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Should I document my next vacation?

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gusestomp
Posts: 1377 - Karma: 746
Well newschoolers, here's the deal. I'm going to St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands in August. I'm totally thinking about documenting this trip. Specially because I've never been there and probably won't be going back for a while (going out west next). What do you guys think about it?

And a couple question regarding TSA and camera equipment. If I were to take my camera, lenses on the plane as a carry on, what would I do with a glidecam? Should I just risk it in the rest of my luggage? Or try and fit a huge bag with all my camera stuff, glidecam and laptop as a carry on. The only thing I'm worrying about is with TSA going berserk on all the stuff thinking there's all this shit in the bags, inside of bags. lol. But anyways any suggestions? And a video will be posted if I feel there isn't too many haters.

Here's some funny meme's thought id share.

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But seriously, what do you think?
Jun 2 2012 9:22PM
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bo0b
Posts: 2964 - Karma: 996
do it, why not right? if it doesn't interfere too much you'll at least get some great practice filming that type of stuff
Jun 2 2012 9:26PM
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123+ski
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
I would bring the minimum kit you need, because you want to enjoy vacation, not be working the whole time to take pictures and video. Also less stuff to bring, draws less attention etc. As far as security, just respectfully tell them that you have are a photographer/filmmaker and you have all your gear in your bag. They may ask to see it, as some of it looks weird on the X-ray machine, but the few times that this has happened to me, the tea member asked me if I could open the bag because he didn't want to accidentally break anything. he had me remove the caps on one lens, and then picked it up and looked through, then handed it back to me and said I was all set. Just be prepared, and try to have all your stuff semi organized (camera and non camera). Lastly, I don't have any experience with this, but I have heard that some people have trouble bringing tripods or monopods, especially with spiked feet, and if you break down a glide cam, the center shaft and handle does look somewhat like a night stick. Just a few things to keep in mind
Jun 3 2012 12:41PM
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,386
I would, but I would keep it mellow.

There's a beauty in limitation. I went to Italy with three lenses, and it was a great choice. It changed the way I had to do some things but I just submitted to it and enjoyed being creative within boundaries set by my gear. It also helps you to enjoy the trip more and not worry about carrying gear around / your back at the end of the day.
Jun 3 2012 1:18PM
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MACAQUE
Posts: 2811 - Karma: 696
I'd say just take a body, one lens, and some sort of stabilization. You can always ask to have the glidecam put with all of the baby strollers and stuff.
Jun 3 2012 1:21PM
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blatt
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 3,097
Words of wisdom to help you decide: "The things in life you regret most are not the things that you do, it's the things that you DON'T do"

Just bring your camera and a couple lenses. Definitely don't bring a glidecam, they're such a pain in the ass to travel with. And bring all your camera gear in your carry on.
Jun 3 2012 1:25PM
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juicedrummer11
Posts: 1960 - Karma: 1,331
definitely do it. you don't wanna get there, be walking along the beach at the most opportune time or whatever and say, "fuck me i should have brought my camera for this"

travel light tho, leave the glidecam and do some things a little differently only take a few lenses and maybe jam a small tripod into your suitcase and not a carry on with your laptop and other camera gear.
Jun 3 2012 1:38PM
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EARL
Posts: 598 - Karma: 3,052
I'm from the BVI (right by USVI) and go back very frequently with all of my camera stuff. Generally have 1 carry on (camera bag) with all of my lenses, body, chargers, laptop, film camera, film rolls, headphones all that stuff. Then i generally put my tripod or glide cam in my packed bag with all of my clothes. I do this just about everywhere i go internationally and i've NEVER had any sort of issue. Especially because you're going to St. Thomas, which is a US protectorate, you won't have any issues with airport security. Once you're there, of course theres always crime. Wouldn't recommend leaving your stuff out anywhere in St. Thomas, even on the beaches and even if they're in your bag. I've had kids come from the bush behind and grab stuff right out of beach bags before. So just always be aware.

Heres a little video I did last summer if you wana check it out for ideas or anything -



Enjoy your trip! Hope it's a good one!
Jun 3 2012 4:48PM
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EARL
Posts: 598 - Karma: 3,052
Sorry for the double post.

But I also just love filming all of my vacations now. I've done every family vacation in the last 2 years and it makes for GREAT memories and I don't miss out on a thing because i'm constantly filming something and having a great time doing it. People love looking back at things, especially small "movies" of things they've done, from personal experience anyways. Never a bad idea, something you can hold onto for the rest of your life.
Jun 3 2012 4:54PM
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gusestomp
Posts: 1377 - Karma: 746
That was an absolute awesome video, definitely gonna do what you said with TSA.
Jun 3 2012 5:02PM
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