What’s In My Bag Part 2: San Diego, California
Bag: North Face Transit Kaban
I’m a big fan of using non-camera bags to carry my equipment. When traveling with $6000 worth of gear on your back, you don’t want to shout “Hey look at me, I'm a shmuck just waiting for you to rob me!” Photo backpacks can be spotted a mile away and thieves especially know what to look for. Also, I hate how damn gaudy all the photo backpacks on the market look. It’s like something a PC user would use : P. Buy a simple camera insert from Amazon, and any tote, handbag, or backpack can become the best custom photo hauling pack. The bag also makes going through airport security a breeze with its lay flat laptop insert.
Mirrorless systems are the future, small and light with huge output. Sony has really stepped their game up in the last few years. They are listening to their consumers, especially the wants and needs of photography pros, and making it happen. Nowadays you don’t hear photographers talking about Canon or Nikon, but rather Sony, Fuji, or Olympus. The Sony A7 II is considered the jack-of-all-trades camera in their line-up, falling under the 42-megapixel beast Sony A7 RII and the low light monster A7s II. I have owned a myriad of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras by all major brands, including Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus, and even Leica. However, this one has proven to be the most versatile. And thanks to the lens adapters available I can use any brand of lens on this camera. WITH autofocus and metering, I might add.
Lens: Sony 70 - 200 f/4 G
This lens was part of the reason why I decided to switch to Sony. Not only are the camera bodies half the size of traditional full frame DSLRs but so are their lenses! A Canon or Nikon equivalent of this lens would be almost twice the size and weight!
And when traveling, packing lighter is always better.
I opted for this top of the line model because to me, a good laptop is an investment. My last 15” Macbook Pro, which I purchased back in 2009, is still going strong. However, due to increased files sizes of pictures and videos with current software needing more power, a newer model was necessary. Furthermore, the new Retina MacBooks are super-thin and are powerhouses.
Western Digital 2TB Passport External Hard Drive for Mac
It’s always important to back up your pictures and video when you are traveling. Because, you know, sh*t happens.
Ilford HP5 Black and White Disposable Cameras.
Back in the days of shooting film, you just had 24 or 36 frames in a roll, that’s it. I like to carry these when I’m traveling because it lets me slow down and think about what I am shooting. My photos are better composed, and consist of more thought. It also lets me actually enjoy where I am and take in my surroundings. A lot of people today are stuck behind the lenses of their cameras, snapping away with no real thought.
The only place i am able to order these from is from B&H photo in NYC
Rav Power Battery Backup 13600 mAh
Hands down one of the best purchases I have ever made. I am a person who is always on their phone, and even though my iPhone 6 Plus has a pretty good battery life, I'm always in need of a charge. Traveling, taking photos, and Instagramming uses a lot of power, and the back up is nice to have. It also can charge my Go Pro when needed.
Order this one in a higher or lower capacity here
Staying hydrated while traveling is extremely important. Dehydration can creep up on you before you know it, even in colder climates. As a registered nurse, I can tell you first hand, something so simple as not drinking enough fluids can send you to the ER. Time in the ER is time not spent adventuring. This bottle will keep your cold liquids cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours.
Order this bottle or other sizes and colors here
Bull & Stash Leather Notebook
I decided to upgrade my notebook to one that is extremely durable and stylish. It is also refillable, which in the long run will reduce your cost of notebooks as a whole.
Yes, not in my bag but rather on my feet. I find these to be the ultimate travel shoe and FYI hiking shoes are not travel shoes - they are for hiking! Having a shoe that is versatile is a must. A good pair of travel shoes are ones that are made for walking long distances, a night on the town, and can handle the off-beaten path. When I travel, I tend to pack just one pair of shoes. I chose these for their versatility.
Lightweight
Stylish
Comfortable soles
Fantastic tread for pavement, gravel, and yes, even hiking
order this shoe in various color and sizes here
Hand Sanitizer and Antibacterial Wipes
Maybe it’s because I’m a nurse, but my number one tip, when traveling and in life, is to always wash your hands! It is the number one preventative measure that will keep you from getting sick!
Book I am Currently Reading
Essentialism - The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Aside from reading science fiction novels, I often like to read books that help me grow and develop. I try to read about many different things, but I do have my limits (any book written by Donald Trump or Ann Coulter). The topic of Essentialism may not come naturally to me, but I do like the idea of focusing your energies on a certain goal for a positive outcome
dededos
blakekathryn
stormborns
pixelskylines
turnnoffyourmind
annaxmalina
germansingergirl