Whats your fav non-camera photography accessory

[Pernod]

So your heading out with the camera to get a few shots...

Sure you grab the basics like camera, memory, batteries, tripods, bags, flashes, filters, [insert the other 137 camera bits you own here].

But, what else do you grab???

As already mentioned in these forums, when I'm heading out shooting the first things I grab are my Photo Pants, and my Tramping Boots. After all you never know when you may be tramping through puddles, climbing something or lying in mud for a different perspective.

Waterproof heavy duty pants, and good comfy 'light tramping' boots. Combined these are comfy enough to go anywhere, and durable enough to go everywhere.

So, whats your must have item? The choc bar in your camera bag? The ipod? The notebook? What can you not head out on a shoot without?

[Nicole]

Well I always grab my iPod any time I leave the house, so that probably doesn't count .

Actually I don't think I have anything that always comes with me when I go out shooting (unless you count a smile ). I just try to make sure that I have the basics with me, and then depending on where I'm going, take the right stuff for that excursion. A lot of my photography is either planned stuff in my house (weekly poll anyone? ) or it's times when I just take the camera with me on a walk that's happening for other reasons, like heading into the uni. And sometimes it's on a photo excursion all it's own, and then those are so different that I never know what to take with, so it's just the basics and a hope that I haven't forgotten anything.

Interesting question though, really looking forward to the answers

[RexK_Cozumel]

Other than my camera equiptment I make sure to have a pair of comfortable sneakers, sunscreen, and a fan as it can get quite sunny and hot down here in the caribbean.

[Ilyanep]

Typically these things are with me anytime I leave the house, but I'd have my iPod and sunglasses if it's bright outside.

I also noticed recently that since dSLRs don't have EVFs, I can actually shoot with sunglasses on [yeah, I don't see the same colors that I'd end up getting, but y'know...at least I can do it]

[ike]

Originally Posted by RexK_Cozumel

it can get quite sunny and hot down here in the caribbean.

Jealous...

Anyway to answer your question,

I always have my camera gear, something to snack on, raincoat (even when super sunny, ya never know) ipod, and vaseline,

Now, i know what some of you might be thinking about the vaseline, but when i sometimes go for a proper photo session somewhere i can easily be walking 10-20 miles in the day, if not more, and i have chubby legs. Chaf-ing sucks. Definately a must if your planning on a hike/long walk/long photo session.

ike,

[melanie2457]

Not counting dressing for the occasion (hat, comfy shoes, etc) I always take a small black umbrella (not just for rain but great for blocking sun too... on you and the subject!) and I have a small bottle of sunscreen in my bag (I live in Florida!)

I also always have a grey card with me (I'm an old school film person...old habits are hard to break.)

And, one item that I have found really useful is about a 1yd square piece of camo patterned fabric. It's great for when you need to block out background flowers and things. Just lay it in the back and with a small DOF you can't even tell it's not bushes or grass or things. I highly recommend it to anyone who does outdoor nature photography!

[velvet4269]

A filled water bottle and a towel

[melanie2457]

Originally Posted by velvet4269

A filled water bottle and a towel

LOL!! Yes, we all know how useful your towel was! I do have to remember that one. It would have come in handy the other day when I had to kneel in the wet muddy ground for a better angle...

[xxpinballxx]

Melanie great idea with the camo cloth. I never would have thought about that.
I always bring my Archos AV400 but that would be considered gear since i transfer my cards info to it when it fills up....at least I use to now 16gig is more than enough.
I guess a bottle of water a pack of peanut butter crackers and now my iphone for music while walking. I use to have my sony PSP but thats been replaced.....

[jmadigan]

I carry a small notepad with me at all times. When an idea for a picture comes to me, I jot it down. Same for a subject or location that I see when I don't have my gear with me.