Over the years you get burned a few times, and then you get smart. I wanted to share a sneak peak into my bag. These are things I consider essential to avoid surprises or something slightly more serious. You should have everything you need if you are in a tight corner, and be able to backup your images immediately so they are safely stored in at least two places at all times while you travel.
WHAT IS IN MY BAG?
- Canon Mark III 5D
- Canon 50mm fixed
- Canon 16-35 mm | Great for tight spaces
- 2 Fully charged Camera batteries + Charger
- 4-8 | good range would be (3) 4GB | (5) 8GB | (2) 16GB | (2) 32GB Cards)
- Memory Card Wallet | I recommend Think Tank
- Lens Cleaner + Whip
- Small Travel Tripod | Manfroto does a great series of various travel sizes)
- Laptop
- Card Reader | for both SD and Compact flash)
- External Hard-drive | At least 500 GB
- Travel Tripod | Manfrotto is my favorite thus far
- Pen + Paper + Black Sharpie
- Snacks | I get hungry often, and your client might as well
- Water
- Chapstick | Model may need some
- Flash Drive | Just a small 8GB to run a print if needed
- Batteries | Anything your hardware may need
- Phone Charger
It is also great to travel with a discrete bag that does not scream "I AM A CAMERA BAG, HEAR ME ROAR." You want to blend in so your goods do not get stolen, but stay protected. I opted for a local brand carried by a local shop in Salt Lake City, ACME Camera Company.
The Porteen medium bag is Beautifully handmade in the USA. The bags are extremely unique with hand picked fabrics, leathers, and furs. It is an extraordinarily well built bag, protecting your camera goods, while not giving away the contents stowed inside.
with some cute leather styling, and hand-stitching that looks like a nice customized purse. It is much smaller than my initial travel, bag, I cannot carry everything I need. I only take my camera and favorite lens, leaving a little extra room for extra camera cards, ID and cash.
I do highly recommend a portable Manffroto lightweight tripod. You hardly notice you have it with you, but it comes in handy when you need to get a clean shot at all hours for both stills and video.
Let me know if you have any questions.