Whether you consider yourself a photographer or not, everyone takes photos while travelling. Some carry their iPhone, while others carry a DSLR across the world.

Travel photography incorporates many areas of photography: landscape, street, architecture, action, and lifestyle. It could be a snapshot of time, culture, or emotion. Travel photography is no easy task. It requires adaptable skills, versatility, and patience; you may be waiting for the perfect shot for hours, but may never get it. Social skills is also an advantage. It will make it easier to take portraits of people you encounter on your travels, should you enjoy portraiture. Maybe people aren't your thing, and you prefer to shy away behind your camera. That won't stop you from capturing the hustle and bustle of a capital city, or the colourful architecture of an ancient temple.

As a travel photographer, you'll constantly be on the move. A backpack filled with equipment will slow you down. Minimal equipment while travelling is key. You may believe that you need those extra lenses in your kit as a 'just in case', but trust me, leave it behind. Your back will thank you. At most, pack three lenses: a wide-angle, telephoto, and perhaps your nifty 50mm. This will cover most (if not all) shots you'll encounter. A tripod can make or break a good photo. You may be thinking, "Leave my lenses at home but bring a tripod?! That'll make for so much weight!" Luckily, there are a variety of decent lightweight tripods on the market, that will easily attach to a backpack. You'll forget it's even there.

Other useful photographic items to bring while travelling: