What’s in My Travel Camera Bag

12 Essentials for Travel Photography Sessions

Hey travel bugs!

If you’re anything like me, you probably get a little thrill every time you pack your camera bag for a trip. It’s like prepping for an epic adventure! But overpacking can be a real drag, especially when you’re hopping from place to place. So, I’ve fine-tuned my travel kit to include only the essentials – the gear that helps me capture those wanderlust-worthy shots without weighing me down. Here are 12 essentials for what I pack in my camera bag for travel photography sessions:

Camera Bag Essentials for Travel Photography Sessions

Here’s a peek inside my trusty travel camera bag:

1. The Camera Body

I’m all about that mirrorless life, so my go-to is the Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless. It’s lightweight, compact, and delivers killer image quality. Plus, it has this awesome silent shooting mode, so I can snap away without disturbing the peace (or attracting too much attention).

2. The Lenses: 

I like to keep it simple with two lenses. A versatile zoom: The Canon RF28-70mm F2 L USM Lens, Zoom Lens, Compatible with EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras, is my workhorse. It covers everything from wide-angle landscapes to portraits, so I don’t have to switch lenses constantly.

3.Extra Batteries and Memory Cards

Trust me, you don’t want to be caught without these! I always pack at least two extra batteries Canon LP-E6NH and a few spare memory cards SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO CFexpress Card & SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO There’s nothing worse than missing a shot because your camera died or you ran out of space.

4. Cleaning Supplies

I keep a Koala Eyeglass Lens Cleaner Spray Kit | (2x) Glasses Cleaner Bottle + (2x) Microfiber Cloth and a Camera Lens Cleaning Kit with Lens Cleaning Pen, Camera Air Blower, Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, Lens Cleaner Kit handy to keep my gear dust-free and smudge-free.

5. A Small Tripod

If you’re into night photography or long exposures, a compact tripod (affiliate link) is a must-have. It’s also great for self-portraits and group shots.

Tech Must-Haves for Travel Sessions

Being a photographer on the go means I need a few more tools to keep things running smoothly:

8. MacBook Pro & External Hard drive & HD case 

I like to back up my photos on the fly, and having my laptop with me means I can even do some light editing while traveling. My External Hard Drive is essential for extra storage. Plus, I always bring extra cords, just in case!

7. Portable Speaker and iPod

Music is a must-have on any trip, and a JBL portable speaker helps set the mood. Plus, my iPod is loaded with tunes in case there’s no cell service where I’m shooting.

8. AirPods, iPad, and Adaptor

For those long flights or train rides, my AirPods and iPad are perfect for entertainment. The adaptor lets me use my AirPods with the plane’s entertainment system – a lifesaver!

9. MagSafe Stand for iPhone

This handy stand is perfect for propping up my phone while I shoot behind-the-scenes videos. It’s lightweight and easy to pack.

Small But Mighty Necessities for Travel Sessions

10. Advil, Gum, Mints

Because headaches and coffee breath are not cute when you’re trying to capture that perfect shot. 😉

11. A Portable Charger

I never leave home without my trusty portable charger (affiliate link). It keeps my phone juiced up for navigation, capturing behind-the-scenes videos, and of course, posting those envy-inducing travel pics. 😉

12. A Rain Cover

Just in case Mother Nature throws a curveball, I always pack a rain cover (affiliate link) to protect my gear from unexpected showers.

That’s my travel camera bag in a nutshell! It might seem like a lot, but it all fits snugly in my backpack, and it’s been with me on countless adventures. Remember, the best camera is the one you have with you, so don’t get too hung up on having the fanciest gear. Just focus on capturing those moments that make your heart sing.

Learn More About Travel Photography

If you loved this, take a look at my FREEBIE about how I scout my locations.
Hey, I’m Kellie and I photograph travel sessions near North Dakota & beyond! Travel is my love language, so combining my passion for photography with my never-ending wanderlust created the perfect marriage between work & fun. Are you interested in learning more about how to get started as a travel photographer? Be sure to follow along as I share more of the tips I’ve picked up along the way. Questions? Please reach out to me!

Happy travels and happy shooting!