A camera bag with foam dividers keeps equipment safe during travel.
Photographers must be able to bring their camera equipment everywhere, whether for casual pictures of friends and family or their work in new locations. All it takes is a little advance planning and a sturdy camera bag.
When deciding what equipment to bring along, consider the type of pictures you'll take at your destination, how much other luggage you'll carry and how you'll get around. If you're traveling by car, for example, you likely can carry more equipment than if traveling by plane.
Instructions
1. Cover any expensive equipment under your home or rental insurance policy. Airlines won't replace any personal items that are damaged during flights. Check with your insurance agent for details.
2. Register your camera equipment with U.S. Customs if you're traveling abroad, especially newer equipment. You will need the serial numbers. Ask for a "Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects Taken Abroad." This will help you return through Customs, when you must pay a tax on items purchased abroad.
3. Pack your camera equipment in a sturdy bag. Plan to carry your equipment with you to avoid having it lost, stolen or damaged in checked luggage. The Transportation Security Administration allows one bag of camera or video equipment, in addition to the one carry-on and one personal item allowed per passenger. The camera bag must meet airline requirements for size and weight.
4. Use an air case if you have a lot of equipment and must use checked baggage. Such cases are designed to be jostled, and are made with plastic and foam designed to absorb shock. Secure the case using a lock approved by the Transportation Security Administration.
5. Pack spare lithium batteries separately and in your carry-on bag. As of Jan. 1, 2008, loose lithium batteries are not allowed in checked luggage.
6. Put all digital camera equipment through the scanner at the airport's security checkpoint. Don't put unexposed film that's 800 speed or higher through the X-ray machine, which can damage it. Ask an agent to hand-check your high-speed film.
7. Stow camera equipment under the airplane seat in front of you. Your equipment might be damaged in a cramped overhead compartment.
Tags: camera equipment, checked luggage, equipment under, equipment with, lithium batteries, Security Administration, Transportation Security