This post may contain affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We LOVE telling stories with photos and video. It is a driving passion in our lives and even shapes our experiences as we figure out how best to capture what we are seeing. What I don’t love? A minimum of 7 cameras along with all of their batteries, chargers, accessories, memory cards, pouches, wires, etc. making a journey with us. Do we bring them along anyways so that we can relive our memories when we get home? Yep… and I don’t ever regret it. But in a dream world, we would be traveling with minimalist camera gear and just a few tools to tell our stories.
Whether you are just getting started with telling stories through photos and video, or you just can’t imagine lugging around a lot of gear, this is the post for you. Here are a few suggestions that we would recommend having on hand.
Minimalist Camera Bag
In my dream world, a camera bag doesn’t even exist. Shocking, I know. To get started telling stories through video, I am going to recommend 4 pieces of minimalist camera gear and all can easily be thrown into whatever purse / tote / backpack / etc. is coming with your on your journey. That was easy and didn’t cost a thing.
If you don’t already have one, I would recommend something like this bag to still keep loose items like cords, memory cards, etc. tidy and in one spot.
Camera Phone
This is an easy one, right? You always have your phone on you because it’s your phone, internet access, alarm clock, map, time killer, camera, etc. The best camera you can have is the one that is on you and that makes your phone the number one tool in your minimalist camera gear setup. What we need to work on is to get you in the mindset that this footage you are capturing is not simply for social media. We need to think long-term for the purpose of creating a film. This is why we need you to hold your phone properly and learn to use it in a way that is suitable for capturing memorable moments.
Also guessing you already have a camera phone, so one less thing for you to purchase or add to your life. Bueno.
Moment Lenses
Oh Moment, how we love you! These little lenses changed the way we travel. Do we still take all of the big camera gear? Yes. Do we feel like we always need to have it with us? No – and that’s because of these lenses.
These little, but solid lenses will take your mobile photography to a whole new level with lenses that twist and lock in place making them super secure! We have tried clip-on versions, but this is a case of you get what you pay for… and we wouldn’t recommend wasting a cent on the cheaper clip-on option.
If you are just getting started with telling your story this way, this is an excellent addition to your gear.
Phone Case – Be sure to search for the case specific to your phone.
Wide Angle Moment Lens – For those times that you can’t physically get further away to fit your subject in the frame. We have used this both indoors and out and are always amazed by the results.
58mm Moment Lens – Great for giving yourself some zoom capability beyond what your phone can do on its own.
Moment Lens Pouch – This particular one holds two lenses and attaches easily to a purse strap, camera bag, or your belt.
This is the first point you might need to make a purchase, but you will not regret this one based on it’s size, quality, and number of times that you will use it.
Camera for Movement
I have a confession. I had intended to recommend a camera that I really thought would be stellar for capturing movement (one that we already have in our camera bag). Instead, I’d like to recommend one that we don’t currently own. The Insta360 One R will easily do the work of three cameras in our bag and I feel like if I recommended anything else, it wouldn’t accomplish the tasks I would want to with just one camera.
What’s so great about it?
It gives you the ability to capture smooth video footage like our our Osmo Pocket (great for capturing video as you are moving).
It captures 360 degree video like our Insta360 One X and still has selfie stick removal which is kind of magical.
AND performs every bit like a GoPro action camera… super rugged, all kinds of accessories, waterproof, etc.
The Insta360 One R is not currently in our camera bag, but it’s one that we would love to own and would recommend wholeheartedly. It comes from a company that we know and love and would take the place of other cameras making travel that much easier.
Tripod / Selfie Stick
Ok. So I’d add one more piece of kit to toss into your bag.
This Selfie Stick / Tripod combo is crazy useful. You can easily grab footage high above your head, set it on the ground for easy family phone portraits, and yes, extend your arm to get a perfect selfie. If we are traveling, this is another piece of gear that we are never without.
And there you have it. If I had limited space (or desired a simpler approach to capturing video), these are the tools I would recommend.
Your Phone
Moment Lenses
Insta360 One R
Tripod / Selfie Stick combo
If you have a trip coming up, I am simultaneously excited for you and a little bit jealous. 🙂
As always, if you have any questions about how to capture your journey well, please let us know. We are so happy to help if we can!
