As I sit down to write this, I’m deep into the planning phase of an upcoming family adventure: a flight to Vancouver followed by an off-road, backcountry camping journey through the breathtaking Coastal Mountains of British Columbia. With two kids, my wife, and limited space, every decision counts—especially when it comes to photography gear.
If you’re anything like me, preparing for a family trip with some photography-focus can be equally exciting and overwhelming. Here’s my approach to sorting out what gear to pack, how I’ll organize it, and how I’m preparing to capture memorable shots on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Planning My Route and Locations
Great photography begins long before stepping outside the door. To map out our off-grid itinerary, I’m relying on two indispensable resources:
- Backroad Mapbooks:
Perfect for detailed exploration of Canada’s rugged wilderness, these maps are crucial for pinpointing trails, campsites, and backcountry access roads. - Google Maps (Offline Mode):
By saving offline maps directly to my phone, I have reliable navigation in remote areas, even without service.
I’ve also found apps like What3Words useful for identifying precise locations—particularly handy for marking special photo spots or emergency rendezvous points in remote terrain.
Packing My Photography Essentials (Space is Limited!)
On a trip like this, every piece of equipment must earn its place in my bag. The focus is on lightweight, versatile gear that maximizes my creative possibilities without overwhelming my do-it-all Fjällräven rucksack (which conveniently doubles as my airplane carry-on).
Choosing which lenses to pack for this trip has been both strategic and a bit stressful—I probably spent more time debating lenses than planning meals (don’t tell my wife). Ultimately, I settled on versatility and practicality for capturing distant wildlife without disturbing them, and a lens for dramatic landscapes and close-up family moments.
I reluctantly left behind some of my favourite primes and specialty lenses, simply because I don’t have room for every scenario. Of course, I’m still second-guessing myself—because if I don’t miss a lens at least once on this trip, am I even really a photographer?!
Here’s what made the cut:
- Mirrorless Camera & Lenses:
My main camera with just two lenses – my trusty Canon R6 with a versatile zoom (Canon 24-105mm for wildlife) and a wide-angle lens (Canon 15-35mm for those epic BC landscapes). - Smart Phone:
My trusty iPhone 16 Pro Max has proven to be a great quick speed camera for moments on the go. Whether its kids hiking, quick shots of stunning scenery, or capturing memories on-the go. - Drone:
My DJI Mavic Air will allow me to capture the grandeur of mountains, valleys, and possibly even some wildlife from the air (always following drone flight laws, of course). - Handheld Gimbal:
The DJI Pocket 3 is perfect for stabilized family moments, candid video clips, and smooth footage during hikes or stops along the trail. - Essential Accessories:
Polarizing and neutral density (ND) filters, a lightweight tripod, extra batteries + charger, battery pack, SD Card Reader, and plenty of SD cards. - Computer & Backup Solutions:
My MacBook for nightly backups of images and videos, plus an external SSD drive to ensure redundancy. - Packing Cubes & Organization:
Inside my Fjällräven pack, packing cubes neatly compartmentalize gear, snacks, first-aid kit, and camera accessories—saving crucial space and simplifying daily access. I am using compression sacks for my gear to get everything as water resistant and packable as possible.
Quick Packing Tips for Other Adventures:
- Urban trips: prioritize compact prime lenses, a discreet bag, and easy-access setups. Depending on your daily itinerary, you can bring more gear and plan your days based on your activities.
- Road trips: leverage your vehicle space—carry more gear, but have a smaller daily pack ready for quick explorations.
- Camping & Backpacking: minimalism is key—one versatile lens, lightweight tripod, and solar battery chargers.
Planning My Shots: Wildlife, Landscapes, and Family
Imagining the kinds of images I want helps me strategically pack and plan my days. Here’s what’s on my wishlist for this trip, along with some quick tips on how I’ll prepare.
- Wild Horses & Grizzly Bears:
I’m carrying a telephoto zoom lens (Canon 24-204mm) and planning early-morning or late-afternoon outings when wildlife is most active. Keeping a safe distance and using silent shutter modes will help avoid disturbing animals. - Epic Mountain Landscapes:
The wide-angle lens (Canon 15-35mm) paired with polarizing filters will bring out the dramatic skies and rugged terrain. I’ve marked ideal sunrise and sunset spots using Google Maps and Backroad Mapbooks. - Candid and Portrait Family Moments:
The handheld DJI Pocket 3 is ideal for capturing spontaneous moments, stabilized video clips, and vlogs. The mirrorless camera with the zoom lens is also versatile enough for candid portraits and details. - Preparing for the Unexpected:
Unexpected opportunities or challenges are inevitable. My approach includes extra memory cards, spare batteries, weather protection (rain covers and microfibre towels), and most importantly, an open mind and adaptable schedule.
Managing Power & Backups in the Wilderness
Because we’ll often be off-grid, I’m prepared with:
- Multiple fully-charged camera and drone batteries.
- The truck and camper I rented comes with a portable solar battery pack to charge everything at night.
- Nightly backups of my SD cards onto my MacBook and external SSD drive.
Engaging with Local Photography Communities
To get insider tips and location insights, I’ve joined Facebook photography groups specific to British Columbia and wildlife photography. It’s amazing how much valuable local advice fellow photographers freely share—from animal sightings to hidden waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
Final Thoughts Before Departure
While careful planning significantly boosts my confidence, I also remind myself that spontaneity often produces the best photos. By balancing preparedness with flexibility, I’m ready to capture the beauty, surprises, and unforgettable memories our adventure promises.
I hope my approach to planning my photography gear and shots inspires your own upcoming adventures. Wherever you’re headed, remember: planning your photography adventure should always be part of the fun!
Happy travels—and even happier shooting!
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