I take a lot of pictures when we travel. A LOT of pictures. Probably approaching an annoying amount of pictures. But when I post them, I try to curate. I choose the top 10-15 photos that represent the day and edit them. Because no one wants to see 113 un-edited vacation photos. No one. After our trip, I put together my photo essays, which include additional curated photos.
Sidebar: My photography portfolio is available here.
Someone (I have no idea who) once said, “The best camera is the one you have with you.” The camera I have with me the most is my iPhone, which is absolutely not the best camera, but it is with me 99% of the time. And it does a damn fine job.
We do a massive amount of walking when we travel, and I’ve learned the hard way that carrying my “big” camera (Nikon D-800) is just too much (too heavy, too bulky, too hot, too everything), so it stays at home. Lately, I’ve been doing more and more street photography when we travel. But life happens pretty fast — carrying 10 pounds of camera gear in a backpack, stopping to get it out, and then set it up is an exercise in frustration. By that time I do all that, the shot I wanted is gone. I’m a pretty quick draw (and pretty stealthy) with my iPhone, though.
Other cameras I travel with: my Leica Q3 (fixed lens), and my Sony RX-10 (zoom). Carrying both of them is (again) too everything. So, I make a guess as to which one I will need for the day. And whichever way I guess, I usually need the other one. But I always have my iPhone.
Here is my photo essay (in no particular order) from Portugal:
Saúde!
Gorgeous!
Thank you!
That’s a really impressive photo essay Kirsten. You have a good eye for a picture. I’ve followed the same journey as you in relation to lugging heavy gear around. More often than not these days it’s just me carrying a Sony RX100. I still use that as I need Raw files big enough for the stock agency. That’s changing though as they are now accepting phone images to sell.
Thank you, Steve! The camera dilemma is ongoing for me, but I’m pretty close to just pushing the “EASY” button and going full iPhone for travel.
Wonderful pictures. You captured a great wave behind the lighthouse. Maggie
Thank you!
Typically narrow city streets, bridges and port tell the story of what was of interest! Love the street art I had not seen before . . . a composite picture for us also to remember . . .
Thank you!!
[…] take a lot of pictures when we travel. A LOT of pictures. Probably approaching an annoying amount of pictures. But when I post them, I try to curate. I […]
Great images, I love the eye you have for capturing the moment. These make me want to plan another trip to Portugal – we loved our trip there in 2024 – although I was in pain the whole trip from falling trying to “get the shot” on our first day!
I gave up traveling with all my camera gear a few years ago. iPhone is good enough for me now – I just need to take better advantage of all the features it now provides.
Thanks, Nancy. And ditto – as much as I love my “big” cameras, I’m almost exclusively using my iPhone now. We are considering a trip to Africa – might have to lug my kit with me there, though!! Cheers!