You know what they say: fail to prepare, prepare to fail. This is absolutely true for a photography trip. You may dream of “winging it”, stumbling across the perfect composition, getting lucky with the weather, and having access to all areas. But the truth is, if you want to make the best outcome for your trip, you have to prepare.
As a travel photographer, I have planned many photography adventures. In this article, I will share everything you need to know about getting organized and giving yourself the best chance of getting the shots you want.
Choosing Your Photography Trip Destination
You don’t always get to choose your photography destination. Although, whether you’re being contracted to go to a specific location, or you are spoilt for choice, you’ll need inspiration.
When I’m looking for a location, I consider the purpose of my photography trip. What do I want to see and photograph? What type of photography will I choose? There’s no point traveling to a landlocked country if I want to photograph the coast!
Once I’ve selected, or been given a location, I’ll check websites for inspiration and information. What’s the weather like at the time I want to go? Are there any national events? Instagram, Conde Nast, and Travel and Leisure are my top picks for the above, including the top locations for photos.
Plan Your Gear for a Photography Trip
Deciding the above is also important because you’ll need to know what to pack. If you’re going to be staying in one spot, you might opt for larger lenses and heavier equipment. However, if you’re going to be walking around a lot, leave it at home.
My must-haves include a tripod, laptop, external hard drive, Sony a7r, and Leica Q3, and a gimbal. You might need some specialist equipment, for example, if you’re doing an underwater shoot or something sporty. Technology reacts differently to extreme weather. Make sure your equipment can handle the hot, or cold, if that could be an issue.
Also, it’s worth investing in lighter equipment and the right bags and cases to carry it all.
Before You Leave: Things You Need to Do
I think the most important thing that many people forget about is permissions and licenses. Do you need a license or written permission to photograph your location? Do you need written consent? Before you leave, make sure you have all of the above covered and — just as importantly — insurance.
You don’t just need insurance for yourself, but also your equipment. It’s heartbreaking enough to realize you’ve left your camera and SD card full of beautiful photos in a taxi (Guilty!) without the added stress of losing money to replace them. When you’re on a photography tour, going from place to place, these things do happen.
Tips to Get the Most Out of a Photography Trip
Create a Schedule
You want your photo adventures to be exciting, but you don’t want to wear yourself out. It’s best to base yourself in one place for more than just a day. Not only do you take pressure off yourself to fit it all in, but you also give yourself room for error. If the weather isn’t as predicted, you can keep your fingers crossed for tomorrow. Giving yourself extra time also means you have time to explore places you may not have found in your research.
Logistics are Important
If you’re planning a photography tour, the logistics need to be fine-tuned. It’s easy to get excited about all the places you will go. Although, if you haven’t planned travel and accommodation, you won’t get anywhere.
If you are in a remote location, you’re going to need to know how to get from place to place and have backups if necessary. I’d recommend booking things that can be easily refunded or moved to different dates. Having the flexibility to change your photography trip is a luxury you’ll want to have. If the weather isn’t ideal, or if a train or flight is canceled, you won’t want your trip ruined.
Have a Shot List
The worst thing that can happen when you get back from a photography tour is the feeling that you have not accomplished everything you set out to do. That’s why I always make a shot list I want to get as a minimum. Anything else is a bonus. That way, once I get home, I can always measure the success of a trip against the number of shots on my list I ticked off.
For an extra sense of achievement, try to find the true hidden gems when you research. It’s such a great feeling when you find a location or composition in the depths of your research.
Find an Organized Photography Tour
For the newbies on the block, a photography tour can be a great introduction to photography. Everything is usually planned for you and you can benefit from the expertise of guides and other people in the group.
These tours are usually themed, like city lights, the northern lights, or landmarks. Find a tour in a location and style you are interested in.
Keep a Routine
When you are away from home — especially for longer trips — it is beneficial to keep a routine.
You know how I mentioned that I left my camera and SD card in a taxi? Had I stuck to my routine, I would have already backed up my images and not had to travel back to Paris. I now have a checklist of things to do before I move to another shoot and pack up for the day, including backing up my photos.
This routine doesn’t have to be all about photography though. You should also look after yourself. This can include sticking to a bedtime, setting an alarm to wake up, and even things like skincare and eating. On busy shoot days, it’s easy to forget the essentials.
If you look after yourself, you will be at your best and it will show in your photos!
