Camera Tips: Photo Storage For Travellers

We get asked a lot of questions in store at Camera Action Camera House about ideal cameras, bags, and tripods for photographers of all skill levels and styles.  Recently, the queries have been about the best gear to use while travelling and we thought it was an ideal time to share some suggestions on recording and storing your trip memories safely.

First things first: memory cards. Some photographers prefer to have large capacity cards so they can continue shooting without interruption - there's nothing worse than having to juggle a large pack, two cameras, and four cards in the middle of a steamy jungle. Not exactly subtle or easy.
However it can also be beneficial to split your photos over multiple smaller memory cards, in case (heaven forbid) something happens to one of your cards, you will have at least saved half of the photo memories from your trip.

Depending on your destination, you may also come across a store similar to Camera Action in your travels that offers CD/DVD services to copy photos directly from your memory card. Check that all photos have been transferred to the disc in store and then you can format the card for even more holiday snaps.

If you intend on travelling with a laptop or will have access to a computer, a card reader is ideal for safe and fast download of photos directly from your memory card using a simple "drag and drop" method.
Card readers plug in to the USB port of your computer and do not rely on battery power from the camera during transfer. Once the images have been copied to your computer, it is safe to format the memory card, ready to shoot again.

A popular alternative for heavy shooters is to carry a portable hard drive. This allows for immediate backup of your photos, with up to 500GB storage and directly from your memory card in some units.

Got a tip of your own? Share your suggestions on photo or other storage in the comments field.

Travel Photography Master Class

Last chance for 2010. December 4.

Spend the day with Lonely Planet Travel Photographer Richard I'Anson. Morning session lecture, lunch (included), then stroll Melbourne CBD as a bona fide Travel Photographer, camera in hand and a new perspective.

Includes a copy of Lonely Planet's Guide to Travel Photography, latest edition.
BOOK NOW!

Lonely Planet's Guide to Travel Photography

Our next Master Class is a ripper.
Spend a day with the Author of Lonely Planet's Guide to Travel Photography. Richard I'Anson freelance travel photographer, has published eight books including 3 editions of Lonely Planet's Guide to Travel Photography, Urban Travel Photography: A Guide to Taking Better Pictures, the pictorial publication Nepal and is currently working on his latest book, India.
Richard is responsible for the photographic training of Lonely Planet's authors from all over the world and while ther's a gap in his busy 2010 schedule we've managed to book him for a one off training session for a limited number of participants at theLightRoom.
We'll start in the early afternoon with a 2 – 3 hour discussion touching on preparation, gear, and principles then, after a light supper head out into Melbourne City to put into practice what Richard has shown us.
An early evening excursion allows us to experience up to three lighting situations you're likely to find yourself in while on the road. Afternoon, dusk and night.
This session includes a copy of the latest edition of Lonely Planet's Guide to Travel Photography.
HURRY: extremely limited. Contact events@cameraaction.com.au for further information or visit 'educate' at theLightRoom.com.au