How I Use Notion for Photography Shoots and Trips (+ free template)
Feeling stressed about forgetting essential gear for your next shoot, client job, or photography trip? You’re not alone—I’ve been there too! That’s why I created a simple and efficient system in Notion to automate packing lists for different types of shoots. Let me guide you through setting up your own packing template so you’ll never leave anything behind again. And if you’re short on time, don’t worry—I’ve got a downloadable template ready for you to use.
Why Use Notion for Your Photography Packing List?
Notion is a powerhouse productivity app that offers much more than just note-taking. Its customizable databases make it perfect for managing your photography gear.
I’ve tried everything from pen and paper to apps like Apple Notes and Evernote, but Notion’s automation capabilities make it a game-changer. While it can feel a bit overwhelming at first, my minimalist template keeps things simple, clean, and easy to customize. Whether you’re new to Notion or a seasoned pro, this setup can work for you!
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Photography Packing Template
In this section of the tutorial, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to create your own template from scratch. If you'd rather skip the setup and use my pre-made template, keep reading for the download details.
Step 1: Adjust the Page Layout
Open a new Notion page and enable the “Full Width” option at the top right. This expands your workspace horizontally, making it easier to organize.
Step 2: Create a Database
Type /database and choose the “Inline” option to add a database directly to your page. Rename it “Camera Gear Packing List.”
Step 3: Structure Your Packing System
Your database should include the following properties to organize your gear efficiently:
Gear Details: Item name and category.
Packing Locations: Where each item will be stored.
Checklist for Trip Readiness: Track the packing process with checkboxes.
Configure Your Database:
Delete the default "Tags" property
Create a "Category" property with options like "Camera Bodies," "Lenses," and "Accessories"
Add a “Multi-Select” property called “Pack In” to specify where each item will be stored, like a backpack or camera pouch.
Include checkboxes to track your packing process:
On This Trip: Indicates if an item will be taken on this specific trip.
Needs Charging: Marks gear that requires charging before use.
Charged: Confirms whether a gear item has been fully charged.
Packed: Indicates if the item has been packed and is ready to go.
Step 4: Add Your Gear Items
Populate your database with items. For instance:
Add a camera body, categorize it as “Camera Body,” and specify that it’s packed in your backpack. Check off “On This Trip” if you’re taking it.
Add batteries, check “Needs Charging,” and mark their packing location.
Custom Views to Simplify Your Workflow
Notion’s filtered views make packing seamless. Here’s how you can use them:
Pick Items for the Trip: Filter items by “On This Trip” to focus on what you’re bringing. Organize by category for clarity.
Charging Checklist: Create a view to show all items marked “Needs Charging.” Keep the “Charged” checkbox visible so you can check them off when done.
Items to Pack: Show only items that need to be packed. Group by packing location (e.g., backpack, camera pouch) and filter out items already packed.
Packed Items: A quick view of everything packed to double-check before you leave.
Download My Free Template
Short on time or don’t want to start from scratch? I’ve got you covered. Download my pre-built Notion template and customize it to fit your needs.
Final Thoughts
Packing for a photoshoot doesn’t have to be stressful. This Notion system helps you stay organized, save time, and focus on capturing amazing photos. Feel free to tweak the template to match your workflow, and share your own setups in the comments. Happy shooting, and enjoy the process!
