So photography is all-encompassing (I say this knowing full well the risks of that statement) and while most photographers like myself have G.A.S (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), there are a couple of things that photographers need that aren’t exactly photography related. I’ll try my very best to list a couple below:
- Speakers
I feel like this is a given and should be included in the kit list of “What’s in My Bag” videos on YouTube. Sound output is very important when shooting either on location or in a studio environment. While getting ready, doing makeup, or during the shoot itself or even more importantly, during post-production, it’s important to get the body fluids flowing and maintaining a certain vibe/atmosphere and nothing does that better than music that both photographer and model can vibe to. If possible, create a shoot playlist or have the model play their own songs so the atmosphere is relaxed and the images will come out stunning.
- Props
I realize props are a broad word but that’s as best a word that can describe the articles in this category. It’s one thing to just place a subject on a plain backdrop and ‘shutter away’ but to have various items that sort of fill all of that empty negative space and bring the image alive is another thing. Props can range from simple jewelry to artworks, statues, and maybe even another human being (explaining how another human is a prop in a shoot is a bit complicated but all the human light stands and boom poles, we respect you).
- PCs/Laptop/Editing Console
This is a given but still, there are so many options out there for editing consoles. You can use desktops/laptops or you could get dedicated graphics consoles from companies like Wacom, Huion, and UGEE or you could simply use your mobile phone/tablets. There are many photographers who don’t do any sort of post-production but if you aren’t one of them, there’s a huge list of consoles/PCs to choose from.
- Website
Getting a website is a way of putting you on the cyber map (is that even a thing?). Websites are like an electronic album with your personal stamp where potential clients go to flip through your gallery of projects and decide whether or not, they’d like to hire you. There’s a host of options from WordPress to Squarespace and then Wix. If you’re not up for designing a website, sites like Instagram are a great way to display your portfolio online and this in itself is an important accessory.
- Miscellaneous
Now, I realize this is broad but that is exactly what I mean. There are so many extras that it’s impossible to put them into their own group. There’s electrical extensions, ropes, USB cables, On-The-Go Power supply (Power Bank), Screwdrivers (Trust me, this is very important), and a host of other things.
