As a photographer, having the right tools in your camera bag can make all the difference between taking average shots and capturing stunning images. From tripods to filters, there are several essentials that every photographer should have in their bag. In this blog, we'll uncover some of the most important items that nobody ever speaks about, but you should always have on hand to elevate your photography game and ensure that you're prepared for any situation. These are some unsung Heroes who can save you from situations you wouldn’t ever imagine you would land in.
Silica Gels:
Silica gels are small, porous beads that are commonly used to absorb moisture and control humidity. They are often used in camera bags and storage containers to prevent damage to sensitive gear caused by excess moisture. By absorbing moisture, silica gels can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew, and protect against lens fogging and rusting of metal parts. The gels are typically packaged in small, disposable packets, and should be replaced periodically to maintain their effectiveness.
MicroFiber:
Microfiber is a type of synthetic fabric that is made from extremely fine fibers, usually made of polyester or a blend of polyester and polyamide (nylon). Microfiber is popular in photography due to its ability to clean and polish surfaces without leaving scratches or lint. Microfiber cleaning cloths are commonly used by photographers to clean camera lenses, filters, and other optical surfaces. They are also effective for removing smudges, fingerprints, and other debris from electronic devices and screens. Microfiber cloths are soft, gentle, and absorbent, making them a safe and effective option for cleaning delicate surfaces. Imagine a situation where you end up accidentally smudging your lens filter after you just finished eating that lip-smackingly good “finger” fries(pun-intended). Keep one of this in your bag and you will thank me forever.
Electrolytes:
Electrolytes are essential minerals that are required for proper hydration and to maintain normal body function. They are dissolved in the body's fluid and are necessary for many physiological processes, including maintaining fluid balance, transmitting nerve impulses, and regulating muscle function. Common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride. When we lose fluids through sweating, urination, or other means, we also lose electrolytes, which can cause dehydration and imbalanced electrolyte levels. Replacing lost electrolytes by consuming electrolyte-rich fluids or electrolyte supplements can help prevent dehydration and maintain proper hydration. Common sources of electrolyte-rich fluids include sports drinks, coconut water, and electrolyte powders that can be added to water.
As a photographer I have ended up in situations where I was shooting for long hours without a single drop of water. This also affects your creativity and thinking on the spot. I always carry a bottle of water and sometimes add in some electrolyte powder to keep me going in torrid scenarios.
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Bolder by Anker
Imagine you are in a dimly lit studio and are looking for your battery or memory card. An LED flashlight can come in handy in these situations. I mostly use this to grab focus on the eye when I am shooting portraits in a dark studio. An LED flashlight is a type of flashlight that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as its light source instead of incandescent bulbs. LED flashlights are popular for their long lifespan, high energy efficiency, and durability. They are widely used for a variety of purposes, including camping, hiking, and general everyday use. LED flashlights also offer many benefits over traditional incandescent flashlights, including lower power consumption, higher brightness, and the ability to focus the beam. Some LED flashlights are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in a pocket, backpack, or camera bag.
You don’t need a heavy bulky flashlight. I would recommend something that can slide into your camera bag and wouldn’t take up any space, something like the Bolder by Anker. DIY hack: you can sometimes use this as a kicker light if you ever need to separate the subject from the background and didn’t carry an extra light.
Bluetooth Speaker:
A Bluetooth speaker can be a versatile tool that can bring a lot of energy and excitement to a studio set, helping to create a positive and productive environment for everyone involved. Playing background music through a Bluetooth speaker can create a lively and energetic atmosphere on set, helping to boost the mood and energy of everyone involved. A Bluetooth speaker can also be used as a portable PA system, allowing the director or photographer to give instructions or announcements to the crew and models on set. Some of the ones that you could consider.
JBL Flip 5: A compact, waterproof speaker with impressive sound quality and long battery life.
Bose SoundLink Micro: A tiny, rugged speaker that delivers great sound for its size and is also water-resistant.
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2: A compact and stylish speaker with great sound and excellent battery life.
Sony SRS-XB12: A compact and affordable speaker with powerful bass and long battery life.
Anker Soundcore Motion Plus: A budget-friendly speaker that offers great sound quality and long battery life.
JBL Charge 4: A powerful, waterproof speaker with good battery life and strong bass.
UE Boom 3: A stylish and rugged speaker with excellent sound quality and long battery life.
These are just a few examples, and the best portable Bluetooth speaker for you may depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as sound quality, battery life, waterproofing, and size when making your choice.
Ultimate Ears Boom
JBL Flip-5 Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth
Victorinox Swiss Pocket Knife
The Victorinox Swiss Pocket Knife is a type of multi-tool that is made by Victorinox, a Swiss company that has been making pocket knives since 1884. The Swiss Pocket Knife is a compact and versatile tool that typically features a variety of tools, including a blade, scissors, can opener, bottle opener, and a variety of other implements, depending on the model. The knife is made from high-quality stainless steel and is designed to be durable and long-lasting. The Swiss Pocket Knife is popular among outdoor enthusiasts, as well as for everyday use, and is often used for tasks such as cutting rope, opening packages, and fixing gear. The compact size and versatility of the Victorinox Swiss Pocket Knife make it an ideal tool to carry in an EDC (Everyday Carry) kit, backpack, or camera bag.
PGYTECH OneGo Solo Camera Sling Bag
An EDC (Everyday Carry) bag is a type of small bag or pouch that is designed to be carried with you every day and to hold essential items that you need for daily life. An EDC bag is typically made from durable materials and is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and access your essentials on-the-go. Common items that people carry in an EDC bag include keys, wallet, phone, multi-tool, first-aid kit, and flashlights. The purpose of an EDC bag is to provide a convenient and organized way to carry all of your essential items in one place, reducing the need to carry multiple bags or carry items in pockets, which can be uncomfortable or inconvenient. EDC bags come in a variety of styles and sizes, ranging from small pouches to larger bags that can be worn as a backpack or messenger bag.
You can carry an EDC bag to carry everything mentioned in this blog - Silica gel sachets, Microfiber clothes, Electrolytes, Flashlight, batteries, keys, charging cables. My favorite EDC bag would be the PGYTECH OneGo Solo Camera Sling Bag. Not only is this portable it has enough compartments to organize stuff that can get lost in my camera bag.
So these were some of the most important tools that I have in my camera bag, that have been handy in a lot of occasions. Some honorary mentions go to plastic covers, rain covers, umbrella, gaffer’s tape, pens etc. What do you think have been your shoot saving tools? Please share your thoughts.
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