Before I go out to any photoshoot, I make sure I bring everything that I may need. I may need different things depending on the type of shoot, but here is a list of things I always bring with me.
Camera (duh!)
Backup camera: you never know when your main camera will break or fail
Phone: good for framing or getting ideas
Wide angle lens: 10-20mm
Prime lens: 35mm
Telephoto lens: 55-200mm
Extra SD cards
Tripod and Gorillapod
Continuous lighting (and mounts): the lights that are continuously on
Strobes (and mounts): the lights that “flash”
Extra batteries: for camera and strobes
Camera battery charger
Soft boxes: the square boxes and umbrellas that soften the light
Diffuser/Reflector: that folding disk thing that has shiny sides and black/white sides
Extension cord
Multi-outlet/Power Strip
Hat and gloves: if it’s an outdoor shoot and it’s cold
Wraps/blankets/pillows/bean bag: for newborn shoots
Space heater: also for newborn shoots
Dog/cat treats: definitely not for newborn shoots, but for pet portraits
Pocket calendar/planner
Pen
Business cards
I try to keep what I bring with me only what I need, because photography equipment can get quite heavy. I tend to find that keeping things simple makes the creative process easier and more fun. Don’t get me wrong, equipment and gear is important, especially with bigger shoots, but don’t overthink or overcomplicate it.
ΔAbbi