What would you do if you had a photography shoot and could only include 5 items in your camera bag? I’m always thinking of random scenarios like these but also because there are many instances where bringing your basic necessities is the only viable option for a shoot.
Not only that, but I’m all about minimalism when it comes to photography because it keeps me focused on the creative aspect of the job rather than feeling like I need to keep up with the latest gear.
I’ve created a list of 5 things that I consider a must-have in my bag, regardless of what type of shoot I’m on. If you’re a beginner photographer, you may be interested in knowing the best camera body to have as a staple.
But, I believe that camera bodies are less relevant overall compared to everything else on this list. As long as you have a solid camera body that can get the job done, you’ll be good.
With that said, these 5 items will ensure you’re prepared for any situation and give you the confidence to shoot whether you’re photographing a hotel, shooting landscapes, street photography, etc.
1. External Flash
To be honest, I don’t shoot with a flash that often. But, having a quality flash is an essential item to add to your camera bag because you never know what low-light situation you’ll find yourself in where a flash will be useful.
Flashes are a great way to fill-in light and avoid harsh shadows that can ruin an image. It also gives you more creative control when dealing with diverse lighting situations.
Additionally, if you tend to shoot fast-moving objects, you’ll find a flash particularly useful since they provide a burst of light that makes it easier to freeze your subject.
Pick: Neewer Z1-C Speed Flash
2. Prime Lens
If I could only bring 5 items on my next photography shoot, a prime lens would be a must-have. I always advocate for prime lenses because they are compact, fast, affordable, and have quality output.
Prime lenses are also great in low-light situations. This makes me feel more comfortable and confident when I’m out shooting as the lighting situation is usually unpredictable.
I also prefer prime lenses is many scenarios due to their compact nature. It’s easier for me to move around and shoot more discretely, which I love.
Pick: 50mm Prime lens
3. Zoom lens
When it comes to lenses, I definitely like to have more than one if possible. With that said, a zoom lens is one that I would add to my camera bag.
Zoom lenses have unique benefits that you don’t always get with prime lenses. For example, these lenses offer more range thanks to the varying focal lengths. This makes it easier to capture multiple perspectives.
Additionaly, zoom lenses better prepare photographers for different shooting situations while ensuring they can capture their subject as intended. Prime lenses can be limiting, but shooting with a zoom lens allows you to adjust your focal length accordingly.
Pick: Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3
Check out my article about prime vs. zoom lenses too see which one is superior for travel photography.
4. Multiple SD cards
You obviously can’t go to a shoot without having an SD card, but a mistake that many new photographers make is only going with 1 card, assuming that it will be enough.
I recommend bringing at least 2 SD cards to cover you for the day. But keep in mind that the number of SD cards you truly need will depend on several factors, such as:
- Whether you’re shooting RAW or JPEG
- You camera’s sensor
- Your ability to backup photos while you’re out shooting i.e) laptop or external hard drive
Another thing to consider is your SD card’s capacity. You may have larger cards, such as a 64GB or 128GB, allowing you to carry fewer cards.
But if you have smaller SD cards, such as 16GB and 32GB, then you may want to double the amount of cards you bring on your shoot.
Pick: SanDisk 128GB
5. Backup battery
A backup battery may seem like overkill, but it’s definitely an item I would include in my camera bag. Having a backup battery offers peace of mind for photographers and allows photographer’s to shoot with no disruptions.
You never know where you’re going to end up in your journey so having a backup battery just in case is always wise.
Here are a few benefits of including a backup battery in your camera bag:
- Seamless shooting: Your camera battery will die at some point and need to be charged. But what happens if it dies while you’re still out shooting? This is too big of a disruption that can easily be solved with a backup battery.
- Utilize all camera features: Some camera features can drain your camera’s battery more quickly. A backup battery gives you the flexibility to rely on those features when needed.
- Extended shoots: If you’re like me and like to spend time shooting throughout the day, having a backup battery just ensures you can shoot without worrying about preserving battery life.
Pick: There are many types of backup batteries, I found Biggs Camera to have a great variety to sort through.
As we continue to move through the year, I’m excited to deliver more content and share some of what I’ve been working on. I would love to know what topics you’re interested in reading about. Feel free to comment below or shoot me an email.
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