When you shift your mind and focus on photography, it is good to remember that it is not just about taking great photos but also having a big investment. Getting started in photography can be overwhelming. Imagine a child visiting a big toy store and being told to only choose one thing. That can be you figuring out what photography equipment you need.

There are a lot of great cameras available out there and dozens of camera equipment to choose from. Photography can be an expensive pastime, but it doesn’t have to be. It is true that you’ll need some gear in order to create eye-catching photos. So here are the essential travel photography equipment that you might not have, but it should be added to your bag.

Memory Cards
Owning multiple memory cards is not bad. Having only one card for your camera is like having only one dollar for a ten-dollar shoe. You need a lot of memory cards so you can shoot freely and not think about your camera getting full storage.

There are different kinds of memory cards. Buy the one that has fast and secure features. Look for card markings like 10, U3, and UHS-II for the reason that these cards can process up to 300MB/s and write up at least 260MB/s or even a lot faster. In simpler terms, reading means the ability for you to browse pictures at a faster rate while writing on the other hand means your camera can take rapid shots in both RAW and JPEG. You should also consider getting a memory card case to keep your cards safe both for storage and for travel.

Tripod
Whether you’re shooting landscapes or portraits, you’re going to need a tripod at some point in time. It is always a great idea to have a tripod with you, regardless if you think you’ll use it or not because it adds so much more feeling to your equipment and allows you to create substance and foundation to your pictures and is a great way for taking a long exposure without any shaking from your hand. If you are a first-timer, you can buy the cheapest ones available in the market, the one that you can use to practice or you can have a portable tripod perfect for traveling. And if you are traveling, get yourself a lightweight tripod and it will become a staple of your travel equipment.



Camera Protector
If you’re traveling and taking photos outdoors, rain can show up at any moment. You have to protect your camera as well as your equipment, and there are ways to do that effectively without shoving a lot of money from your pocket. Professional-grade cameras and lenses are weather-sealed, but there’s a reason why camera companies don’t call these pieces of equipment waterproof. It is because if you leave your camera for too long in a wet environment, weather-sealed or not it will damage the camera, and worse, buy a new one.

There are camera hoods you can purchase in your local camera store, that are made of waterproof material and added with an extra layering of protection. These covers are like ponchos for your camera. Invest in a weather hood for your camera, and you’ll feel a lot more confident when you got caught in the rain.

Filters
Filters create camera effects and are still relevant in today’s world of photography. Although filters can now be replicated by software, some effects still cannot. There are three commonly overlooked filters you can try depending on your travel needs and are very helpful when working outdoors and these are UV filters, Neutral density filters, and Polarizing Filters.

UV filters are used when working in hard sunlight because they do not just block the light coming from the sun that can damage your camera and lens but also protect it against dust, oil, and fingerprints. Neutral Density filters, on the other hand, are used when light is harsh and you need a few pauses to not overexpose your shot. While Polarizing filters also protect your camera from harmful rays, they eliminate pesky sun flares in your shot that add more color and contrast to your photos.

Cleaning Kit
Little did you know that dirt, dust, and moisture can get into your camera, lenses, and accessories when you travel, especially if you do outdoor photography and in the long run can damage your camera. Not maintaining your camera can be your biggest mistake as a photographer. Unfortunately, the cleaning kit can be expensive. That’s why you should learn how to clean it by yourself and if you think that your camera has some serious issue and cleaning won’t fix the problem, you should take it to the professionals and do not DIY the solution as it can harm your camera even more.

Remember that photography is not just about the equipment that you own. Don’t buy these things because you want to be better. Yes, these pieces of equipment will add fun to your outdoor adventure. It’s all about skills and determination to learn and enhance your creative process.