In Part 1 of this series, we discussed what to pack for your travels and how to streamline your gear for maximum efficiency. A compact backpack not only saves you time but also cuts down on costs—think fewer tuk-tuk rides or skipping baggage claims altogether.
In Part 2, we talked about staying secure while traveling and ensuring that your essential documents are always safe and accessible.
Now, in Part 3, we’ll dive into photography gear. I’ll share how I approach traveling with one camera, one lens, and a simple backup workflow, and why this setup works for me across diverse destinations.
Photography on my first trips
In May 2019, I traveled with a camera for the first time during a two-month trip to Cuba and Colombia. My setup was extremely minimal—a Sony A6300 paired with a 35mm prime Sigma lens (equivalent to 50mm).
I carried no extra batteries or accessories. The camera stayed around my neck the entire time, and I relied on 3–4 SD cards. When an SD card was full, I placed it with my money in my belt for safekeeping. Shooting in RAW allowed me to edit my favorite photos later.
Australia: Adding a Second Lens
My next trip was to Australia, where I spent a month exploring the East Coast. I followed the same system but added a 56mm lens (equivalent to 85mm). This gave me more versatility for portraits and tighter compositions.
Morocco: Intro to Fujifilm
In May 2022, I switched to Fujifilm. For my trip to Morocco, I traveled with a Fuji X-T3 and a 35mm lens (equivalent to 50mm). My approach remained simple:
- The camera stayed around my neck during flights, with no issues from airline staff.
- Even with just a carry-on backpack, adding a camera was effortless.
Southeast Asia: Introducing a Backup Workflow
By March 2023, I realized I needed a more reliable backup system. For my trip to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, I brought:
- Fuji X-T5
- Three lenses (23mm, 35mm, 56mm)
- iPad
- SD card reader
- External SSD
My Backup Process
- Removed the SD card from the camera.
- Connected the SD card to the iPad using the reader.
- Transferred recent photos to the iPad’s internal storage.
- Disconnected the SD card and connected the SSD.
- Transferred the images from the iPad to the SSD.
When an SD card was full, I stored it with my passport. With two copies (one on the SSD, one on the SD card), I felt secure.
Moving to Leica.
Recently, I transitioned to a Leica Q3. Paired with a 28mm lens, it has become my travel companion on my most recent trips.
What works about this setup
- Lightweight: With no extra lenses, I can travel without the hassle of carrying big backpacks.
- Mastering My Focal Length: A wide lens like 28mm forces me to step closer to subjects, creating immersive images.
Final Thoughts
The gear is secondary. A simple setup has allowed me to move freely across every destination without feeling weighed down.
If you’re looking to simplify your photography, try traveling with one camera, one lens, and a solid backup workflow. It will.
