A Destination Photographer's Guide to Essential Travel Apps, Resources, and Gear
Every journey is a story waiting to be told, and for photographers, it's an opportunity to craft visual narratives that transcend words. Whether you're an aspiring travel photographer or a seasoned pro, embarking on a new adventure brings with it the promise of uncharted landscapes, captivating cultures, and moments that beg to be immortalized through your lens.
As someone who shares a passion for both travel and photography, you understand that preparation is key to capturing those unforgettable moments. You know that your gear, the resources you rely on, and the apps you use can make all the difference between a good shot and an extraordinary one.
Here are the tools and resources that can elevate your travel photography game. From the apps that help you plan and navigate to the gear that ensures you're ready for any photographic challenge, we've got you covered. Whether you're chasing golden hour sunsets in Santorini, documenting wildlife on a safari, or simply exploring a new city's streets, this guide is your passport to enhancing your photography adventures.
Being a destination wedding photographer isn't just about having technical expertise; it's about understanding the soul of the locations where you'll work. Visiting and photographing these venues and locales firsthand is essential. It allows you to immerse yourself in the unique atmospheres, discover hidden gems, and anticipate the best angles and lighting conditions. By sharing these experiences and images, you not only showcase your passion and dedication but also offer couples a glimpse into the magic that awaits them. It's about creating a connection that goes beyond the camera, ensuring that every shot you capture carries the essence and love of the destination, making it an unforgettable part of a couple's special day.
My Favorite Apps/Sites
Going
Going is your passport to affordable adventures around the world. This innovative website employs a sophisticated search algorithm that scours the web for the best airfare deals, helping you uncover hidden gems and incredible savings. By comparing prices from multiple airlines and travel agencies, Going ensures that you secure the most budget-friendly options for your global explorations. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first international journey, Going simplifies the process, making it easier than ever to find and book cheap airfare, turning your dream destinations into attainable realities.
Sign up for the yearly membership to skyrocket your experience. The trick here is to be flexible. If you want to travel to the French Riviera, but flights to Amsterdam are $300 roundtrip from your local airport, buy the ticket. Flights from Amsterdam to Nice are often less than $100. Get across the pond first, and then book whatever travel you need to get you to where you want to be.
Get Your Guide
I LOVE this app and website. I use Get Your Guide any time I travel to any destination. It gives me a good overview of things to do in the city, skip-the-line tickets and entries, and fun, unique experiences at a discounted price. Depending on where you are, there can be a great variety of experiences from your usual sightseeing to more hands-on options like food tours in obscure districts or pasta-cooking classes. It also stores all of your ticket information, so all you have to do is flash your phone for entrance!
You can even use this app in your own city!
AllTrails
AllTrails is the ultimate companion for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. This versatile app serves as your gateway to discovering, planning, and navigating your hiking, biking, and running adventures. With an extensive database of over 100,000 trail maps, AllTrails ensures that you'll find the perfect path, whether you're seeking a serene nature walk, a challenging mountain summit, or a scenic bike ride. The app provides detailed information on trail difficulty, distance, elevation gain, and user reviews, empowering you to make informed choices about your outdoor pursuits. With offline maps, real-time GPS tracking, and the ability to record your own adventures, AllTrails is your go-to tool for exploring the great outdoors while staying connected to a vibrant community of fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
And yes, while AllTrails targets the outdoor community, it isn’t just for hiking backcountry trails. Cities all over the world are in the AT database. If you search Paris, France, there will be “trails” to walk to view the best churches in Paris or the must-see art museums, and tourist hotspots. This is a great way to get out on explore on foot whether you’re in the wilderness or the metropolis.
SeatGuru
There is literally an app for everything. SeatGuru is an app that allows you to look up specific information about your specific plane and your specific seat! It will show you the plane layout with the seat numbers, whether or not your seat has a window, and it can even tell you if the tray at your seat is broken, if you have an armrest, or if you have less leg room than the people behind you. This is great to use before you purchase your tickets so you can look up the available seats to see if there are any issues. App users can upload pictures of the seats and leave notes and comments so it’s fairly up-to-date and accurate. When it comes to an app like this, give as much as you take! Be sure to update your own seat experience for the people who fly next!
It’s powered by Trip Advisor so you know it’s legit!
Must-Have Travel Gear
I am a sucker for good suitcases, luggage, backpacks - anything that carries my gear. When it comes to my photo equipment, quality is my top priority.
ThinkTank Photo travel suitcases are the epitome of convenience and protection for photographers on the move. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, these suitcases offer a seamless blend of durability and functionality. With customizable dividers and padded compartments, they ensure your precious photography equipment stays organized, secure, and safeguarded from the rigors of travel. ThinkTank Photo's commitment to innovation is evident in its thoughtful features, such as integrated TSA-approved locks, smooth-rolling wheels, and ergonomic handles that make maneuvering through airports and rugged terrain effortless.
This is the only suitcase I entrust my equipment to and travel with all over the world. This is the version I have to ensure it meets airline requirements for carry-on suitcases on every plane.
This is likely the product I am asked about the most - especially when I am in an airport getting some work done pre-flight. It is a laptop organizer that attaches to the lid of your laptop. I use mine to hold my external hard drive - bonus, my hard drive rarely disconnects when I have it attached to this organizer, so I don’t get that dreaded ejected error message while I’m editing. I always have a pen and my laptop Bluetooth mouse attached as well.
The last thing I refuse to leave home without, so much so that I now keep one of these permanently in my suitcase to make sure I don’t forget it: An Eye Contour Sleep Mask. These block out 100% of light, form to my face, and bonus - don’t mess with eyelash extensions because of the 3D contour shape. I honestly can’t sleep without it now, and we all know how vital good rest is when you’re traveling.
From navigating foreign streets to capturing breathtaking moments, the right tools and resources are your trusted companions. Remember, it's not just about the destination; it's about the journey, and the right gear and apps can elevate every step of it.
So, before you embark on your next adventure, make sure to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools shared in this post. Plan wisely, pack efficiently, and capture the world through your lens. And here's an invitation for you, our fellow travelers and photography enthusiasts: we'd love to hear about your favorite travel tools and gear! Share your insights, recommendations, and travel stories in the comments section below. Let's continue this conversation and inspire each other to explore our beautiful world with passion, preparedness, and creativity. Safe travels and happy photographing! 🌍📷✈️
