The camera and lens are just the beginning. Uncover the often-overlooked accessories that can make or break your photography session.
If you’ve seen a camera bag, you’ve probably noticed the many pockets, zippers, and partitions in them. Have you ever wondered what they’re for? What other accessories and gear do we need besides the camera and the lenses?
The accessories that a photographer carries in their bag vary from person to person based on their needs and personal preferences. However, here’s a list of essential accessories you should have in your camera bag that could come in handy when things go south.
Because no matter what you’re shooting or how experienced you are, you can’t predict certain factors. But we can pack the necessary gear to handle them if they arise.
1. Screwdriver Set
Screws themselves have a basic flaw: They can become loose over time. Now, imagine if you’re in the most important shoot of your life and your camera mount starts shaking because the screws have loosened.
That would be a nightmare, wouldn’t it?
So, carry a small screwdriver set in your camera bag. You can address such problems within minutes, and they barely take up any space.
2. Air Blower
Here’s a fact about photographers: their workplaces may not always be neat and dust-free. And when you’re working in such places, your camera lens and filters might pick up some dust that affects the quality of the photograph.
A simple solution would be to wipe the dust off, right?
However, with an AIR BLOWER, you can clean off the dust without making physical contact, which might damage the camera sensor. Trust me, it’s invaluable.
3. First Aid Kit
This is one of the most important things that people forget. They pack up all the necessary items to protect and save their camera in case something happens, but they often take their own safety for granted.
New cameras can be bought, careers can be restarted, and everything can be replaced except for you. Even if you are extremely careful, unforeseen incidents might occur.
It’s always wise to have a small first aid kit in your camera bag.
4. Spare Batteries
Photoshoots can take hours, and we all know it. We can’t really put a time cap on them because the photographer has to stay until they’re absolutely satisfied with the work.
A photographer’s worst nightmare is running out of battery. Imagine waiting to capture the perfect sunset shot after a two-hour hike up the hills, only to discover your camera is drained.
Wouldn’t that be frustrating?
This has happened to some of us, so let’s learn from our mistakes. Purchase a few spare batteries and bring them with you the next time you go for a photoshoot.
5. Small Flashlight
Flashlights are so essential in day-to-day life that they’ve been incorporated into our mobile phones! But why drain your mobile phone’s battery when you can carry a small flashlight with you?
Remember what follows sunset? Darkness. And none of us likes fumbling around in our camera bags searching for essentials. Nor do we want to accidentally leave our gear behind.
We could write an entire article on “Why flashlights are important to photographers, or any human being for that matter.” You might not realize the importance now, but you’ll appreciate it when the time comes.
6. Protective Wrap
The best accessories are the simplest ones. As the name suggests, “Protective Wraps” can shield your camera from anything that might harm it.
They are simply square pieces of non-scratch material with a hook and loop knit on the outside to secure cameras, lenses, and other accessories.
This comes in handy when your camera bag is full. In such scenarios, cameras are very susceptible to damage. However, if you cover them with a protective wrap, they will remain protected and safe.
7. Super Glue
This tip comes from the advice of countless photographers. Yes, super glues are used to mend broken parts, and you might think, “I’ve never broken my camera.”
The thing is, no one plans to break their camera, but accidents happen. We deeply regret not having something on hand to remedy the situation.
One photographer recounts:
“I accidentally slammed my Pocket Wizard against a door frame while turning a corner. The hot shoe mount fell off, leaving me without light for the reception. Thanks to some quick-drying super glue, I swiftly pieced it back together and was back in action in under 90 seconds.”
Some also suggest it’s better to use super glue to seal a wound in case of injury.
8. Spare SD Cards
Just like batteries, SD cards might not always be reliable. If they fill up in the middle of a photo shoot, we might have to pack our bags and leave.
How many times has our phone displayed the notification, “Insufficient memory”? We don’t want to see that during important occasions, so it’s always recommended to carry a spare in our camera bags.
9. Ear Plugs
Earplugs have been praised by many photographers because they can be extremely useful when needed.
Imagine needing to finish some editing work in a noisy coffee shop or dealing with a headache while shooting a concert. Earplugs are a simple solution.
10. Spare Lens Caps
Photographers often lose one thing repeatedly: their lens caps. This happens quite often if we’re not careful, and it comes at a significant cost – leaving our lens unprotected.
So, it’s always wise to have a spare lens cap on hand to protect the lenses.