Hey! Here’s a Travel Checklist for Outdoor Photography

Did you know that walking through a doorway triggers your brain to forget? If you're getting ready to travel for outdoor photography, the last thing you want is to walk through the door and forget to take an essential item. 

Checklists have been a fixture in the military for generations. But, a simple list of supplies you need for your next outdoor photography adventure can be just as helpful. Planning, preparation, and knowing what to pack can prevent mishaps and ensure that you get the most out of your trip.

Are you ready to pack your bags? Keep reading to learn what you need to pack before you walk out the door in our outdoor photography guide. 

Camera

Don't forget your camera!!! This one might seem like a no-brainer, but if the countless stories of people who forgot to put pants on before walking out the door can teach us anything, it's to put even the no-brainers on your checklist.

Chargers and Batteries

When your camera battery starts flashing that it's almost dead, make sure you're not left panicking that you'll miss the perfect shot. Pack extra batteries for your camera.

In addition, don't forget to bring along all the chargers you need to keep your batteries topped off. Pack a portable power station too. This will help you ensure that you can charge your camera batteries even when you don't have access to power.

Tripod

Even if you have the steadiest hands, a tripod can be very beneficial when you're trying to take pictures of the night sky or anything else that's moving really slowly. Packing a tripod once meant that you had to sacrifice space and weight in your travel bag. Now, however, you can find a lightweight tripod that's small enough to fit easily in your carry-on luggage.

Memory Cards and Backup Hard Drive

Always, always, always remember to back up your photos to your memory card. That way, you don't lose your photos if your camera crashes. If you aren't able to back up your photos to your computer, back them up to an external hard drive.

Even with backups, it's good to have an additional copy of your photos and videos. Bring along a small, portable hard drive to plug into your hotel room's wireless internet and backup photos in case something happens to your camera or memory card.

Remote Shutter Release

If you're planning on taking a lot of photos of yourself, with an interesting background, in front of a beautiful landscape, or even of yourself posing with a historical landmark, you might want a remote shutter release. This will help you take your photo without any handshake, so you can achieve the perfect photo.

Camera Straps

If you're the kind of person who has a lot of photos of your friend, family member, or significant other on the ground, looking up at the sky or hanging on the handle of a bicycle, you should bring along an extra camera strap. This will help you avoid dropping your camera, effectively killing it, and missing the perfect shot.

Filters

When you're traveling, you may be shooting in some pretty intense situations. You may be shooting in the middle of an intense sand storm or a thick fog, or you may be shooting in the middle of a dense jungle.

These are conditions where you may need to use a filter. A UV filter can keep your lens from getting scratched up when you're in a sandy or dusty location, but if that's not a concern, you can use a color filter to help make your photos pop. This is a great way to capture a photo with a vintage look or a more artistic feel.

Camera and Lens Cleaning Kit

When you're on a trip, there will be a lot of times when you take pictures in a less-than-ideal setting. This means that you're going to end up with a lot of dirt and debris on your lens.

This is where the cleaning kit comes in handy. A cleaning kit can help you keep your lens clean, so you can capture the perfect photograph.

Clothes and Shoes for All Weather Conditions

Speaking of forgetting your pants, make sure you pack clothes and shoes that can handle all weather conditions. Even if you're in the desert, it's not uncommon for the area to get heavy thunderstorms and cold at night. You'll want waterproof shoes to protect your feet from getting soaked from the rain and from slipping on wet surfaces.

While it may be sunny outside, it may be freezing in the mountains. Bring along a jacket that you can wear in the mountains to keep warm. You'll also want a hat to protect your face from the sun or a bandana to keep the dust from getting in your mouth. 

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a great idea for any kind of trip. Even if you're going on a short hike, you could get injured or have a medical emergency.

It's better to be safe than sorry. A small first aid kit will be more than enough to handle most of the problems you'll come across.

Sunglasses and Sunscreen

Even if you love the color red, you don't want to turn red from not protecting your skin. 

When you're outside for an extended amount of time, you're going to be exposed to a lot more sunlight than you're used to. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a great idea because they're not only stylish, but they'll help protect your eyes and your skin. These are two things you should be wearing when you're outside anyway.

Get Ready for Your Outdoor Photography Adventure

Are you planning your next outdoor photography adventure? Next time you're preparing to get the perfect shot, make sure you don't forget anything with our outdoor photography checklist.

Do you need a portable power station to stay charged and ready to go? Start shopping with OUPES today to find the product you need.