Take Additional Memory Card, Have a Backup Plan
Most memory cards provide plenty of space for casual shooting, but if you are taking lots of photos having a spare card can be useful. Back up your work by transferring photos to a portable storage device or a cloud-based facility like Dropbox. This will free up space and safeguard against lost memories in the event that a camera goes missing. This is particularly important if you are planning to use any of the photos for commercial purposes.
Consider a Tripod
Tripods are useful if you plan to take pictures of landscapes, wildlife, or technical photos such as those captured early or late in the day. Some of the easiest models to carry around are Gorilla Pod frames, which are flexible and easily fit into a camera bag. Check out the full extension of a tripod before you purchase it, and certainly before you depart, to ensure it meets your requirements. Make sure the model is one you are happy to carry around. There is little point in buying a tripod if it’s too cumbersome and you’re forced to leave it behind.
Batteries and Chargers are Key
Always take spare batteries. Take more than you think you need since certain types of batteries are hard to come by in some countries. If you are taking many shots and photographing in more difficult conditions, such as dimmer light, you’ll use more battery and could run out more quickly than you normally do. Having a power pack charger is really helpful and provides a boost to digital cameras. With legislation on airlines requiring electrical equipment to be charged for security checks, that power pack will likely serve your needs in more ways than one.
Take a Filter or Two
Filters attach to the front of the lens. They are useful pieces of a technical kit that are best suited to landscape photography. Take a polarizer and a skylight lens, which should suit most color photos taken on vacation. Don’t forget a filter pouch too which helps keep the filters clean and dust-free.
Environmental Considerations
If you plan to take underwater photographs, get some housing that is specific to your camera and made to withstand depth pressure. This will allow you to film underwater safely. If you are a beginner at diving and snorkeling it is best to leave the photography to others and concentrate on your aquatic skills.
Fill Out Your Kit
A notebook is helpful for recording what scenes are captured in each set of photos, especially if you have planned a tour of multiple sights in a short space of time. Head torches are great for those early morning filming sessions when you are forced to prepare your kit in the dark. Gaffers tape works for securing various items without sticking permanently and serves as a temporary fix for problems such as a broken tripod leg.
Above all, enjoy your vacation and take lots of photographs.
