DIY Photography Hardcase

Obtain a hard clamshell suitcase to use as your hardcase. The clamshell case is one that opens around the center with equal space in both the top and bottom of the case. Place your photography gear, camera, lenses, and film into the suitcase in a single layer to ensure that they'll fit once you've completed the case construction.

Take a piece of upholstery foam the same thickness as the depths of the two case sides and use scissors to cut the foam to the same shape as the case interior. Make sure the foam fits snugly inside the case.

Place the foam cutouts into both sides of the case, then close and lock the case to test the fit. Make any adjustments to the foam necessary to create a smooth fit with the case closed to prevent equipment placed into the bottom or top of the case from bumping into each other.

Place the equipment onto the foam in the positions you wish to carry them inside the case. Outline the equipment shapes into the foam with a pen, then remove the equipment.

Measure the height of each piece of equipment. Take a sharp utility knife and cut the outlined area to the same depth as the height measurement. Remove the foam from the cut hole and then place the piece of equipment into the space to test its fit. Each piece of equipment must fit snugly in place without moving within its hole.

Fill the holes with the equipment, and then close the case for security and safety when traveling. For increased safety, place a thin sheet of foam between the two halves to keep equipment from one side rubbing against equipment in the other side when the case is closed.