A Travel Photographer’s 10 Packing Essentials
by Emily Nathan
Tiny Atlas Solas camera bag. Photo by Emily Nathan.
Travel photographer and Tiny Atlas Quarterly founder Emily Nathan knows a thing or two about snapping a good photo. This month, the 24 Best Travel Photographer took the knowledge she’s gained photographing the world to create a camera bag that is both handsome and functional. We asked Nathan to unpack her bag and share the gear she can’t travel without.
As a commercial photographer and travel magazine founder, I'm often on the road. Travel is a way of life for me and I have, literally, built a life around it.
Along with entrepreneurship and travel comes adventure, exploration, and trying new things. I'm doing my best to pare down to the basics. Keeping it simple with one carryall for a day shoot is usually my goal: camera, memory cards, small laptop, camera lenses, extra layer of clothing, maybe a bathing suit, and go.
With that in mind, my latest venture is a collaboration on a beautiful camera bag with San Francisco-based Alite Designs, a great outdoor company founded by former North Face creative director Tae Kim (we recently launched on Kickstarter). It's cool and simple, while still highly protective of cameras, laptops, technical gear, and personal items. Let's get down to specifics. Here are my 10 essential items for a day out on a shoot.
Tiny Atlas Solas Camera Bag
Our cool and adventure-loving camera bag. Leave your heavy and bulky kit at home and safely transport your essentials for the day.
Price: From $175
Available at: kickstarter.com
Tiny Atlas x AllSwell Notebook
For another My Tiny Atlas collaboration, we partnered with AllSwell. They make a series of great notebooks that have both lined and unlined pages for journaling. The front and back covers feature my photographs from a trip to Tahiti and Tofino. The interior illustrations were done by the talented artist Jimmy Mezei.
Price: $21
Available at: allswellcreative.com
Malia Mills Starlet Maillot
If there is even a remote chance that I can go swimming on a trip, I always pack a suit. Most recently I swam in the rooftop pool at Mandarin Oriental Macau.
Price: $370
Available at: maliamills.com
Costalots Cousin in Rice Sunglasses
There are two perfect zippered pockets on the top of our camera bag with soft padding for sunglasses and phones. I got a great deal on this pair at West Coast Craft.
Price: $225
Available at: costalots.com
iPhone 6S
I always bring my iPhone since social media images should be shot on a phone (IMHO) and I like to take photos for the Tiny Atlas Quarterly Instagram feed when I travel.
Price: From $649
Available at: apple.com
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Although I keep hearing rave reviews for the Sony A7 II (which is mirrorless and therefore much smaller and lighter, making it a favorite for travelers), I am happy to stick with my Canon for a bit longer.
Price: $2,599
Available at: bhphotovideo.com
Watershot Pro Line Housing for iPhone
The slim case allows me to use my Phone underwater up to 195 feet, which is pretty cool. It also protects my phone from pressure sensitivity.
Price: $140
Available at: amazon.com
DJI Inspire 1 v2.0 Drone
I don't have one of these yet, but after shooting footage for our Kickstarter video with a director who used one, I can safely say I've caught the drone bug.
Price: $1,988
Available at: bhphotovideo.com
The Hatters Magic Hat
Another Malia Mills favorite, this hat is my go-to for travel because it rolls up and protects my face on sunny days.
Price: $125
Available at: maliamills.com
Moses Slippers
I got these sandals in Hong Kong, though they are made by a Parisian designer living in Israel. They're cute and great for hot city walking or, of course, the beach or pool. Made from a sustainable, new plastic, they're injected with air, natural oils, and perfume; so they not only look good but smell great, too. Literally of milk and honey.
Price: €27
Available at: placedestendances.com
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