be a lot of fun, but learning how to use it while you’re traveling isn’t a good idea.

You have a limited amount of time at each location when you’re traveling. You don’t want to spend a good chunk of your time figuring out how to use your camera. Not only will it pull you away from the amazing place you’re visiting, it also ensures you’ll return home with fewer great shots.

Leave your brand-new camera at home and bring along one you understand inside and out. That way, you can focus on snapping the amazing things around you and less time trying to figure out the aperture settings on a new model.

Pack Your Equipment in Your Carry-on

Being comfortable taking pictures while you’re traveling means being comfortable carrying your camera and being comfortable using your camera, but it also means being comfortable with the safety of your camera.

You don’t have to look very far to find lost luggage horror stories. Chances are, you know someone who ended up at their final destination without their luggage. That person might be you!

Instead of worrying about packing your camera and equipment, then worrying about whether it will show up with you at your final destination, pack it in your best carry-on luggage instead. It’s a lot easier to find a T-shirt and toothpaste when you get to your destination than it is to find a new camera. Not to mention, you will feel more comfortable knowing exactly where your camera is and how it is being treated.

Avoid Crowds

There are some great photographic opportunities in crowds, but it’s not the most comfortable way to take pictures. Not only do some photographers feel rushed to get the perfect shot, it can also be dangerous for your camera.

Large crowds often mean dealing with rowdy people. More than one photographer has had a camera or equipment damaged after tangling with a crowd. Not to mention, pickpockets can leave you without your camera or equipment altogether!

Instead, visit destinations that are known for smaller crowds. If you are in a touristy area, try diving into an alley or visiting an area that isn’t popular with visitors to get a shot from a different point of view.

Travel photography is a lot more fun when you take the time to make sure you will be comfortable with your camera before you leave. With these tips, you can feel comfortable and confident while getting some great shots.