I own several camera bags, and I’m increasingly convinced they gossip when I’m not looking.
The sling bag thinks it’s adventurous because it once visited Iceland. The roller case won’t stop mentioning airports. The backpack believes it’s carrying the entire weight of modern photography despite containing three lenses, two muesli bars from 2023, and approximately seventeen lens caps that fit nothing.
If camera bags could talk, mine would probably stage an intervention. “Simon,” they’d say, “you’re taking six lenses to photograph your 12yo son’s football game. Perhaps… maybe… calm down.”
I’m pretty fortunate when it comes to camera bags, I’ve worked with/for a camera bag company now for about 16 years and I have many! Gotta love options, but because I have those options, the one thing I do consistently is overpack! “Just take a bigger bag!”
There are scenarios when you have NO clue what you’re going to need, so you tend to pack in everything you own, but then, as per my example above, I’ve photographed my kid’s football for many years now and I know what I’ll use, but still pack more than I need.
What is it about photographers that makes them overpack?
Q. Do you tend to over pack your camera bag when it comes to photography gear, or are you in the “only what I need” camp? Let me know in the comments!
NOW, speaking of over-packing, let’s touch on the “look after your body!” side of shooting, because that certainly relates to having too much weight on the one shoulder (pack evenly, if it’s too heavy, use a backpack) This post from Suzi is still very relevant.
If you have self-care tips as a photographer, leave ’em in the comments!
Hope you had a fun 4th of July.
