How to Travel With Photo Equipment

These days, it is more affordable than in the past to own cameras and photography equipment. However, traveling with photography equipment can become complicated if you do not know how to pack it and move about with it efficiently, as well as handle specific situations abroad, so here are some tips to ease the process.

1. Flying.
Carry your camera on to the aircraft to avoid damage. If using 35mm film, ask the security personnel to hand-screen your film, which will be expedited by carrying your film in clear canisters or carry the film in clear plastic bags without packaging. An alternative is to purchase film at your arrival location. Packing unprocessed film in checked luggage is inadvisable as scanner equipment is stronger than what is used for carry-on luggage, and may damage your film.

2. Car Travel.
Keep your camera inside the car, not in the trunk to keep it cool. When you leave the car, take the camera with you as it is easily stolen from the trunk.

3. Never leave your equipment unmonitored.
In a matter of seconds an unattended camera bag can be stolen. As can be a camera hanging around your neck; the strap can be cut quickly and the camera is gone.

4. Protect your equipment from extreme or inclement weather.

5. Use a good camera and accessories bag.
There are many dofferemt brands of camera bags that are specifically designed for traveling with cameras and equipment to protect them from damage.

6. Traveling abroad.
Make certain you declare all your photography equipment with the custom officials; this prevents any questions of ownership at the time of your return home.