By: Amy Mac, wampro.tv
When you have to travel with all of your video equipment, the best thing you can do for yourself is schedule a massage for when you return because this stuff is heavy! The next best thing is to learn how to pack light. It is very easy to get carried away and think you need to lug everything you own to a shoot. You might be at risk of missing something but really, you probably won’t need all 8 sets of backup batteries! We try to stick to the essentials:
- Camera
- Audio setup
- Tripod
- Powder/hairbrush for the talent
- Water, especially if it’s hot!
- Some extra batteries
- Backup memory card
Reflectors can be handy but if you aren’t big on using it, leave it behind!
If you don’t need your computer to dump the footage right away, don’t take it!
We usually have the power cord for the camera but if you are outside, you probably won’t have outlets.
Finally, if you do a lot of lugging around your stuff, you might want to invest in a great travel camera bag. They are easier to carry and organize when on the road. Some of them are even waterproof, although we still have a trash bag in the camera bag just in case we get rained on. Something else you might consider is a lightweight tripod. Yes, there are times when you need all of the features of the heavy duty one but if you can get away with a very light $10 tripod, then do it!
These are just a few recommendations of how we travel with our equipment when shooting on the road. When we shoot on location locally, we have a garden wagon that we put everything in and pull to save our backs and keep us corralled. It also allows us to throw in a light, a stool for long shoots and a sweatshirt for when it’s cool outside. Everyone has their system so learn from others and then find what works for you!