I bought my fist DSLR on Black Friday in 2011. I can’t remember why anymore. Maybe I just missed being creative since I spent most of my time in an office, wishing for an opportunity to see beyond its walls.
Back then I used to wander around my neighborhood in Newport Beach taking photos, practicing with the settings and learning the ropes.
So much has changed since then and I can’t believe what a wild ride photography has taken me on.
Photography has heavily motivated my travel choices, especially over the last few years. This addictive art form has pushed me to wake up at sunrise more, go to more remote corners of the earth, and fall in love with the night sky.
I feel so much gratitude for the opportunities becoming a photographer has afforded me. I never realized when I uploaded my first photo- a giant fortune cookie my friend Sunny sent for my birthday – to Instagram that a fun hobby would eventually be such a big part of my life and business.
I’ve talked about my gear plenty on here before, but when Googling recently I saw that ‘bemytravelmuse camera’ comes up in the top five search terms for my site, so I guess I haven’t adequately answered the question!
So here it is – everything I use and the methods I employ to capture my photos:
Main Camera: Sony A7 S
I upgraded from a Sony a6000 to a Sony A7 S in January when I decided that I wanted to shoot more low-light photos and that creating videos would be a big part of my life going forward. I still think that the Sony a6000 is a fantastic travel camera and if you’re not ready to shell out the big bucks for the Sony A7 S, I highly recommend the a6000.
What I love about this upgraded camera is that it’s full-frame, plus it has a microphone jack and it does just what I hoped it would – shoots absolutely gorgeous lowlight photos and video. Check out my YouTube channel to see some of the video I’ve been shooting with this new baby!
Zeiss 35-16 mm wide-angle lens
I use this lens the most. I love that it catches so much of what I’m looking at due to the wide angle. This lens might seem expensive but as with any hobby, the more you get into it the more you opt for gear that’s better quality which helps you perform better. I get a much crisper image with this lens than I do with the cheaper ones, plus it is a great companion for night photos.
Telephoto Lens
I still use the telephoto lens that came with my Sony a6000 bundle, and while it works, I would like to have a nicer lens than this one sometime soon.
DJI Mavic Pro
Since so much of my photography is selfies, getting a drone really upped my game. It has also made my videos so much better. It’s not even fair, really, how much easier this makes getting great shots:
Sadly, more and more regulations are coming out that make it harder to fly everywhere, simply because they’re getting more popular and accessible to the masses. That’s okay, I’m willing to go more remote in order to get the shots that nobody has yet, like in Kyrgyzstan.
GoPro and dome
I only use my GoPro these days for underwater photos and videos since the Sony is so good above water. One toy I really like pairing with it is the dome to get those shots that are simultaneously above and below water.
I do think that for those who want great photos without having to know about camera settings, and who want versatility, that the GoPro is a great choice in the absence of a larger camera. However it’s not the best camera for night photography and it’s pretty much useless for wildlife photography.
Tripod
I alternate between a gorilla pod when I’m trekking, since it’s light and I need to reduce the weight whenever possible, to a heavier metal one.
I used to use a plastic Amazon brand tripod and while I still think it’s a great choice, I had to switch because in extremely cold temperatures the plastic clasps broke right off. Since I am doing a lot more in the winter and the arctic, I need something metal that can withstand temperatures under -20 degrees C.
iPhone
While It’s rare that I use an iPhone for photos, I use it all the time for my Instagram stories and I wrote a post about how to get great iPhone photos as well for those who aren’t ready to put the cash into photo equipment. With a lens and a little tripod there’s a lot you can do with a phone. It is, however, very limited in low light and not great if you really want to zoom in.
Lightroom
I do my editing in Lightroom and love how user-friendly it is. Editing is the step in the process that turns a photo from something good into something great.
I feel that editing is subjective, like all art forms. If you’re serious about photography, the best thing you can do is develop your own style. That said, I detailed my editing process in this post since it was a question that came up again and again.
