Travelling with equipment?

Question

Hello,
I just recently got into photography, and I also haven't travelled much. This summer I'm going to Ireland(first time overseas!) and I wanted to know what your experiences have been when you've travelled with equipment. Basically, is there anything you'd advise, or any big things to avoid doing? Bare in mind that I've only been on a plane once, and I was 4 or 5, so I am completely clueless as to how the hole thing works.

Also, does anyone have suggestions about how much film to take? I'll be over there for 3 weeks. And any suggestions about whether to bring color or black and white? Any lenses I should try to bring? Seriously, any advice at all would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

First thing I would reccomend is getting yourself a good camera backpack such as the ones made by lowepro. You want something that will not only be able to carry your camera, lenses and film, but your tripod as well. Tripods no matter how light they are, are cumbersome and after a while get heavy. Also, the size of your camera backpack will determine how many lenses you can bring, but if the case is that you get a small pack then stick with taking zoom lenses and not your fixed focal length lenses.
With regards to how much film to bring, just remember you are going to Ireland, not a third world country, so you will have access to photo stores and film. However, I would bring at least a minimum 30 rolls. In terms of color or black and white, this again really depends upon how you are printing your images. If you are printing digitally i.e., you have your negatives scanned. For this reason I would suggest color. I would also be sure to bring some high speed film as well, perhaps 800 iso or higher. Depending on where you go you may not be able to use a tripod, and for this reason have yourself some high speed film in case you are somewhere like a castle where the ambient lighting is minimal.
Anyhow hope this sort of helps out . One more thing, always bring your photo equiptment on the plane as carry-on, do not check it in. Also, if you do bring high speed film, when you go through the airport screening be sure to tell them you have high speed film and that you want your equiptment to be manually inspected. They will understand your concern and will check the film manually instead of sending it through the x-ray machine.

Answer 2

You may have to check your tripod, so be prepared to stuff it in your luggage and carry-on just the head.
If you have fast film, ask for a hand check. Have it in a clear Ziploc bag. A few passes through the carry-on xray probably won't hurt 400 speed and slower.
One roll a day, fhotoace???? If this is a once in a lifetime trip, I would count on about 3-5 rolls a day, more than that if digital. Of course, I shoot a lot of frames, maybe you won't do that many, but I'd rather have too much film than not enough. You can always buy more over there if you need to.
Have fun on your trip!