There are several indispensable items needed for a great result in hunting and travel photography. Separately each hobby dictates indispensable tools of their own but when joined together, there are tools that cannot be ignored or forgotten. Whether it is to bag a good animal or a great picture the following will be absolutely crucial to your success. Here are some indispensable tools in traveling photography:
A Small But Effective Tool Kit
You know the kind. You have probably seen them at every hardware store or Walmart in a hundred-mile radius. The most popular one is by Black and Decker. It is portable, inexpensive and lightweight. It’s a screwdriver that comes with many different head attachments and even includes hex heads. They can be used for many different things and it’s better to be prepared and not use it then to need it and not have it.
A Small Pocket Sized Flashlight
It’s a good idea to have a flashlight no matter the destination. But in this case, it is especially true. On a photography/hunting trip, there will be dark dim places you will encounter that will inevitably need a light shone on it. Many major home improvement store’s such as Lowes, Home Depot or even Ace hardware sell dollar LED lights.
For that price, you may as well buy several in case one gets lost or broken. Place them in places that are easy to reach so that you will not have to worry about it later. A small pocket sized flashlight can also be bought at the same stores and be used for more directed light.
A Tactical Pocket Knife
A tactical pocket knife or even a small neck knife can be useful in a variety of ways, from cutting something that is blocking your shot, such as a small branch or leaf to using it as an eating utensil. Many different brands make very durable and small knives that will fit comfortably around your neck and against your chest or in your pocket, waistband or boot.
Several brands to check out are Leatherman, Buck, Kershaw, Benchmade, Gerber, Crikt (Columbia River Knives) and Ka Bar. All make a variety of knives that would be sure to fit any occasion.
The Gaffer Tape
Much like duct tape, gaffer tape is a photographer’s best friend. Unlike duct tape, however, it is non-reflective and made out of cloth, lightweight and has many different uses. For example, what if you lose your lens cap and cannot find the extra, place a piece of Gaffer tape over it and you have made an emergency lens cap. Extra Lens Caps We have all done it, if you haven’t hope you don’t but, losing a lens cap is a right of passage for any photographer. That’s why it is always a good idea and precautionary measure to bring an extra.
Set of Jewelers Screwdrivers
Small, lightweight and able to fix almost anything on your camera. A small set of jewelry screwdrivers is a must for traveling photography. Cameras require very small tools for repair and it just so happens that these fit that description. This is a what if an item, hopefully, you don’t need it but what if you do?
Disposable Ponchos and Shower Caps
Mother nature can be unpredictable and many of us have been in the middle of that. When you are a traveling photographer trying to get the best shot, sometimes you have to brave the weather. Our cameras don’t always fare so well. Shower caps and disposable ponchos can be found at the dollar tree year-round.
Being able to remain dry as well as your equipment is a luxury, why not be prepared and snag a few before heading out on your trip? You never know when you might need to use the gaffer tape and the ponchos to construct a makeshift tent.
A Photocopy of Public Law 106-206
This one is better safe than sorry. Often times park officials don’t remember or can’t recall the actual law on state parks or Federal land. Many will actually bluff their way through by telling you “No photography without a permit.” However, unless you use a non-natural prop, pose a risk to the public or ask for extra help from staff members, you don’t actually need a permit to photograph on U.S. property. So, in case you come in contact with one such person, this will help back your claim.
Final Verdict
All the above things are indispensable when it comes to travel photography. All have their purpose and all work well with each other. Make sure to plan out your trip and include the above list to get the most out of your photography at hand. A good planning with essential gear ensures good Trip.
