How to Prepare for a Quick Overnight Photo Trip

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How do you prepare for a short, overnight photo trip?  Answer: Almost the same way is with longer, more intricate photo trips.  The basics are the same.

The first thing to remember is not to overthink the trip nor over pack.  You want to be flexible, small and lightweight in your overnight travels.

That being said, with any photo trip, I

a) research the areas along my routes of travel as well as my final destination. Then plan to drive the best route to maximize my opportunities.

b) talk to individuals I know who may have lived along the way or at my final destination and get their input as to opportunities to make interesting images.

c) look on the Internet for anything of interest I can find along the way or at my final destination.  Also, research the anticipated weather so you are prepared.

d) decide what equipment I will take but I try to keep it to a minimum.  Lessons learned in the past:  I have routinely taken way too much equipment.  If you take too much, you degrade your experience.  The same goes with clothes and accessory items.

e) give my self plenty of travel time, depending upon how many stops I may make or what other activities I may have planned, so I can maximize my opportunities to make images.

f) keep my eyes open along the way for anything interesting that I may not have found online.

g) at my destination, ask hotel clerks, shopkeepers, etc. for any recommendations of things they may know that is interesting to photograph in the area.

h) take a different route back home so I may discover more opportunities.

i) keep my eyes open along the route, giving myself plenty of travel time.

That is about it.  All of the above doesn't take very long, maybe 30 minutes, but the little bit of planning can mean a difference between getting back with a smile or missing something memorable.

I plan on a short trip this week and I will be doing all of the above.

As for equipment I will be taking:

1 camera body (D800E)
3 zoom lenses (16-35, 24-120, 70-200)
2 filers; 1 polarizer and 1 ND
Spare battery and charger
Lens cleaning cloth
Tripod
iPad and charging cord

No backup body, no laptop, no backup hard drives, etc.  The key is to travel light and fast.  Don't get bogged down by procedure or too many decisions.  Easier is better and much more fun.

As far as clothing, I will take a clean shirt, clean underwear and socks and toiletries.  I always have a hat and umbrella in the car along with detailed maps.  I will take a windbreaker style raincoat as I am anticipating some rainy weather over the two day trip.

Thanks for looking.  Enjoy!

Dennis Mook


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