To Africa and Back

A once-in-a-lifetime trip? That was an easy yes. The harder question was: what camera should I bring?

I wanted to come home with beautiful photos—but I also didn’t want to spend the entire time behind the lens, missing out on the actual experience. Striking the right balance between documenting and being present can be tricky, especially when you're traveling somewhere special. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way that helped me enjoy the moment and still come back with images I love.

1. Choose Gear That Matches Your Intentions

If your goal is to capture postcard-perfect landscapes or high-quality images for printing, then bringing a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera might be worth it. But if you’re more focused on soaking in the sights and snapping quick memories, your phone or a compact travel camera might be all you need. The best camera is the one that doesn’t take you out of the moment.

2. Remember to Keep It Simple

You don’t need a perfect sunset or iconic landmark to take a great photo. Some of the most beautiful images come from the everyday things you encounter during a trip—a quiet street, local food, or the way the morning light hits your coffee cup. Don’t overthink it. Just look for beauty in the ordinary.

3. Be Present First

Give yourself permission to experience before you document. Walk through a place first without your camera. Absorb the sounds, colors, and energy—then decide if it’s something you want to photograph. You'll find that your photos become more intentional and meaningful.

4. It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

With all that said, the best advice I can offer is to simply commit to taking a few fun travel photos—and don’t stress about making them perfect. Travel isn’t about curating a flawless photo album; it’s about collecting memories. The imperfect moments often tell the most authentic stories.

Whether you’re heading out on a big adventure or just exploring a new spot in your own city, remember that the goal isn’t just to take amazing pictures—it’s to make memories worth capturing.