How I Pack My Photography Gear with f-stop

As a professional photographer, I regularly move between commercial assignments, workshops and photography trips. Packing my equipment well helps protect it, keeps essential items accessible and makes working on location easier.

Over time, I have learned to build each kit around the assignment rather than carry everything I own. The destination, shooting conditions and amount of walking all influence what goes into my bag.

This article was originally published in June 2019 and describes the equipment and packing system I used at that time. I was also an f-stop brand ambassador.

My Photography Equipment at the Time

My kit included Nikon D850 and Z7 cameras, ZEISS Milvus and Otus lenses, NIKKOR wide-angle, standard zoom and tilt-shift lenses, and NiSi filter systems.

I also carried a Gitzo tripod, a Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball head and travel clamp, and a DJI Mavic 2 Pro.

Batteries, chargers, a remote release, portable hard drives, cables and cleaning supplies completed the kit. I selected from this equipment according to the shoot.

F-stop Gear Mountain Series SUKHA — Mountain Series

SUKHA

Why I Used the f-stop Sukha

The Sukha gave me room to organise a substantial photography kit while adapting the interior to different assignments.

For architectural work, I needed access to specific lenses and accessories. For landscape trips, I also needed space for personal essentials. The modular interior helped me arrange the bag around those different needs.

A larger backpack is useful when the assignment requires it, but available space is not a reason to carry unnecessary equipment.

Organising Equipment with Internal Camera Units

Internal Camera Units, or ICUs, create padded compartments inside the backpack. Adjustable dividers help separate cameras, lenses and accessories.

I frequently used the Pro XL ICU for a larger kit. For other assignments, I combined smaller units to create separate spaces for filters, a drone or selected lenses.

This flexibility allowed me to change the layout without changing the entire backpack.

Packing for Photography Trips

Before packing, I consider what I plan to photograph, how long I will be away and how I will travel.

For landscape trips, I typically selected two camera bodies, a wide-angle lens, a standard lens and a telephoto lens. Filters, spare batteries and the drone were added according to the itinerary.

I organised frequently used equipment so that it was easy to reach and kept smaller accessories together.

For flights, I check the airline’s current cabin baggage dimensions, weight allowance and battery requirements before travelling. A backpack’s capacity does not determine whether it will be accepted as cabin baggage.

Packing for Everyday Assignments

For architectural and cityscape assignments in Dubai, I usually carried a more focused selection of equipment.

A tilt-shift lens was central to that kit, supported by other lenses and filters chosen for the brief. Smaller ICUs helped organise the equipment and leave room for additional essentials.

Accessory pouches kept chargers, cables and cleaning supplies together. Dedicated storage for batteries and memory cards reduced the time spent searching through the bag.

What I Learned

An efficient packing system helps me concentrate on making photographs. I want to know where each item is, reach it quickly and carry a manageable load.

The most useful part of this system was its flexibility. I could adapt the interior to the assignment while keeping my equipment organised.

For the equipment I use today, visit my Gear Guide.