How to Keep Photography Gear Safe on the Road

You don’t have to be a professional photographer to own gear worth hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Loss or theft of your photography equipment could mean you come home without your photos, but with a hefty bill to pay if you want to replace your stuff. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep your stuff safe, no matter where your next trip will take you.

First of all, look into travel insurance. This is the best way to ensure you will get your money back if you lose your stuff, but you need to check the terms carefully. Some insurance policies have a limit on how much you can claim for one item, and you need to be sure you can claim for everything.

Now you can think about ways of protecting your gear from the physical strain of travel. A good camera bag is important, as the padding will protect your gear from shocks. However, it is best to buy one that doesn’t look inconspicuous so as not to attract attention. Plain backpacks in dark colors are better than satchel-style gear bags with external attachments and obvious branding.

It is also worth considering where you will be taking pictures. In many cities it is not advisable to walk around with your camera, so keep it out of sight when you aren’t shooting. Always keep an eye on who is around you, especially after dark, and keep your camera safely stashed when eating in restaurants and cafes.

If possible, back up your photos to a laptop or external hard drive so you won’t lose everything if something happens to your gear. Follow these guidelines and the chances of coming home short of a camera, and the priceless memories provided by photos, will be greatly reduced.