Not-So-Obvious Photography Gear

(originally from article posted here)

Okay, most of you are probably aware of the typical gear that a photographer may take with him or her when out in the field: a camera body or two, several lenses, filters, memory cards, a light meter, a grey card, a reflector, a flash unit, a camera bag of sorts, and so on and so forth. But what about the less obvious gear?

Out in the field, you may come across a variety of conditions. At the end of the day, your aim will be to capture the scenes you planned for, and to do so productively, safely and with minimal fuss. Below is a list I have made of some of the less-obvious items that may help you achieve this. Note that it is by no means an exhaustive list!

Personal Alarm - No, it's not a joke. There have been more than several occasions when I wished I had one. Make sure it sounds at 120 dB or more, and that it is easy to activate, as well as being easy to disarm.

Emergency GPS-based beacon - As far as I'm concerned, these are an absolute must when shooting in remote locations, regardless of whether you are in a group or not. Alternatively, try to get a satellite phone, although these can be difficult to acquire and probably cost a whole lot more.

First-aid kit - It is best to choose one that caters specifically for the outdoors or camping.

Hiking Boots - Try to choose boots that are comfortable and very pliable. It is also a good idea to ensure that the sole offers high grip. Some boots are rated as waterproof, which can be a very handy feature. Try to choose boots that go past the ankles. Ultimately, your choice will be a compromise between safety and comfort.

LED torch - Great for checking out any settings on your camera (or other gear that may not be illuminated) when shooting at sunset, sunrise or at night. Necessary for finding the right spot, for setting up properly and for avoiding hazards. What is your tripod actually resting on?

Waterproof or Fast-Dry Jacket - Whichever way you go, try to choose something with a lot of pockets, and something that is comfortable and pliable, and has velcro-style zippers instead of buttons. I once wore this stiff leather jacket out in the field, and it really inhibited my movement.

More than one pair of socks and shoes - One slip into that water and you'll be cursing for quite a while. Not the best thing to help get the creative juices flowing.

Small Padded Cushion - As a photographer, you'll be doing a lot of kneeling. Save those knees and get comfortable! Alternatively, use skateboarder's knee protectors.

Sunscreen - These days, you shouldn't be leaving home without it. You can now buy mineral-based sunscreens, without those nasty chemicals. Ask at your pharmacy.

Insect Repellant - Again, no need for nasty chemicals here. Ask your pharmacy for natural alternatives.

Plastic Garbage Bags - These can be great for protecting equipment or can even be used as a makeshift raincoat.

Panadol or Equivalent - Don't let that headache spoil the day.

Energy Bars - You may be surprised at just how much energy you burn during a typical shoot. Keep your energy levels up and stay, err...focused.

Water - Another important area to look at, from a safety and productivity perspective. Try to drink regularly when out in the field !

Heavy-Duty Laptop - If you're like me, and you like to get some work done on computer when out in the field (or in the tent), these can be really useful. I used to take run-of-the-mill laptops with me, but they tend not to last (it probably says a lot about me, perhaps), and they can't take too many knocks. Panasonic's Toughbooks are really nice, and offer some level of water resistance. Look around, there may be alternatives, albeit not as feature-packed. A compromise may be to take a heavy-duty external drive with you, so at the very least, your data is well protected.

So there you have it, a list of some not-so-typical things that can make life easier. If you can think of anything else, drop us a line and we'll add it to the list.