Summer season is travel season! For a photographer, capturing that perfect moment from your journey makes all the hustle and bustle worth it. If you’re a film photographer, you’re likely considering the challenges of taking your film camera along on your next trip.
Film photography offers an undeniable charm for travel photography, with its distinctive grain, rich tones, and deliberate process. Yet, airport security, varying climates, and managing your film can still present a major challenge. With a bit of forethought and preparation, you can confidently bring your favorite films on your travels and ensure they return unscathed, ready to be developed into beautiful, tangible memories.
Whether you’re a seasoned film photographer or just starting your journey, these tips will help you navigate the unique considerations of traveling with film, so you can focus on capturing the magic on your trip, one frame at a time.
1. Hand Carry Your Film
The most crucial tip is to always hand-carry your film. Never, ever pack it in your checked luggage. Checked baggage scanners use much higher levels of X-ray radiation, which can damage or fog your film, especially higher ISO films. Keep your film with you in your carry-on bag.
2. Request a Hand Check at Security
When going through airport security, politely request a hand check for your film. Explain that it’s photographic film and that you’re concerned about X-ray damage. While TSA officers are generally aware of film, they may insist on scanning. If they do, advocate for your film and explain that you understand that lower ISO film is less susceptible, but the risk is real.
3. Use Clear Bags
Storing your film in clear plastic bags or film canisters can help speed up the hand-check process. Security officers can easily see what’s inside, which makes them more likely to agree to a manual inspection.
4. Know Your Film Speed (ISO)
Lower ISO films (100, 200, 400) are generally more resistant to X-ray damage than higher ISO films (800, 1600, 3200). If you’re really concerned, bring mostly lower ISO film for traveling with film, or at the very least, keep higher ISO films shielded, and preferably have them hand-checked.
5. Consider Lead Bags (with Caution)
Lead-lined bags are designed to shield film from X-rays. However, they can sometimes cause issues at security checkpoints as the screeners may need extra time or more intense scanning to see what is hidden. In some cases, this could result in more harm than good. If you must use one, make sure to take your film out and request a hand check.
6. Keep Film Cool and Dry
Heat and humidity can damage film. Store your film in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or a hot car. If you’re traveling to a tropical climate, consider bringing an insulated bag for your film.
7. Pack Light and Organized
The more organized your gear, the easier it will be to keep track of your film. Consider using a dedicated film bag or organizer to separate exposed and unexposed rolls.
8. Plan Ahead for Film Development
Research local film labs at your travel destination or have a plan to send your film to your trusted lab back home. If working with The ICON to process your film, you can send your film to us from where you’re traveling, and we can ship your negatives and prints to your home or office. Just let us know where you’d like to ship the return package, it’s as easy as that!
With these tips in your toolkit, you’ll be all set to embark on your photographic adventure with film. Film photography while traveling is a wonderful way to capture memories. Enjoy the slower pace, the unique aesthetic, and the tactile experience of using film. Have a fantastic time capturing your travels and don’t hesitate to share your results with us.