Insurance
If you’re traveling at all, and especially if you have gear with you, get insurance! I use World Nomads for my health insurance and a dedicated photographer’s insurance for my gear, but it is expensive. World Nomads does cover gear up to $500. Just make sure you have photos of yourself with the gear, the serial numbers, and a police report if it gets stolen if you make a claim.
Style
I’m often asked, if I travel alone so much, who takes the photos with me in them?
Guess what? I do!
I wrote a post with all of my selfie tricks here in case you’re also tired of coming back from your awesome trips without any photos of yourself. It’s tons of fun finding unique ways to insert myself into my photos, and with each trip and photo sesh, I get better.
So there it is, everything that I use and exactly how I use it. I hope it helps any aspiring photographers who want to come home with the greatest souvenirs of all – art that you created.
Photography is a passion I didn’t initially know I had, and it has taken me to all kinds of remote places and pushed me to seek more sunrises, sunsets, starry skies, and to pay attention to the details more. It adds another layer to the adventure that I absolutely adore, and I wish the same for you!
Happy, creative travels.
*Some links in this post are affiliate links. Any purchase you make through them helps support this site at no extra cost to you! All words are sincere, as this is the gear I use and stand by.
GG says
This explains how your videos keep getting better and better. In addition to the narration and presentation improving, the video work is spectacular. It must be a challenge to balance capturing a moment on film and enjoying it with your own eyes, but I imagine in a remote place you have time for both! I was into photographing my experiences in the past, but some of what I enjoy is different from my friends and family so I am left to enjoy them myself, which decreases the motivation. I could make a blog but I am too private. In your case it helps, I imagine, that you have so many people to share your moments with! Nonetheless, can feel the enthusiasm for photography in your writing.
I suggest that you continue to increase the percentage of videos in your work as you are doing, I notice you get more likes and looks with those if that actually means anything.
By the way, do you try to convert any of your photos to art work beyond social media/computers? I have a family friend who has his photography all over a restaurant. But in your case, I mean like an art show. You are that fantastic at it.
Appreciate your catering to people with all range of interests, from novice (me) to enthusiasts. I suggested to someone during my eclipse adventure to bring a tripod and set up a video just like you suggested in your past posts! I wish they would have listened! 🙂
The most difficult thing I have found with drones during the eclipse was how different every state’s regulations are in the U.S. They had a good site on that and if you want the link I can find it if it is still posted, although you seem to know all about this already!
As a question for everyone on here, has anyone done art shows with their photography?
Kristin says
Thanks for the kind words! I love video but have had to adapt to the increase in the amount of work it requires. It’s all about the balance to enjoy the moments as well. I feel like my love for photography compliments my travels and how I appreciate the moment but I do also need to pause and take it all in regularly. I decorate my own home with my photos but I would love to expand. I did once: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/i-became-a-mural-artist-in-vientiane-laos/
GG says
Wow, you’re good with a paint brush too. Stanley is impressive and proud. Did you name the tiger, monkey and the anaconda 🙂 ? Love the Laos story, art on a whim, with beer no less! Adds a new dimension to your Churchill mural post as you can do murals too. Thanks for the link and hope others here take a look.
Kristin says
I didn’t name them, and had actually forgot that I named Stanley. It’s time to pick up the paint brush again.
Gabby says
This is so helpful! I am trying to get into more photography for my website so these are great tips. Thank you so much for sharing!
-Gabby
Edna says
What lens did you use to capture the ‘Shooting the night sky in Kyrgyzstan’ photo? thank you!
Kristin says
The wide-angle!
Tasha says
These pictures are very inspirational and amazing picture gallery, can inspire anyone to visit there. Thanks for sharing.
Mercy says
This is super helpful – I am new to photography and I love your pictures. For a newbie, these are really great tips.
Thank you .
Wilson says
Super helpful post. I found this very useful especially because I’m just getting started in photography. I will be looking forward to future posts from this website Thank you so much for sharing!
Kate says
I was curious what gear you use to protect your camera and lenses when you travel, do you bring a proper padded camera bag or have you found that putting the camera and extra lenses in sleeves has been enough to protect them?
