Bring the Family

Capturing Family Adventures

Posted by Toni | Filed under Gear Gab, Hands-On Family Fun, Through the Lens

Part 1: Gear and How to Carry It

I’ve received a few emails recently asking if the photographs on Bring the Family are mine, and the answer is an enthusiastic “Yes!” Based on those emails, I thought it would be fun to share what gear I bring along when my family and I head out to play and how I capture our favorite moments. These are just suggestions based on my personal preferences and experience; feel free to tweak this for your own use and add suggestions in the comments.

While on the go with my family, I shoot with a Nikon D90 DSLR, an iPhone for quick snapshots when there’s sufficient bright light, and a Flip video camera. While the iPhone’s wireless transfer ability has proven more convenient, you lose a great deal of quality compared to the Flip. I think once Flip develops wireless file transfer for their cameras, which is supposed to be in the works, I’ll return to that as our go-to video gadget, especially since their HD cameras are so affordable.

I realize it’s not that big of a deal to just use the USB connector built into the Flip, but it’s far easier to press a button and have a video or image upload to Flickr and/or Vimeo rather than having to sit by a computer and wait for software to load, especially if I’m blogging or tweeting straight from the trail or campsite. Once the iPhone came along and streamlined that process, it creates an entirely new game for competitors. Here’s hoping the Flip steps up, because their quality is great and when I need a good quality video for personal or professional use, I still use the Flip. But for everyday cuteness? I carry my iPhone around everywhere, even while walking home from the bus stop (click to hear the hilarious but completely accidental audio addition to this video). Incidentally, I prefer Vimeo to YouTube despite the long wait times for free uploads because it’s easier to make videos private and password-protected, and there appear to be fewer trolls commenting there, too. Otherwise, I upload vids directly from the iPhone to Flickr.

All of these items easily fit into my Sherpani backpack purse (usually in Ziploc bags to keep that random purse detritus from dirtying the equipment) for day trips or travel writing assignments when we’ll be out exploring for a while and I don’t want to be burdened by too much gear. I also have a camera backpack and holster bag – both by Tamrac – for times I really do need to bring more gear. I carry a reusable lens cleaning cloth for last-minute maintenance, and on longer outings I’m always sure to bring extra batteries and chargers.

I’m currently on the hunt for a new backpack purse or even a compact camera backpack that zips shut, since I’ve lost more than one lip gloss and pen from my current bag, which uses a flap-and-magnet closure that simply isn’t secure enough for my needs. I’ll be sure to post a review when I upgrade. I’m also planning on picking up a Gorillapod – perfect for on-the-go shots where you need a little stability (in low light, to capture motion blur, etc.). For now I use a standard tripod I’ve owned since high school, but am planning on getting a tripod with a quick-release plate and level so I can easily connect and disconnect my camera from the tripod.

FYI, some of my photography gear links are to B&H Photo simply because I’m a long-time and satisfied customer of theirs. I do not do paid reviews and so far have only reviewed gear that I own and have tested myself. If I’m offered gear to review, I will always disclose that fact in advance, those reviews will be done without compensation and will be both candid and aimed at helping parents make the best choices for their needs.

That’s about it. As I’m fond of saying, I believe in doing what works, and I’m always curious to hear about what works for you so go ahead and share how you carry your gear when on the go with your kids in the comments.

Stay tuned, because later this week I’ll feature Capturing Your Family Adventures, Part 2: Technique.

Tags: "bring the family", backpack, DSLR, Flip Video, gear, Gear Gab, iPhone, Nikon, on the go, photography, Tips and Tricks, Toni Klym McLellan, travel, video

Permalink | Comments (1) | February 16, 2010

One Response to “Capturing Family Adventures”

1. Marc Says:
   February 16th, 2010 at 6:17 pm

   Great post, and you do have excellent pics on your site. I have a Pentax K-10D DSLR that I love taking along on our family outings. It can get a bit bulky though, so we recently purchased a Panasonic Lumix camera that we love. Its extremely small (easily fits into a cargo pocket, or even a front pocket), takes amazing photos, and even takes pretty good video (you can zoom in and out while shooting in video mode too).

   I think the key is having a camera that is small and easy enough to use that you will be more likely to grab it as you head out the door. Often times having a camera to capture the moment is more important that having just the right camera. We take our Lumix almost everywhere we go now.

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