In today’s quick photography tip with the New York based camera pro David Bergman and his tutorial show on AdoramaTV we are going to explore the safest way to travel/fly with your expensive gear.
David shares: “We all know what a hassle it can be to get traveling with a lot of expensive photo gear. I’ve got a tip that might help minimize problems with getting onto an airplane. The goal is to bring as much of your equipment with you onto the plane and check everything else – that’s less fragile things like your clothes and battery chargers, in your checked bag underneath the plane.”
“But make sure your cameras and lenses are with you at all times. Each airline has its own rules and regulations for carry-on bags, so the simplest thing to do is just follow those rules get a bag that fits in the overhead and do everything you can to board as early as possible and get that coveted overhead space.”
“If your bag is too big or heavy and they won’t let you bring it on the plane, I know some photographers who will actually pull their stuff out of the bag and wear their gear over their neck and shoulders. I can’t imagine this really comfortable that way but they’ll let you on the plane like that.”
“Unfortunately sometimes you’re on a small plane and they force everybody to get check the bag. So this is how I handle that: When I get to the end of the jetway, there’s usually a baggage handler there who’s taking the bags down to the plant. I say these key words to him or her – “there’s a really large piece of glass inside this bag. Don’t freak out, it’s padded. But if you can just be extra careful with it I’d really appreciate it!” Let me tell you, as soon as I say that they take extra special care of the bag. Usually they put it right on top of everything else so yours is the first bag out just make friends with that person and they’ll help you out! I’m not lying at all because the lenses actually do have a bunch of big pieces of glass in them. Of course it would stink if anything actually happened to your gear. Hopefully you’ve got business insurance and you’re keeping your images with you in your pocket at all times. This will help you travel with peace of mind, even if you’ve got a lot of extra weight on your neck and shoulders when you get on the plane.”
For more information visit AdoramaTV YT page, and of course you can keep up with David on Instagram and Twitter @DavidBergman. LATEST UPDATE: David opened up new IGTV episodes where you can ask him questions live! find out more at http://www.AskDavidBergman.com
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Watch the full episode with David Bergman and Adorama TV: