This article was written in collaboration with
the highly regarded photographer Jenna Dixon

Building on our previous discussion about the best gear for travel videographers, it's time to turn our attention to those who prefer capturing the world in still images—travel photographers. This time, we are joined by Jenna Dixon from Silver Fern Productions.

Jenna is a passionate landscape, travel, and adventure photographer. She is fiercely dedicated to capturing remote, cold-weather, and mountainous regions, showcasing the rawness and beauty of nature's elements. Jenna's work has been featured in Time Magazine and National Geographic, with exhibitions from New York to Miami. She is also regularly featured in local magazines across Canada, including Travel Yukon and Tourism Vancouver Island.

In this article, Jenna shares valuable insights and recommendations for choosing essential gear for both beginner and experienced travel photographers, ensuring you're fully prepared to capture every moment with precision and clarity. Videographers can learn a lot from Peter O’Hara, a well-known travel videographer regularly featured by Smithsonian and The Canadian Wildlife Federation, who most recently contributed to National Geographic.

What to Consider When Packing

Embarking on a journey as a landscape photographer or videographer is more than just a career—it’s a privilege. It blends the dynamic elements of nature, art, and adventure, offering the chance to capture the world’s beauty through your lens. However, with this role comes the responsibility to tell compelling stories, infusing each scene with depth and emotion. Achieving this requires not only creativity and patience but also a profound respect for the environment. The visuals you create have the power to inspire and connect people across the globe.

When it comes to outdoor photography and videography, the range of gear available can be overwhelming. To help you make informed decisions, especially if the great outdoors is your canvas, here are some key considerations:

• Weather Sealing: Your gear should be weather-sealed to endure challenging outdoor conditions such as rain, snow, dust, and humidity.
• Portability: Opt for lightweight, compact equipment that’s easy to carry during long hikes or in remote locations. Mirrorless cameras and compact lenses are great choices.
• Battery Life: Since outdoor shoots can be lengthy and far from power sources, choose gear with long battery life or the option to use external power sources. In cold weather, batteries drain faster, so always have extras on hand.
• Lens Selection: Versatile lenses are crucial. Consider wide-angle lenses for sweeping landscapes, telephoto lenses for distant subjects, and macro lenses for close-up details. High-quality, fast lenses with sharpness and good contrast are essential.
• Tripod: A strong yet lightweight tripod is indispensable for stable shots, particularly in low light or when capturing long exposures.
• Filters: Using Neutral Density (ND) filters, polarizers, and UV filters will help you control light, reduce glare, and protect your lenses.
• Durability: Ensure your gear, including the camera body, bags, and tripods, is rugged enough to handle rough terrain and the occasional drop.
• Storage: High-capacity, fast memory cards are a must for managing large files, especially when shooting in high resolution or 4K video.
• Backup Solutions: Having portable hard drives or backup cameras is vital to prevent data loss or equipment failure.
• Versatility: Choose gear that can adapt to various shooting conditions and styles. Cameras with a good dynamic range and customizable settings will give you the flexibility needed to capture diverse scenes.

By keeping these considerations in mind, you’ll be better prepared to pack smart and ensure your gear can meet the demands of outdoor photography and videography.

Beginner’s Toolkit

The beginner’s toolkits for photographers and videographers are often similar. Entry-level cameras that can produce good-quality videos or photos usually lack the advanced features needed for specialized work in either medium, making them suitable for both. When starting your career as a travel photographer, it’s best to begin with a camera you can afford. Hone your skills, build a portfolio, and when you're financially ready, research the camera systems that make the most sense for you. Also, as you start out, you may find your interests shifting. You might initially lean toward photography but later develop a passion for videography. Starting with relatively inexpensive equipment that allows you to explore both fields is a smart choice at the beginning.

Here's an entry-level bag suitable for a day trek that both Jenna and Peter approve:

1. Camera:
   • Sony: Opt for the Sony ZV-10 or the Sony A7III for versatility.
   • Canon: Consider the Canon DSLR EOS 90D or a model from the EOS Rebel series, like the Canon EOS Rebel T7, for reliable performance.
2. Lenses:
   • Select one or two lenses that provide a range of focal lengths, such as 16-35mm or 24-70mm. Prime lenses generally offer less distortion and chromatic aberration, but they can be pricier. Your budget and shooting environment will guide your choice of lenses.
3. Filters:
   • Circular Polarizer: This filter helps eliminate and control reflections from surfaces like water, glass, and leaves, as well as enhances contrast in the sky and reduces glare from buildings and streets.
   • ND Filter (1-9 stops): This filter allows you to control shutter speeds and aperture settings more effectively, especially in bright conditions.
4. Gimbal Systems:
   • Beginners might start with the Zhiyun Crane M35 or DJI Ronin-SC, ideal for lightweight mirrorless setups. For more advanced setups, consider the Zhiyun Crane 4 or DJI RS4 for greater stability and performance

Experienced Photographer’s Toolkits

Expert Day Pack

Similar to Pete, Jenna's preferred day pack is lightweight and primarily filled with camera gear, tailored for the location she plans to shoot. With a focus on versatility, Jenna ensures she has the right tools for every shot, from expansive landscapes to detailed close-ups. This pack is essential for scouting or physically demanding shoots such as climbs, glacier traverses, or sunrise missions. The gear inside is carefully selected to capture 1-3 specific locations over a single day.

