What’s in a Professional Photographer’s Camera Bag?
A Peek Inside Vivian’s Camera Bag
It’s impossible for commercial photographers to create scroll-stopping visual campaigns without the right gear. At the same time, the best way to prepare for a photo shoot is to show up prepared. Here’s a look at how Vivian does it.
A Peek inside Vivian’s Camera Bag — As Told By Vivian Herself
The Obvious
I use a big camera backpack and I LOVE IT: The Mindshift Gear Think Tank Pro. People think I’m crazy — and by people I mean Machaela, my partner in crime — but it is easy to carry, it holds anything and everything I need for a shoot. A hip belt connects to the camera bag. My double shoot belt gives me major street cred, keeps my hands free, and protects my back. No uncomfortable neck-straps over here.
Most professional photographers carry more than one camera with them. I use two Canon Bodies Mark IV, I usually always have the following:
I usually always have these:
Canon 70-200 f/4 Canon Lens (this is light and doesn’t require a monopod, so it’s easy!)
Depending on the shoot, I might have these:
Canon 35
Canon 50
Then there’s lighting gear equipment. Mac and I use, for example, the Yongnuo Flash Speedlites for Canon. We order the Yongnuo YN-560IV. There are cheaper versions, but you have to factory reset the flashes to work with the triggers. With the 560IV, you can turn them on and go! That is a huge benefit. We also carry with us:
Yongnuo Triggers — We each have two: sometimes four, including the YONGNUO Upgraded YN560-TX II LCD Flash Trigger Remote Controller for Canon We use cheap ones because they are workhorses and we beat the crap out of them.
Shoot with a Nikon? That’s ok, we don’t judge! If so, you need this: YONGNUO YN560-TX II LCD Flash Trigger Remote Controller for Nikon Cameras.
A pack of flash gels. What in the world is a gel, you ask? Pro Tip: It’s a transparent, rectangular-shaped piece of colored material that fits right on top of the flash. We’ll use a gel to modify the color of our flash to match the scene in which we are shooting. We also like Scrappy Gels (they are the best for tungsten and fluorescent light) and a few others here.
Unique Finds in Vivian’s Camera Bag
A tiny Swiss Army Pocket Knife. You never know when you need to remove a light switch cover.
A small screwdriver.
A little tin of candle wax. Really. I use this all the time for propping up little things like silverware, rings, and random things in a product shoot. I found it at a thrift shop for a quarter. Yes, a quarter! It’s a little better than taking your gum out of your mouth and trying to get it to stick with that.
Sidenote: I haven’t done that, but I have considered it.
Essential Basics
Extra batteries for cameras and a charger. We typically use AA batteries and occasionally AAA batteries. We have these babies on an automatic subscription from Amazon. Gone are the days of running to Walgreens on the way to a shoot to pick up batteries. Having batteries on hand saves us a lot of time and hassle.
A label maker. We are nuts about it, but labeling everything has been a game-changer. We’ve just been around the block long enough to know that you have to be organized and on top of things to ensure a successful shoot! We are always balancing different projects and contractors at once. We do everything we can to implement fool-proof systems that work for us so we can work better.
Shot on card wallet: It’s orange, which means STOP AND PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU’RE DOING. Check out the SKLOO Card Case. This is also labeled and color-coded. Same reasons as above.
A shoot-ready card wallet with SD Cards. They are color-coded. Mine is green, to mean green = GO. Ready to shoot.
The SD cards are labeled to make capturing and keep track of cards and their performance. Why? Two reasons. First, we’re human and we make errors. We might accidentally drag photos into the wrong folder and go into a sheer panic over where it might be. Second, eventually, a card will fail and we want to know how long it’s been in use, what’s been shot on it, and what was lost if anything. Hopefully nothing.
A shot list and release form. A shot list is key to an organized, successful shoot. Release forms for models and anyone we shoot, this allows us to publish the photos.
A small bag with little odds and end adapters.
Because Someone Told Me I Should
A camera manual. I never look at it but I figure I should have it. Machaela says, “What if something were to go crazy wrong and you don’t have access to YouTube or you can’t phone a friend?” Point taken.
3-Prong to 2-Prong Outlet. have yet to use this but Machaela has me carry one. Why? Because one time she was shooting in an old building and needed to run an extension cord to power lights and couldn't because it was 3 prong to 2 prong. Valid.
Personal Items
A Yeti water bottle. Staying hydrated is super important.
Headphones and phone charger.
Naad Naturals spray deodorant (use link!)- because I get smelly. Let’s be real; we’re working here, folks. This isn’t always a walk in the park. We’re always rolling up our sleeves.
Active Plexus. My all-natural energy drink helps me through long shoot days.
Slim - Plexus. This stuff helps with blood sugar balance on long shoot days when meals are sporadic or eaten at weird times. It helps keep me going especially long and exhausting days.
Emergency Kit. If we are working with talent, we bring an emergency kit that fits into a 32-quart container. It contains everything from Downy Wrinkle Release, double-sided tape, screen cleaner, even a sewing kit. If something needs a quick fix, we’re ready. Who doesn’t love to be a hero?
So much stuff! Yeah, it’s A LOT
If it sounds like a lot of stuff — it is. Years of experience and many shoots under our belts has prepared us to take on any kind of job, no matter how complex it might seem. If you’re looking for an experienced photographer for your commercial or branding shoot — Vivian’s ready, bag in tow.
Mac & V
Mac & V is a visual content studio that gives brands stopping power through photography. We create all-encompassing visual campaigns that capture the personality of a brand and inspire audiences to take action so that prospects become customers.