I have been searching for a better way to backup my photos on the road for more than two decades – originally since I jumped from the film to digital.
After this, I tried everything. I remember using an arcos geucbox-style device with a compact flash slot- slow, buggy, and terrible delicate. Later, expensive solutions such as wireless hard drives of Western Digital with the underlying SD slot came. They were heavy, battery-lustful, and still not what I would call reliable.
I ever wanted a workflow that was light, strong, and did not cost one hand and one leg. Today, that workflow is present at the end and it is already built around some of us: a smartphone.
Whether I am working on assignments or traveling for personal projects, I now return my photos safely and efficiently using just one smartphone (or tablet), a USB hub, a card reader and a SSD drive. No laptop, no cloud, no sketch wireless drive.
Why this setup works
This approach lets me copy full-resolution raw or JPEG files from a solid-state drive using a USB hub connected to your phone directly from your memory card (SD or CFXPress).
It works with any modern camera brand – Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, Panasonic – as long as your phone can access the files on the card. Result? A flexible, hardware-based backup workflow that is fast, safe and 100% offline.
I have used it in remote areas, in which without electricity, fast-transport photographs on jobs, and even on holiday when I did not want to give my gear to the midwife. This did not disappoint me.
Best from the beginning
My Nikon Z cameras have double card slots. I always shoot with fruitless recording – files saved for both SD and CFEXPRESS cards. This is my first layer of backup, fine in the camera.
On travel days, I take SD card to my wallet, CFEXPRESS in camera. This separation is deliberately: if a bag disappears, I still got a complete set of files.
But I add another layer: I make a third backup for a portable SSD drive, which goes to my checked goods. More physical isolation, better.
what you need
- A smartphone (iOS or Android, Lightning or USB-C)
- A USB-C or Lightning Hub with ports for SD, USB-A and Power Input
- A portable SSD (Samsung T7, Important X6, etc.) formed in exfat
- A power bank or wall charger to power the hub
- A card reader (CFEXPress if necessary)
- Alternatively: A universal USB cable is not made in your battery
Procedure (iPhone or Android)
- Connect the hub to your phone.
- Power the hub using a charger or battery bank.
- Insert SD or CFEXPRESS card.
- Plug into SSD.
- Use your phone’s file manager to copy files from the card to SSD.
- Everything once done was safely evicted.
The interface varies slightly between iOS and Android but the method is essentially the same. It is sharp, comfortable, and no special software is required. Below are images that will show you the step-by-step process on your phone (iOS):
Arranging files in the field
After each shoot, I make a new folder directly on my Nikon camera card. In this way, when I am taking backup, I know what to copy. This prevents overcharging old files from transmission or grabbing the incorrect set of images.
By the end of each trip, I always have:
- A card in the camera
- A card on me
- A SSD in a bag checked
These are three separate physical copies, which are made without opening a laptop at any time.
Why does it work for me
I have seen all types of backup systems managing image pipelines for large outfits as a former photo journalist in a motorcysters press agency and current digital workflow strategist, from the Prop-Grade server to the total chaos. This method attacks the correct balance between simplicity, portability and peace of mind.
I do not need a cloud. I do not need delicate ownership drives. I just need to know that my images are safe and it saves the setup.
Traveling without a laptop does not mean compromising your backup strategy. With some cheap accessories and a little prep, you can protect your images like a supporter. This is not magic: just a lean, smart workflow that actually works.
About the author: Trained as a photographer, Sebastian Dansoulez later expanded his expertise in digital, web, marketing and communication fields. Today, she combines a business, technical and creative mindset to design innovative solutions in digital asset management and data workflow optimization. This story was also published Here,
