There's also a certain level of stress that goes along with what to pack in a camera bag. Every photographer knows (or SHOULD know) to include/carry a backup camera, lenses, lens cleaning kit, extra batteries for all battery operated equipment (seriously, I carry enough battery power to shoot for 48 - 72 hours without recharging), extra memory cards, and a flashlight. That list is basic (I'll call it the "DUH! List") and you can find that list on just about any site dedicated to photography and starting a photography business. However, there are items that are often overlooked that need to be included, and that's what I'm here for!
What are some of these items you ask? Well keep reading!
Bottle of Water/Snack
It is VERY important to stay hydrated and full during your shoot. If you shoot for any length of time you know the fatigue that accompanies carrying heavy equipment around while chasing your clients or standing outside in hot weather. That fatigue feeling gets exponentially worse if your hungry and or thirsty. Do yourself a favor and buy a nice water bottle that can be attached to your backpack camera bag (oh yeah, I highly recommend that kind of camera bag) with a carabiner. My choice here is the Thermos Hydration Bottle with Meter. The reason I like this bottle is the seal is superior (no leaking), there is a narrow opening to drink from (no straw and no wide lip), is around $10 and can be purchased just about anywhere. If you get tired of plain water, you can also add a mix to it for extra flavor.
Along with the water, you need to pack a small snack. Being hot, sweaty, tired, thirsty AND hungry really really sucks. The snack should be something dense and compact, and hopefully something that isn't sensitive to hot temperatures. I'd recommend a pack or two of trail mix, which you can make on your own or buy. If you're shooting indoors, some type of meal replacement bar is going to be your best bet. I prefer Zone Perfect bars for this particular situation because they are small and quite tasty. They are NOT my preference for meal replacement while weight training, but hey...this is a photography blog!I cannot how many times I've had to mentally push through because I hadn't packed water and a snack or two. A couple of times I really thought I was going to pass out. These two items don't take up much space and are easy to carry.
Business Cards
This item SHOULD be on the DUH! List, but it's amazing how many professionals don't carry business cards with them. It happens more often than not that a guest of a client or the attendee of an event will see you taking pictures and want a card for a personal shoot or a corporate event. I love those because they are easy to convert from a lead to a sale. If you don't have business cards order some TODAY!!!!! If you have them and aren't packing them, stop reading right now and put some in your bag so they will be ready for your next shoot.Muscle Cream and/or Pain Relievers
Let's face it...camera equipment is heavy. I'm a pretty strong guy, but even after a couple of hours of carrying my cameras I develop aches and pains. A nice ODOR FREE muscle rub is good to have in your bag. I prefer BENGAY Vanishing Scent Gel. I know I said odor free, but the scent actually helps you know you've pinpointed the gel over your sore muscles, then it goes away. It won't be offensive to you clients in the least.
Ibuprofen is my pain reliever of choice. It helps when I get "trigger finger" from holding my camera with too tight of a grip while pressing the shutter release button. It also helps when I bang my hand or knee against something and don't have room for downtime. It also helps with my knee arthritis, as do the support braces I'll discuss later.
Miniature Notebook
And a pen. Why is this important? If someone asks you for a business card I always tell them I'll trade them a card for their name, number, and e-mail. I do this because the chances of me following up with them are greater than them following up with me. The notebook can also be good to jot down the names of people in specific shots.
Support Braces - For knees, elbows, wrists, etc.
Yeah, I have arthritis in my knees. Bad. My orthopedist says my 41 year old knees should belong to someone who is over 50. To put it simply...they hurt. Now, I don't need my knee braces until I've been walking around quite a bit. When my knees start to hurt I can get them out of my bag, quickly put them on, and keep going. I get instant pain relief from them. The pain doesn't completely go away, but it goes away to the point to where it no longer bothers me.
That's my list of non-traditional camera bag items. Do you have items you keep in your camera bag that don't directly have to do with the operation of your camera? Please share them...who knows who you might help!
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That Tamrac Cyber6 backpack you show is the same bag I use. AWESOME bag. Great tips for items to carry, and I never thought about keeping the notebook for writing down contact info from other people. I've relied on them to contact me after giving them my card, and 90% of them never do.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I learned that little trick with the mini-notebook YEARS ago, but didn't implement it until I got into sales with my own company. Most people ask for a business card because they feel almost obligated to do so. If I trade them for information it's quite easy to find out if they are serious or not.
DeleteGlad you liked the post!