What’s In My Camera Bag?

Looking for an article about the latest cool new gadgets and gear that I have in my fancy and complex camera bag? Then jog on, because this is not that article.
​Read below to learn what I typically pack when photographing events, architecture, landscapes and streets. 

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any particular brands, and none of this content is a paid promotion.

My style

I keep things minimal, second-hand, and very straightforward. This has multiple benefits:

• I know where everything is (most of the time)
• I respond very quickly to changing situations
• My back and shoulders stay mostly pain-free
• I save money and put less packaging into the environment
• Improvising with things around me results in increased creativity
• I rely on my skill (and upskilling) instead of gear

At events I need to be really responsive, agile, and tidy. I zoom around all over the place so I use my small bag with the following items:

basic camera kit for events

​The camera body
Canon 5DmIII with sturdy strap. I bought this camera second-hand last year from my favourite shop in New Zealand (upgraded from my Canon 5DmII). Their second-hand stuff has been carefully checked over and is super-reliable. 
The camera has already been dropped and splashed and knocked around photographing cyclone relief, streets in Europe, and various champagne-laden events, but it just carries on. A solid workhorse.

My basic event kit packed into my Think Tank sling camera bag.

Lenses

• Nifty Bob, aka Canon 50mm f/1.8. I bought this one new, but on sale. When I have this lens on, I’m taking super crisp, clean, true photos. Although people often don’t take me seriously until I’m using Chunky Long (see the next lens).
• Chunky Long, aka Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM. My sister GAVE ME this one because she stopped doing photography. I use it all over the place. 
• Wide Angle Pete, aka Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM. My sister also gave me this one. I really owe my sister some coffees. It’s really useful to show grand wide shots at functions, and big crazy skies. 

Lens care

• 2 x UV Miranda filters 
• Cleaning cloth (using your shirt  to clean is bad)

Extras

• Spare battery
• Extra SD card
• Hair tie
• Business cards
• Deodorant
• Tog Loot bookings diary and pen

Working at a charity function with my basic event kit.

---

Standard kit for city & landscapes

​If I’m heading out to photograph cityscapes and people, architecture, landscapes or a particularly bespoke event, I’ll pack the following extras into my bigger Lowepro bag.

• Tripod – usually my compact second-hand Stabilo
• Shutter release (both wired and remote)
• Polarising filter
• Flash and batteries
• Reusable coffee cup

At work after Cyclone Gabrielle with all the bells and whistles needed.

What I should take but forget every time:

• Bottled water
• Lens hood
• Lip balm
• Snacks
• Phone charger

 
Note: Lens caps – I leave them all around the country so have given up using them

---

Carrying the right amount and type of gear is important for my posture and for producing the right photos for my clients. If you're getting started with photography, keep your kit in range with your budget, and work with the essentials before branching out and spending more on other gadgets. 

Final advice: never carry hair clips in your camera bag - see photo below. Thankfully the the lens was fine!​