What Should I Pack?

As you prepare for your upcoming photography adventure, it’s always challenging to decide what to bring and what to leave at home. Here are some suggestions to help you pack.

What we carry in our camera bag:

o Two camera bodies
o Lenses -- cover 28 to 300 mm range, f 2.8 is best
o Macro lens (close up)
o 1.4X or 1.7X teleconverter
o Flash, flash bracket and flash extender
o Raingear for camera (plastic bag, rain jacket, etc.)
o Two (minimum) 1GB Memory Cards
o Cable Release
o Extra quick release mounts for your tripod
o Spare batteries
o Filters: Neutral density, Polarizing, 81B Warming
o Plastic bag containing a microfiber lens cloths
o Ziplock bag with toilet paper and tissues
o Film canister containing basic first aid supplies (antihistamine, asprin, motrin, pepto-bismol tablets, band-aids, medical tape, needle, waterproof matches)
o Collapsible reflector/diffuser
o Microcassette recorder/notebook for notes (location, date/time, names)
o Swiss Army knife
o Mini Mag Light/Penlight
o Rubber bands, Tape, Pen, Black Sharpie, Silver Sharpie, Index Cards
o Extra lens caps, Filter holders, Step Rings and Lens Hoods
o Plastic bags/Shower cap
o Water bottle/Gatorade
o Power bar/snacks
o Nut Driver (for tripod) & Jewelers Screwdrivers
o Sunscreen
o Bug repellent (sample size bottles)
o LOUD whistle that works when wet
o Photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID, Press Pass, etc.)
o Photographers Bill of Rights

Other helpful items to bring along:

o Camera Support (tripod, monopod, bean bag, etc)
o Chargers and Power cables for all equipment
o Blank CD/DVD’s or other storage device to back up photo’s
o Photo Backpack/Photo Vest
o Cellular phone
o GPS unit
o Light weight P&S digital camera
o 2-Way Radio’s (set to channel 4.4)
o Light weight rain gear
o Hiking boots or walking shoes
o Light weight field clothes (long pants strongly suggested)
o Laptop computer
o Binoculars
o A GREAT ATTITUDE OF ADVENTURE