What’s in your camera bag? If you check mine, you’ll find a number of items you can’t buy at a camera store. I like to travel light, so I’m not using my bag as a dumpster for extra junk. While these items aren’t necessarily photographic equipment, they do help me create better photos. I don’t carry all these things every time I shoot, but as a Boy Scout, I like to be prepared.
How many of these items are in your bag?
pencil and paper
This is obvious. It’s always necessary to write down information, whether it’s a list of people in a group photo, the address of someone who wants a proof, or the settings for an HDR shoot. Trust me, a small pad and pencil are a great addition to your photography kit.
Flashlight
If you shoot after dark, you need a flashlight. A small light makes it simple to change camera settings, locate dropped objects, find a specific lens in your bag, and even find your way over rough terrain. Ask yourself how confident you are that you can insert fresh batteries into your camera or flash unit in the dark. If you’re not absolutely sure if the cells should be facing up or down, you’ll want a flashlight when changing batteries.
The new three-cell LED lights are tiny, weigh next to nothing, and offer very bright light. If you’re in an experiential mode, these are also great for light painting.
Towel
I always carry a small, light-colored terry towel with me. I use it to clean water spray, spilled liquids, and grime from my equipment. I also cover my gear with the towel when I’m not shooting. The light color keeps my gear cool and I can take it off and start shooting at any time.
Tools
I was firing on the deck of the four masts Beijing at the South Street Seaport Museum in New York, when I suddenly noticed that my 16mm lens was wobbling like a doll with a doll’s head. The tiny screws holding the lens mount to the lens had come loose and the front of the lens was doing a rough impersonation of a fish out of water. Fortunately, I always have a few jeweler’s screwdrivers in my bag, so I can make repairs and resume filming.
I like to carry a variety of small tools for emergencies, but be careful if you’re flying. Airport screeners have a poor eye for any sharp tools, and even screwdrivers and pliers can be a concern. So make sure everything you have with you is approved before you board a plane.
corners
In today’s world of credit and debit cards, coins are pretty much useless. Unless you find yourself at an unchanged parking meter. Or the observation bridge you want to shoot from requires a toll. Or you just want a cold drink, but the local street vendor doesn’t take plastic. I have come across numerous situations where I needed exact change for something and was quite happy to have a few change in my camera bag pocket. The coins are lightweight, fit almost anywhere, and have a variety of uses. Don’t forget that many battery and accessory compartments are designed to be opened with a coin.
Appetizers
Have you ever had a longer shoot than you expected? It happens all the time, and you might be stuck for an extended period in place with nothing to eat. When those unexpected occasions occur, it will be nice to reach into your bag and grab an energy bar or some prepackaged crackers.
Medicine
If you take prescription drugs, keep some extra with your camera gear. You may lose your luggage, but good photographers never take their eyes off their camera bag.
I wear contact lenses and keep an extra pair in my gear bag. If I lose one, I don’t have to wait until I get home to replace it.
rainy
If there’s a remote chance you’ll get rained on while you’re shooting, it’s a good idea to throw a packable poncho in your bag. I’m talking about the ones that can be folded into a pocket pack. Lightweight and compact, one of these will keep you dry if the skies suddenly open up.
plastic bags
I find many uses for small plastic bags. They’re great for organizing things, keeping track of small items, or keeping things dry. I like to have a few zip-lock sandwich bags in a side pocket.
Ribbon/Rope/Ties
Few things are more useful than tape and string. Duct tape is so popular with film crews that it is known as “duct tape.” Tape and string are excellent emergency repair materials. You can hold reflectors, tie branches off your frame, or secure a flash unit exactly where you need it. I’ll probably find use for the tape and string whenever I’m shooting on location.
ID card
If you lost your camera bag, full of gear, could someone find you to return it? Although there is no shortage of thieves and scoundrels in today’s world, the chances of someone returning a lost bag are very high; if they know who it belongs to. But many photographers don’t put any identification inside their bag.
Like I said, I don’t take all these things when I shoot, but I have brought home a lot of great photos because of the extra stuff in my camera bag. What’s in your bag?