• Canon EOS R5 and 2 batteries
  Reliable for long shoots, with backups for extended power.
• Canon f2.8 16-35mm lens
  Ideal for wide-angle shots and capturing vast landscapes.
• Canon f2.8 24-70mm lens
  Versatile lens for various scenes; sometimes swapped with the Canon 50mm f1.4 for portraits.
• Canon f2.8 70-200mm lens
  Essential for detailed shots of distant mountain peaks.
• Canon f2.8 100-400mm lens
  Used when capturing wildlife or distant subjects in the wilderness.
• DJI Mini 3 Pro and ND filters
  Compact drone for aerial shots, with filters to control light.
• Polar Pro CP filter
  Reduces glare and enhances color saturation in landscape shots.
• Polar Pro ND filter (1-10 stops)
  Manages exposure in bright environments for smoother video.
• Pelican SD holder and 2-3 SD cards
  Keeps storage safe and secure; multiple cards for extended shooting.
• Lightweight Tripod
  Vital for stability during low-light photography or long exposures.
• Shimoda 30L Bag
  Designed for outdoor photographers, with ample space and easy access.
• Ronin RS 3
  Used when precise stabilization is needed for smooth video footage.

Expert Multi-day Pack

Jenna's multi-day pack is essential for jobs that span multiple days in remote locations. It’s a self-sufficient setup, designed for extended stays where base camp setups are required. Along with essential camera gear, it includes extra clothing, camping equipment, and enough food supplies to last the duration of the shoot.

• Canon EOS R5 and 6 batteries
  Essential for long shoots without recharging options, with enough power for multiple days.
• Canon f2.8 16-35mm lens
  Reliable for capturing the vastness of remote locations.
• Canon f1.4 50mm lens
  Perfect for portraits and low-light situations in the field.
• Canon f2.8 70-200mm lens
  Provides reach for distant subjects; crucial for varied terrains.
• Mavic Mini 3 and ND filters
  Compact, easy-to-pack drone for capturing aerial shots in remote areas.
• Polar Pro CP filter
  Enhances color and contrast, especially useful in varied lighting conditions.
• Polar Pro ND filter
  Controls light exposure in bright, open landscapes.
• Pelican SD holder and 2-3 SD cards
  Keeps all memory cards secure; sufficient storage for extended shoots.
• Lightweight Tripod
  Essential for stable shots; easy to carry over long distances.
• Ronin RS 3
  Occasionally used for stable, cinematic video in challenging environments.
• Shimoda Packing Cube
  Keeps gear organized and protected within the pack.
• Gregory Diva 70L Backpack
  A spacious, durable pack designed for multi-day expeditions.
• Sleeping Mat
  Provides comfort and insulation during nights in the wilderness.
• Sleeping Bag
  Warm and compact, ideal for cold nights at high altitudes.
• Jet Boil
  Portable stove for quick, efficient cooking in remote areas.
• Water Filtration System: Ensures safe drinking water from natural sources.
• GU Energy Gels or Honey Stingers
  Quick energy sources during strenuous hikes.
• Backcountry Dehydrated Meals
  Lightweight, easy-to-carry meals for sustained energy; 2 per day.
• Oatmeal and Snacks
  Provides a quick, nutritious breakfast and snacks like dried fruit, nuts, and protein bars.
• Base Layers, Fleece, Puffy, and Shell
  Layered clothing system for changing weather conditions.
• Hat, Buff, Tuque, Mitts, and Warm Gloves
  Essential for staying warm and protected against the elements.

As you can see, the day and multi-day packs differ significantly in weight and content. Depending on the location, elevation, and terrain, Jenna selectively chooses lenses and other gear, always ensuring she has enough batteries and external chargers when planning to spend more than five days in the field.

Conclusion

Every photographer's journey is different, and so are their needs. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional, the key is to invest in gear that complements your style and allows you to capture the world as you see it. The right toolkit empowers you to focus on creativity, enabling you to produce stunning images that resonate with viewers.

Stay tuned for more insights and tips as we continue to explore the essential tools and techniques that make travel photography such a rewarding experience. Happy shooting!