Kristin says
I use backpacks that have padding built in: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/the-best-electronics-bag-for-travel/
deb says
Kristen,
Its so wonderful to read your travel blogs and adventures..you always have great info too that is very useful..I am hoping one day to go on your new travel tours! OMG..so perfect.
I am a photographer also and just bought the Canon G7 mark 2..its a great camera but I did not realize I would not be happy without a viewfinder. I also have a Nikon but its too heavy for travel. I got the Canon mostly for its compact and lightness. Ahh..now what to do?
Also…I do not use lightroom but instead just PHOTO on my Mac and it seems to work really well..Is there a big difference do you think?
thanks again…
Deb
Kristin says
can you return the Canon? If you’re not happy with any part of it you should get what you want!
Photo has limitations for sure. I like lightroom’s paintbrush feature a lot which allows me to edit individual parts of the photo which, since you’re upgrading your camera equipment, you might look into since it’s not too expensive 🙂
Kristen says
Hi Kristin! My name is Kristen 🙂 and I’m about to go on my first solo trip in SE Asia (thanks to you!!) Photography/videography is really a big part of my life that I’d want to do a lot of while traveling, but I have a few concerns. First of all being safety – I’m afraid that carrying large expensive cameras might make me more of a target for mugging/robbery? I’m also afraid that cheap hostels won’t have lockers and that if I want to go anywhere I can’t bring a camera, it might get stolen from my room. My second concern is that all the equipment is HEAVY and if I’ll be carrying a backpack around for two months with a tripod, drone, DSLR, GoPro, etc- will I regret it?? Thank you!
Kristin says
Hey Kristen, I’d say use your best judgement for when it’s appropriate to take out your camera. If it feels like a no, then it’s a no. I also carried a wire mesh bag protector which I list here https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/gear/ and I locked my stuff up in it when there were no lockers. So far so good! Also, yes, I do have a lot more weight now with all of this camera equipment. I wish it were easier or that there was a simple solution. In the beginning I only had my DSLR and two lenses, if that helps. Have fun!
Kelsey says
Do you recommend getting a bundle for the Sony A6000? I’m not sure if the lenses included with the bundles are very good quality. This will be my first really great camera! thanks 🙂
Kristin says
I did at first so that I’d have the telephoto lens, but I agree, it’s not very good quality and I am planning on upgrading because I see the limitations with it now. If you have the funds, it’s better to opt for nicer lenses.
Lashan says
Could you please tell me where the picture was taken in Hawaii? Which island and location? Thank you!
Kristin says
It’s Lanai! Scroll down to Kaunolu on this post for the full info on how to get there: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/lanai-hawaii-activities/
Olivia says
Thanks so much for sharing all of this! I just stumbled across your blog and have found it so helpful already!!
Kristin says
Yay that’s awesome!
Cary Matos says
Hi, did you
Someone take the water picture using the Go-Pro for’ you? Or. Was that a selfie? If so, how?
I’m going on my first Solo trip to Bali in September and would love to take a phot like that.
Thank you
PS i love all of your pictures
Kristin says
Yes that was taken by a friend! I find when I meet people on my travels and we do beachy stuff together, they’re usually pretty excited by the dome and happy to take photos of each other with it.
phil says
Have you seen the gitzo mini tripod? It might interest you, although it’s expensive. I don’t really like gorillapods, which is why I’m suggesting it as you might find you prefer it too. Another one I quite like is the novoflex microstativ tabletop tripod although you have to keep track of the legs. I recently bought the 16-35mm gm lens and I really like it, but again more money :’). I’m somehow trying to fit it into a bag with a 100-400mm for hikes lasting several days and I’m not really sure how to do that yet, any ideas? Haha. I am determined to do it as the 100-400mm is amazing.
It’s interesting you use the a7s model as I feel it’s less common. I’d love to get one as a backup camera and for night photography, but they always price those models so high because of the video features. Your milkyway photograph is really inspiring. Do you prefer night or daytime photography?
I’m always looking for new gear and it’s impossible to keep track of everything that’s on the market, so I hope it doesn’t sound like I’m forcing tripods on you, haha.
Kristin says
I love night photography the most. Thanks for the tripod recommendations!