What's in my Bag - My Everyday Photo Kit
My everyday photo kit. A small but powerful kit that is perfect for everyday carry and can net you some solid results on the fly.
I carry a bag every day, where ever I go. As a photographer, I like to always have the tools I need to get that quick candid moment, or snap that impromptu portrait wherever I am.
When I purchased the Fujifilm X100s, a lot changed for me as a photographer. One of those changes was my realization that most of the camera bags I own are not at all aesthetically pleasing to me. Way too much black or grey nylon and little to no personality. So I began the search for a new bag. I settled on swapping out my camera bags for two seperate Domke bags. The one shown above would be my everyday bag, and another larger bag for bigger jobs requiring more gear.
I have now settled on a small, but very powerful everyday photo kit:
Domke F-10 Medium Shoulder Bag in Rugged Wear finish
I adore this bag and this finish. The bag is solid, durable, exactly the right size for me, and looks great. In addition to this bag, I bought a larger messenger bag when the job requires more gear, so I have matching bags that look awesome, for what that's worth.
Fujifilm X100s
There is not a lot I can say here that I or others haven't already said. I love this camera and carry it every. single. day.
LumoPro LP180
This flash is everything. I recently bought 2 more, in addition to the this one AND the two LumoPro LP160s I have. These flashes are powerful, consistent, reliable, versatile, and inexpensive. Almost everything I shoot is with a LumoPro flash.
2x Pocket Wizard Plus III + Sync Cable
Carrying these in my kit offers me two sync options: Via optical slave triggered by the X100s' on camera flash, or with these radio triggers.
Inexpensive Two Sided Reflector
Purchased from amazon.com, silver on one side and white on the other, packs up just small enough to fit in the bag. An essential part of this kit.
Batteries and Memory Cards
In the bag is a small CaseLogic wallet for carrying memory cards and spare batteries.
Field Notes 48 Page Graph Paper Memo Book + FN Pen
I am completely and totally addicted to Field Notes and their products. I carry at least one notebook with me everywhere I go, and I have multiple books filled with lighting diagrams, notes, and concepts for future projects.
Odds and Ends
No kit would be complete without a pack of gum, business cards, Advil, tweezers, a pocket knife and a bongo tie.
Not Pictured
Although I don't carry it everywhere per se, I always have a light stand and umbrella nearby, generally in my car. You never know.
Examples
These are the kind of results this kit can get you
Shot with the Fuji, LP180 flash and reflector
Shot with the Fuji, LP180 flash and reflector
Shot with the Fuji, natural light.
Photo Studio Challenge - Round 1
As some readers of this blog may know, I am a full time staff photographer in a product studio for Nordstrom. I work with several other very talented photographers and stylists who all love their jobs. We decided collectively to start a bi-weekly photo challenge, we could be creative and share with each other some work outside of product photography. Every two weeks we will identify a theme, shoot an image or series of images, and then get together and share our images and process.
Our first round theme was "Street Photography" which we defined as a natural candid moment, shot without posing or any interference from the photographer. Here are the submissions:
Karen Utley - www.karenutley.com
Bonnie Warrington - www.bonniewarrington.com
Jenni Wilson - www.jenniwilson.com
Kimmy Ann Snow
Daniel T Jester
Life This Week - Life LAST week: Disneyland
I'm a little late on my weekly life post, but here it is. 100% family Disneyland photos.
***WARNING*** This post is photo heavy, even for me.
First things first: Feed the kids. Jack would need all the energy he could get. Flo's in Cars Land at California Adventure is THE place to eat.
Stopped for a quick family photo in front of the boardwalk. The employee that took this photo took the time to compose us and made a really nice family photo. Thanks man!
Saw Buzz Lightyear and Jack was excited to get a picture with him
Then Jessie came and we got to witness this little moment between cartoon lovers
Walt Disney is making headlines again
All Jack wants to do when he grows up is drive, thus Autopia one of his favorite rides
A) I think I found a secret target B) We broke down for a few minutes :)
This was the first trip that Jack was tall enough to ride the 40" rides. He was so excited to ride Star Tours!
The last ride of the trip was the Casey Jr. Train, note Jack clutching his light sabre for dear life
Stairs Outside the Studio
These are the stairs outside my studio in Corona, Ca. I walked up and down these stairs for years before I finally decided to bring my camera out.
Cell Phone Pinhole Camera
I was told once that the camera on a cellphone is kind of like a pinhole camera and can sometimes make for interesting photographs. I took that to heart and started shooting a little more seriously with my cell phone.