How to Pack a Carry-On Bag for Underwater Photography: Pro Tips from Ken Kiefer [VIDEO]

Featuring Ken Kiefer

Ken Kiefer has never shied away from a challenge, not even when it comes to strict airline carry-on requirements. Check out how Ken packs up his entire underwater system in a carry-on-friendly bag for a week of photographing sharks.

More of a reader? Scroll down for the article version of this video.

 

 

 

Carry-On Packing Tips for the Underwater Photographer

I went through about five different carry-ons to find one that both fit on most airlines I fly and fit all my stuff with what I considered adequate packing and wound up with the Vanguard Alta Fly 55T DSLR Camera Backpack.

The dividers in the bag have velcro so you can adjust them to fit your housing and your accessories in a configuration that works best for you.

My 200DL housing fits in there perfectly with my two DS232 Strobes. Pro tip: before you fly, make sure you secure the lock on the strobe battery pack.

Next are the strobe arms. When you're packing these, loosen all the nuts so they can bend and conform to the space in your bag. With the extra space I sometimes squeeze in an extra strobe or pair of batteries. 

I've newly converted to fiber optics on my system, so I'm going to pack those cords safely on top. And usually I'll pack a couple of shirts, a couple of jammers, and a scuba mask so that when I arrive at my destination, and if my luggage gets lost, I can still get in the water and create images with what I've got in my carry-on while I wait on my scuba gear.

The Vanguard Alta Fly 55T DSLR Camera Backpack packed with a 200DL underwater housing, two strobes with strobe arms, plus room for spare batteries and any other extra essentials.

Ken's Gear

• Canon EOS R5 + 8-15mm Lens
• 200DL Underwater Housing for Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Digital Camera # 71764
• DS232 TTL Underwater Strobe with Video Light # 40232
• VANGUARD ALTA FLY 55T DSLR Camera Backpack

 

Additional Viewing

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Building a Spare Parts Kit for Underwater Photography [VIDEO]

  

Ambassador Ken Kiefer has had a love of the water and nature since his younger days surfing in Corpus Christi, Texas. He got his first breath of compressed air while lifeguarding and was immediately hooked. Ken spends his professional life in and around a pool, which provides a handy spot to work on underwater photography and lighting techniques. But his passion is the ocean, and his favorite subjects are sharks (and his wife, Ambassador Kimber Kiefer). Read more...