NEW YORK, NY.- A career as a traveling photographer is a big ambition; however, it’s also one that is achievable if you plan well, get good breaks, and equip yourself with all the right tools. People become attracted to photography in the same way as they become attracted to other art forms – because they have an eye for a “picture”, can judge what makes good composition, and love the medium. Just as some artists will sketch in pencil or charcoal, in photography there is the option to choose to work in monochrome in order to enjoy contrasting gray tones as an alternative to working in color.

Personal experiences
Most professional traveling photographers have begun to travel lighter. That doesn’t mean to say they’ve got rid of their beloved Canon, Olympus, or Sony camera system entirely; what it means is that they’ve kept up with technological developments and are making the best use of innovative ways in which to capture and transmit their images. In fact, many photographers will tell you that it’s not all about the camera, and that in order to succeed, you need to be curious, have some talent, and have the right kind of gear to hand.

Choosing your preferred equipment
Some camera systems are lighter than others, and its best to find one you’re comfortable with in terms of the quality of your photos and the weight you’re prepared to hike around. Experts say that the Sony full-frame mirrorless system is ideal, and some versions are adept at taking great images in low-light conditions, which can be a real bonus. Most travel photographers make sure they pack at least one zoom lens to make the most of long-distance opportunities. Some types of lenses are particularly good for landscapes and wide-angle photos, while others perform best when used for portraits. It’s always a good idea to shop around, depending on your specific field of interest.

A lightweight tripod is also a very useful accessory. Some have flexible joints and are easily stowed for traveling. A lot of amateur photographers have ditched the DSLR in exchange for mirrorless cameras on the basis that these cameras produce great-quality images and are lighter to carry around. Many are now equipped with Wi-Fi connection and an LCD touchscreen, making them up to date with today’s technology.

Life on the road
The different environments that you can encounter as a travel photographer are as rich and varied as the world in which we live. The extent of the imagery available is extraordinary, and the areas you can travel to achieve that perfect picture include jungles, arctic landscapes, and hostile war zones, as well as more domestic settings. Preparation is key, and while professionals make informed choices about tech equipment such as lenses, filters, batteries, and storage devices, they also have to take account of how to carry it about in the most energy-efficient way. This means working out how to distribute weight across the body so that muscles are not strained.

Clothing
Clothing is important when it comes to dealing with a range of different climates. Layering tends to work best so that garments can be added in cooler environments and shed in hotter ones. Supporting muscles and joints to avoid strain can be achieved by using garments specially designed to relieve aches and pains, such as copper-infused leggings or a back brace. Capris and leggings for women are comfortable, while men can opt for compression shorts or casual sweatpants to achieve the same relief from discomfort.

It’s just as important for you to keep the weight of your clothing to a minimum as it is to keep your camera gear light. This is why packing light layers works so well and can help you reduce overall baggage weight. It may seem obvious, but always plan for the climate you’re going to visit before you pack – there’s no point arriving during the rainy season only to find you’ve overlooked your raingear.

Cases and bags
Finally, carrying expensive equipment means it’s essential to have sturdy cases to protect delicate instruments and lightweight yet strong bags that are eminently portable and easy to open quickly. After all, you don’t want to miss that special shot because you’re fumbling with an awkward zipper or clasp. It’s well worth investing in a good-quality camera bag plus accessories – straps, inserts, utility belts, and harnesses, for example. Don’t forget rain protection plus wraps and mats to shield your gear from jolts and help you to avoid scratching lenses or other sensitive equipment.