The "thing" beyond the lens — no one told me about it, but I learned it on my own
A lot of people think being a travel photographer is some kind of dreamy job. And sure, my life involves waking up by the glaciers in Iceland, finding inspiration in the markets of Morocco, and climbing to the top of a mountain at 5 a.m. just to catch the first ray of light. But do you know what it’s really like? Flight delays, overweight gear, nonstop jet lag, and realizing your shirt is wrinkled like crumpled newspapers right before meeting a client.
I’m Ada, and I’ve been a freelance photographer for six years. I love creating — and life keeps teaching me. Like the time I got labeled “unprofessional” simply because my clothes weren’t ironed. Ever since, I’ve carried a portable clothes steamer everywhere. It’s one of the few things I never lose track of on the road.
This isn’t a post about how to dress. I won’t tell you how to fold a shirt or pair your colors. But I do want to talk about those “small details” — the ones you think don’t matter — that could actually shift the course of your career when no one’s watching.
01 | It’s not just about how you shoot — it’s about how you’re seen
I remember one gray day in Nice, France, at Place Garibaldi. I’d just finished a set of street shots and was lugging my tripod to meet a UK brand client.
I pulled out a white shirt from the bottom of my suitcase. Totally wrinkled. I figured, they’re photographers — who cares what I look like? But the moment we shook hands, I saw the hesitation in their eyes. They were polite, sure, but the warmth just wasn’t there.
Later, the project manager emailed: “They think you’re a bit too rough around the edges.”
That night, staring at my wrinkled shirt in the mirror, it hit me: you don’t have to be flashy — but you can’t come off as unprepared.
02 | You’ll remember the thing you didn’t pack... exactly when you need it most.
In this line of work, there’s no such thing as a 9-to-5. Sometimes you take off before sunrise. Other times, you’re changing in the back of a taxi five minutes after landing. Clients don’t care about your jet lag — they only see how you show up.
Since then, I’ve packed the Nesugar G2Pro handheld steamer. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s never failed me when the pressure’s on.
It heats in 20 seconds flat, handles every type of fabric I’ve thrown at it, and weighs less than a pound. It fits in the side pocket of my backpack, and TSA doesn’t even blink.
One time in San Francisco, I had a 7:30 a.m. proposal meeting at a client’s office. I took an Uber in a T-shirt, ducked into the building’s restroom, and steamed a shirt on the spot. Five minutes later, I walked into that meeting crisp, clean, and sharp. No one could’ve guessed I looked like a scruffy photographer moments before. I had one word in my head: dignity.
03 | You might not realize it, but this little tool helps you keep your rhythm.
Photographers rarely own their time.
It’s always: rush to the airport, chase the light, hit deadlines. I’ve steamed shirts in airport bathrooms and hung them outside hostel windows. I’ve tested dozens of steamers — some look sleek but fall apart. Others spray water or need converters abroad. It’s a mess.
What kept me loyal was this “small but solid” experience. I’ve used both the Nesugar G2Pro and G7, and here’s what matters to me:
Doesn’t care about fabric type
Global voltage compatibility (G2Pro & G7)
Heats up fast, plug and go
Super light and doesn’t strain your wrist
When you’re in a new city and about to meet clients, present your work, or attend an exhibit — having something small that restores your look in minutes? That gives you huge peace of mind.
04 | Think it’s just about ironing? It’s actually about pulling yourself together.
We don’t keep normal schedules. I’ve answered emails at train stations at 5 a.m., edited in cafes in cities I can’t pronounce.
But when I take five minutes to de-wrinkle a shirt, I feel it — I can still take on the day.
Sometimes people don’t break because of big problems — but because of little things. A button comes loose. A collar won’t stay flat. Suddenly, you feel out of sync.
And your clothes? They’re the fastest way to get some control back.
I’ve photographed thousands of people. The best moments aren’t about makeup — they’re about that split second when someone’s “ready.” You stand taller. Breathe easier. There’s a spark in your eyes. That certainty? It starts with small things — like a steam iron.
05 | What makes a clothes steamer worth carrying?
Here’s what I look for:
Fast steam — under 20 seconds. Don’t waste time.
Consistent and strong — no water spray, no leaks.
Truly lightweight — I’m already carrying gear, don’t add to it.
Fabric-friendly — cotton-only steamers are outdated.
Worldwide voltage — works in Asia, Europe, and everywhere in between.
The Nesugar G2Pro and G7 check all those boxes. I’ve used them in Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, and Paris — no adapters needed, no drama.
06 | A crisp shirt can say “I’m reliable” before you even speak
Let me tell you a small but real story.
After wrapping a shoot in Berlin, I was invited to a private cocktail event with local creatives. I was exhausted, honestly not in the mood. Still, I went back, ironed a shirt, and showed up.
The first person I met said: “You don’t look like a traveler. You look like a creative director about to sign a deal.”
I smiled and said, “Thanks.” But I knew it wasn’t about being impressive — it was about being prepared.
Sometimes, no one asks, “Can you handle this?” They just decide in the first three seconds whether you’re dependable.
A crisp shirt might not prove your skills — but it speaks volumes about your mindset.
07 | The best clothes steamer isn’t the priciest one — it’s the one that shows up for you
I’ve been to dozens of cities. Slept in hundreds of hotels. Taken thousands of photos.
And every time I’ve stood in front of someone with confidence, this unassuming little tool was somewhere behind the scenes.
To me, the best clothes steamer isn’t the most expensive one. It’s the one that:
Works when you’re on the road
Restores your sense of self when you’re not at your best
Brings back that “I’ve got this” confidence
It won’t change your life — but it will make sure you never let yourself down when it matters most.
So if you’re always on the move, or you care about showing up put together — it might be time to rethink what’s in your bag. Not every tool should be overlooked, especially the quiet ones that save the day.
