10 Things to Keep in your Camera Bag

For any kind of photography project, there are various essential aspects that every photographer should prepare for. The most important would be the concept for that specific shoot and planning how that concept can materialise. This includes anything from scouting and booking a location, buying or borrowing props that contribute to the idea, arranging for a wardrobe and finding a good make-up artist.

The second aspect is preparing your camera gear and ensuring that you have the right camera lenses to help you turn the image you envision from an idea into something tangible.

The third aspect, equally as crucial as the previous two, is being prepared with the camera accessories that will help you adapt to the challenges of a shoot, whether indoors or outdoors. These accessories can either be just-in-case spares that will save you from unpredictable circumstances or protective accessories to keep your gear safe from the elements. Here are ten must-have things to keep in your camera bag.

1. Spare Camera Memory Cards

You can never go wrong with carrying extra memory cards for your camera. First, there is always a risk of going beyond the capacity of the memory card that you have. No one wants to delete files while shooting, as it can be time-consuming. If you're not careful, you can also end up deleting the wrong files, destroying hours of work.

Second, you must be prepared if your memory card fails or gets lost. Memory cards are tiny compared to the other pieces of gear in your camera bag, but they play an irreplaceable role. Therefore, you should keep at least two or three extra cards, regardless of using a large or small camera bag.

2. Extra Batteries

For the same reason, extra batteries are a must-have in your camera backpack when you go on a shoot. After all, there is a reason camera bags are made with pockets specifically for that purpose. Charging between shoots is a big time-waster, so it is always better to have at least two extra batteries. That way, you can quickly swap out whenever the one you use runs out.

4. Portable Power Bank

Portable power banks have never been handier. You can charge almost anything nowadays with a power bank, most notably your smartphone. And smartphones have also become one of the most helpful tools to aid the photographic process. Not only are they essential for the admin required to organise a shoot, but sometimes they are used as the primary camera as well. Many photographers like sharing behind-the-scenes on Instagram with their phones. They may also use it to share the images via WhatsApp before they’ve had time for post-processing.

Additionally, many cameras can now be charged through USB ports on the side panels, even while in use. So if you somehow forgot to put your portable spare batteries in your camera backpack, the power bank can save you. On top of that, power banks can prolong the working capacities of portable lights that you might also use.

5. Portable Tripod

Small tripods always offer a photographer an extra set of capabilities whenever they don’t have a full-sized tripod or when large tripods are not allowed. Tabletop tripods fit very comfortably through the bottom straps of your crossbody camera bag. When there is a need for a tripod, you can simply place it on a stable and relatively flat surface. It will securely hold your camera for remote shooting, long exposure, self-portraits, or even for time-lapse purposes.

6. Multi-Tool

You never know when unexpected technical problems are about to happen. The art of photography heavily relies on our gear and accessories working flawlessly for us to be able to execute the shot correctly. But sometimes, a screw has to be tightened, a bolt has to be adjusted, or something has to be pried open. Carrying a tool with different tips in your camera shoulder bag can be a lifesaver out in the field.

8. Insulated Reusable Water Bottle

It’s vital to keep yourself in tip-top shape when shooting, and staying hydrated should be a priority. It is best to bring along an insulated reusable water bottle to limit the use of single-use plastic beverage containers and keep your drink cold. The bottle can be safely stowed on the side pocket of most camera bags or hooked to the straps of your shoulder camera bag.

Both the Lowepro Trekker Lite Sling bag and your reusable bottle help save the environment, as this crossbody camera bag, and the Lowepro Trekker Lite line are made up of 81% recycled and solution-dyed fabrics. Additionally, each reusable water bottle prevents approximately 156 single-use bottles from polluting our oceans every year. Photographers love the environment, and every single effort counts.

10. Portable LED Light

Lighting is everything when it comes to producing a good picture. Even non-professionals, who use the point-and-shoot method for photographing, can come up with something spectacular, thanks to good lighting. However, natural light is not always our best friend.

Whether shooting indoors or outdoors, having a portable rechargeable light source can be very helpful, especially if you cannot use a flash. At the same time, a portable LED light that can be hooked onto the straps or loops of your camera bag can replace the traditional flashlight and be helpful when trekking in the dark or camping out in the wilderness.

Learn How to Utilise The Compartments of Your Camera Bag

Whether as travellers or as artists, photographers should always be ready for the uncertainty the outdoors brings. They should be prepared for rain or shine, dark or light, and anything in between. That’s why it’s crucial not just to prepare your camera gear, but also to be ready with helpful accessories inside your trusted camera bag.

Also, remember that every journey may require additions and modifications to your essentials. The list above includes the top 10 camera bag essentials. However, if you plan on going on a three-day hike to capture the perfect image, you may want to throw in a first aid kit in your bag's main compartment. Or, if you regularly go on shoots in a rainy climate, ensuring your camera bag is water-resistant is a must. There are endless possibilities for camera accessories for your messenger bag, and it's up to you to find the ones most relevant to you.