What's in your camera bag?

There are a few things I believe that will make you a better photographer when you are out shooting. You need to have your equipment organized, easily accessible, and most importantly it needs to be comfortable.

I had been struggling to find something to hold all of my equipment. When I go out to a shoot, I usually bring with me what I call my essentials. Aside from my camera, I bring at least two lenses: a standard and wide angle. I also bring my Canon Speedlite flash & Gary Fong diffuser. I honestly prefer to work with natural light. However, in some circumstances like photographing a wedding reception I find it necessary. Depending upon how high the ceiling is, I will bounce my flash with the diffuser attached. It helps to soften the light so it is not too harsh on anyone's face. I keep on hand a ton of extra batteries because my flash loves to eat them up! I would rather be over prepared than under. I carry an extra battery for my 5D and 3-6 8 GB memory cards. My light meter comes with me no matter what, just in case any there is any tricky lighting situations or if I'm using strobes. My nonphotographic items include bobby pins and a comb. Sometimes hair can be out of control and if the stylist is not there, it is a quick way for me to tame some stubborn hair. Although it doesn't fit in my bag, I have a multi-colored reflector that always stays in my car. Sometimes it can give that photograph a little bit of extra light that really makes the subject stand out.

Now you may be asking what is so special about a hand held light meter if your camera already has one built in? Well there are two different types of light meters: reflected light and incident light. All cameras have reflected light meters. The cameras measure the light reflected off the subject. They pretty much give an "average" exposure. Incident light meters measure the light falling on the subject. It is an independent reading of what subject is reflecting so it is less likely to give an incorrect exposure reading. If you want a more detailed explanation, there is tons of information on the web if you just Google it!

Here is just an example of some of my essentials:


Now you may be asking, "Amy, what do you keep your essentials in?"
To be honest, I have gone through a few different types of bags and backpacks over the years. Last December I received a ShootSac as a present. I LOVE IT! The ShootSac is a lens bag that is designed to look like a messenger bag. It comes in solid black or a few different prints. It's light weight and made of neoprene. It keeps all my gear safe, especially my lenses, while I am photographing. Everything is easily accessible and I am no longer digging through a backpack or bag for an extra lens or my flash. It costs less than $200.



There are some other options out there. Some are more expensive than others such as the Porter Magnum Shoulder Bag. It starts at $684 and is made from water-repellent nylon canvas. It has a bit of a retro look and I think it is more unisex than the ShootSac.



Jill-E Designs are a bit more affordable and come in AWESOME colors and fabrics. I would check out the Jack medium camera bag ($240). It comes with dual handles and a adjustable shoulder strap.



Jill-E also has a stunning red leather small carry bag ($169) which has Croc trim and a polka dot padded interior. It looks like a great looking purse but can hold an SLR body, 1-2 lenses, and a few accessories.



Check out Jill-E Designs and ShootSac