Adventures in Photography: From Europe to Japan and Packing Light. Hello Happy Photographers!
Happy New Year to all of you! After spending nearly two months at home following our incredible Europe trip, I'm getting restless and eager to hit the road again. The Europe trip was nothing short of amazing; we enjoyed favorable weather most days and explored some of the best locations. Exciting news – we have a Winter in Europe workshop scheduled for November 2025! Check out my website under workshops for more information. But that's not all – I'm off to Japan in February! This time, we've added the Snow Monkeys to our workshop, bringing even more excitement for the participants. Fingers crossed for awesome conditions!
Now, let's delve into the gear talk. Planning ahead is crucial for prolonged overseas trips. I typically bring two camera bodies, the Nikon Z7-2 and Nikon Z8, accompanied by a selection of Nikon lenses – 14-24 f2.8, 14-30 f4, 24-120 f4, and 70-200 f2.8. Nisi filters, including 10-stop, 6-stop, and 3-stop ND filters, as well as soft and medium grads, are essential for my long exposure specialty. Occasionally, I include my DJI Mini Pro 3 drone. All this gear neatly fits into my Creative Summit camera bag. As a reseller for Nisi filters, Sirui tripods, Sunway tripods, and Creative camera bags, feel free to contact me for more information on these products.
I also make sure to carry a microfiber cloth, spare batteries, and extra memory cards. Before any trip, I follow a checklist to ensure I pack everything, including chargers, a headlamp, and a small torch for backup. My tripod, whether it's the Sirui waterproof tripod 2204 or the travel-friendly Peak Design carbon fiber tripod, is essential for stability and conveniently fits into my carry-on luggage. Additionally, I pack a small umbrella and lightweight rain jacket in my camera bag – you never know when you'll need them.
Choosing the right camera bag can be overwhelming, but it's crucial to find one that comfortably fits your gear. Mine is a 40-liter backpack that meets airline restrictions (just barely). I also have a Shimoda 60-liter, which I love but exceeds the size limit for carry-on. Shifting to luggage, for my upcoming trip, I've decided to challenge myself and go with only a carry-on suitcase. Traveling light demands dedication and sacrifice, but I've done a trial run, and everything fits perfectly. Stay tuned for updates on how I manage with just a carry-on suitcase – I admit, I usually take far too much!
A few packing tips for your camera bag:
Organize your gear – only take what you'll really need and use.
Use padded dividers to protect your equipment.
Utilize pockets and compartments for smaller items like memory cards, batteries, and filters.
Place heavier items at the bottom to distribute weight evenly.
Have a waterproof cover for your camera bag.
Ensure your camera bag sits evenly balanced on your back to prevent strain on your shoulders and back.
Traveling light with camera gear is an art that demands dedication, devotion, and creativity. Choosing compact yet high-performance equipment, continuous learning, and adapting to new techniques are crucial. It's about striking a balance between functionality and portability without compromising on the quality of your craft. So, to those embarking on photographic adventures this year with a minimalist kit, happy travels! May your journey be filled with captivating moments, reflecting the artistry of traveling light with camera gear.
