My Pelican Case: It’s a Conversation Starter:
THOUSANDS OF MILES LATER, MY CASE STILL KEEPS ROLLING!
As I find myself in airports every 2 weeks or so, I have noticed over time that my Pelican 1510 is a real conversation starter. Generally, the stickers on my Pelican case are noticed first. I have a tan case, which helps keep my gear cool when out on location in the blazing hot sun, thus allowing for a perfect canvas to hold stickers from around the world.
The conversation naturally steers to whether one is coming or going. Where is home? And then finally:
“That is quite the case… what exactly do you do?”
After more than 2 decades of photography, I now find myself working in the commercial fishing photography space. As one of very few females in this industry, I spend hours of my life photographing anglers and documenting products in use.
I photograph rods, reels, baits, boats, clothing, sunglasses and of course fish. I can be found offshore on the East Coast or Pacific Coast of the United States, or in rural areas across America. Sometimes sitting on bass boats in Alabama or offshore off the coast of a Cape Cod documenting products in use.
The way I view my gear is simple: I need it to just work. I need my gear to do its job so I can put all my energy into doing mine.
This case allows me to interact and have real conversations with real people.
We talk about our similarities. I get to learn about people’s families, life experiences and share my own. This case is more than just a vessel to keep my work equipment safe. It’s a path to connection, something that feels like it’s missing in a world of iPhones and noise-cancelling headphones. I feel like I don’t know a stranger and love a good chit-chat; partly due to some flying anxiety (caused by an aggressively scary helicopter ride while on assignment off the coast of Northern British Columbia). But having real conversations ends up being a lovely insert into a long day of flying. It’s a chance to connect with people and find common ground. It’s a chance to share some of my experiences and listen to theirs.
My Pelican case also acts as an airport footrest, laptop table, my main seating area when photographing off bass boats and so much more.
When leaving South Africa after spending a month-long trip photographing on safari at Makalali Game Reserve, I had to wave goodbye to my Pelican 1510 case. The airline would not allow me to bring my Pelican case as a carry-on, even though I had arrived in South Africa with it as a carry-on. After much pleading and removing my lithium-ion batteries, I took photos of all my cameras and lenses and shoved as many socks, shirts and underwear around everything as I could. Watching my case roll away was anxiety-inducing for any photographer.
And off it went.
I waved goodbye, hoping to find the contents safe after 3 flights, 24 hours later and nearly 10,000 miles. My sturdy Pelican case arrived on the Missoula airport luggage belt with everything intact.
After being a professional photographer for more than 2 decades, when it comes down to gear there are many choices. I just want to choose gear that’s proven and works. My gear shouldn’t hinder my creative process, but rather allow me to do my job. Stay out of my way and allow me to be creative. Allow peace of mind and blend in with what I need to get done.
My now squeaky wheels (due to salt water), which I have replaced several times, are proof this case gets used. But this case holds true and will continue being my main choice for gear transportation.
And somewhere between airport terminals, boat decks and remote destinations around the world, I’ll continue collecting stickers, carrying gear and having conversations with people along the way.