5 Ways to Travel Light as an Underwater Photographer

One of the most exciting parts of underwater photography is that the art in itself involves travelling to remote destinations to photograph species from other sides of the planet. Unfortunately for us, it also means that we can never go back to the light-traveller-with-a-single-backpack lifestyle that we all dream of. Instead, we have (willingly) traded in our carry-on-only flights with large Pelican cases and 40kg check-in luggages.

After hauling around huge bags from continent to continent, I've discovered that having a good system for packing my gear is SO useful and makes the whole process much more enjoyable. So for anyone looking to streamline their packing lists, I've included my top tips for travelling light in the quick list below.

1. Invest in a Compact Setup

When I first started shooting, I had the tiniest little Olympus TG-6 camera and one video light. Honestly, this was a fantastic time in my career and I always miss the simplicity of this little setup. When doing some work with a YouTube channel, I used the Sony A7III. Now I loved this camera but also found it heavy to travel around with or take on hiking adventures.

Since then, I've invested a bit more heavily into my Sony A7CII camera and a more recently a Nauticam Housing from Mozaik UW Cameras. (Use the code TIANI for 5% off your gear)! Compared with the A7III, it has similar specs but is around 140g lighter and much less bulky. A smaller camera also means a smaller housing, which is much more manageable both underwater and on your travels!

2. Use One Strobe Instead of Two

Now don't get me wrong, shooting with two strobes and having balanced lighting at all times is so fantastic. But adding a second strobe also means extra batteries, chargers, arms and clamps. And honestly, shooting with one strobe is often good enough and can actually add some nice contrast and depth to your images. For macro photography one strobe is perfect, not to mention it's much easier to manage a single light underwater. My favourite strobe I've used so far is the Backscatter HF-1 Hybrid Flash for powerful flash, long battery life and ability to be used for both video and photo! (And no, I'm not sponsored by Backscatter, although if you are reading this Backscatter, I wouldn't be opposed to it)!

3. Find and Use Versatile Gear

The Olympus TG-6 can shoot great macro AND wide angle. With a wide angle wet lens you can also shoot BOTH wide angle and macro on the one dive. Aside from the annoying 30 seconds when you have to screw on and off your lens, get rid of all the bubbles, etc. (OH and where the heck are you supposed to put that thing?!) the wet lenses are fantastically versatile for getting a combination of wide and close-up (and even macro) shots! With my Nauticam housing and wide angle wet lens, I can shoot with my (teeny tiny) 28-60mm kit lens which keeps my setup small and compact for travel.

If you've got a different system, I've also been impressed with the versatility of the wide-angle lenses, and when testing the Sony 16-35mm lens was pleasantly surprised with the ability to get a close semi-macro shot (you can even get nudibranchs if you get REALLY close) as well as the beautiful wide shots.

4. Pack Less Than You Think!

Honestly I'm so bad at this one. Ask anybody and they'll tell you I've overpacked for 100% of my dive trips because honestly, I like to add on travel before and after my expeditions. This unfortunately means I need to bring SO much extra stuff (like my salsa shoes) on a liveaboard when in reality, I only ever end up wearing the same two T-shirts and sarong.

If you have a layover in one destination you can also consider storing an extra bag at the airport –my sister did this when we went to Okinawa for a few days, and this act of simple genius actually blew my mind. Not only did she NOT have to pay for luggage, but she also got to travel light (and also wear all of my clothes) for a 4 day adventure.

5. Remember Why You Travel

It's so easy to get caught up in needing all the new gear, the best equipment, that new shiny and sparkling strobe, and OH did you hear about those new underwater scooters!? In reality, I think all of my best photos and videos have come from being fully present and enjoying the moment. Using a simpler setup has helped me to enjoy my dives more and also means I can be a bit more creative underwater. Instead of focusing on your gear, invest in a few good quality things that work for you, so you can get back to focusing on the experience itself (which, I think is why most of us started diving in the first place, right?).

Aside from the impending doom stress of packing dive gear and lugging SO MUCH STUFF to and from the airport, travelling with camera gear is always 1000% worth it for all of the fabulous photos we document to remember our travels forever. These days, travelling without my camera feels wrong and honestly never happens (that's right, she lives in my van and comes with me everywhere, just in case). So I hope some of these tips were helpful, and inspire you to bring your camera along with you everywhere you go, too.

If you are interested in learning more, join one of our Underwater Photography Dive Trips or sign up for one of our Free Online UW Photo Workshops! They are held monthly by our professional underwater photographers, and you can stay tuned for the next workshop in our Learn UW Photography Facebook Group.

Best fishes,

Tiani Oceani 🐠

Use the code TIANI for 5% off your camera gear from Mozaik UW Cameras!