As well as your camera and lenses, there are some items that should make up a photographer’s real bread and butter. Here are some more obscure things that you really should pick up before you leave the house and which can make your life far easier while shooting on the go.
Spare battery/memory card
The need to have these is so important it could almost go unspoken – however you’d be surprised how often photographers are caught without them. If you run out of memory or your battery goes flat, you may as well not have a camera at all. It’s good practice to always have at least one fully-charged spare battery and memory card with you at all times to bail you out if ever there was a problem. Even if you don’t think you’ll need them, you never know if something might go wrong with the ones you have - it’s always good to take a spare.
Raincover
One of the worst things that can happen is your gear gets damaged by the elements and there’s nothing you can do. Even with weatherproofing or good camera bags, shooting in the rain or snow can eventually damage your gear.
You have a few options at your disposal to ensure this doesn’t happen.
You can buy storm jackets or rain covers from many camera manufacturers, or if you’re looking for a more makeshift version, you can use an emergency rain poncho to wrap your equipment in - you can get these online or at some supermarkets. However, if you’re really in trouble, don’t forget the power of a plastic bag. Having a small plastic bag to hand to wrap your camera and lenses in can buy you some time if you’re stuck in the rain. Also carrying a large plastic bag, like a bin bag, can work as a cover to wrap your camera bag in, if you do not have a waterproof cover for it.
Remote Release
A remote release is such a small piece of kit, you’ll barely notice it’s even there. Although most cameras have a self-timer, having a shutter release with you allows you far more control and creative opportunities. The complexity of these can range from a simple shutter button on a wire, to one that can shoot entirely remotely with features such as time-lapse capabilities.
Reflector
For portraits, this is a real essential item. It can add light and help you to manipulate the light cast on your model. The real beauty of a reflector is that they can be very inexpensive and you can get some really small ones that will fold up and easily fit in your bag. It’s useful to always have one around, as you never know when you’re going to want to add some soft light to a shot.
Blower
Despite best efforts, there’s sometimes just no escaping your camera getting a bit mucky. When cleaning your gear, it’s always best to avoid actual contact with it wherever possible, as you could accidentally damage or scratch your gear. Getting a simple air blower can allow you to puff air onto your gear and it will dislodge any dust or grit that’s lurking there before you wipe any of your lenses.
. digitalrev.com
2017-9-1 03:00
