Over the years having gained experience travelling for work, being away two weeks at a time, I learnt to pack practically selecting clothing items that I could mix and match.  This kept my luggage light.   It also meant that shopping opportunities were never wasted knowing I had room to take home a few extra items.  But mostly I appreciated not having to lug around a heavy suitcase whilst trying to juggle a laptop and a pile of reading material in hand from a long flight.

I like to think I’ve taken those learnings and applied them to my photographic trips abroad.  For India it was easy, only a few items of clothing were required, wash as you go is my motto.  One pair of sensible walking shoes (on my feet) and a pair of sandals for relaxing around the hotel in the evening.  However choosing what camera gear to take wasn’t as easy.

Fortunately, for the seven photographers on a recent trip to India, which many did not travel light, we had the aid of porters at the railway stations.  What an amazing sight to see how the porters balance heavy bags, not just one but two, on their heads.  And then to follow them up and down stairs in trepidation.