Many people find that they are traveling during the holiday season. Whether it’s a vacation in Europe or simply a trip to visit relatives, it’s helpful to bring the photography equipment you need to take that perfect holiday photo.
One of the first decisions to make is to decide whether you are interested in making a photography trip out of your vacation or making sure you are on vacation and just happen to be documenting it as you go. These are two very different approaches. The first often means selecting a variety of gear and lighting and being sure to shoot during the best light – and in the best possible locations – and the latter usually means a more simplified approach, less gear, and compromising the best light and location for a better shared experience for all.
Assuming you are looking to streamline what you need to document the experience so you can focus on – well, experiencing it, I’ll share the simplified gear kit I use:
Nikon D750 – This option allows me a full frame, speedy, lighter-weight camera with excellent picture quality and fantastic ISO capabilities. The other two upsides of selecting this DSLR: the swivel LCD, great for photographing food from an overhead angle, and built-in WIFI for easy social media sharing.
Nikkor 24-70 2.8 – A fast-to-focus, extremely versatile lens that allows me to capture anything from atmospheric images to portraits – and everything in between
Nikon SB 5000 flash – A powerful but easily-managed off-camera flash to help illuminate darkly-lit interior shots.
Polarizing Filter – Useful for reducing the amount of haze in an image (think snowscapes, skiing or sledding outings) and reducing glare when needed.
Nikon 1 J5 – Extremely easy-to-operate, small, mirrorless camera with great interchangeable lens options. Excellent option for wanting a pocket-friendly, subtle camera that still lights evening shots well. Also has built-in WIFI.
Hope that helps give you some ideas of a more simple photography kit for the holidays! However you choose to spend the season, just don’t forget to make those memories last.
