Tag Archives: gear

Photographers… It’s Not About The Gear.

Dan Bailey's Adventure Photography Blog Posted on by

As photographers, it’s easy to get caught up in all the gear hoopla. After all, our entire craft essentially revolves around expensive mechanical wingdings and technology that refuses to stand still. It’s no surprise that we get so concerned with having the right and optimum equipment so that we may capture our subjects in the best possible way.

However, I’ll say this once again, even though you’ve heard it a thousand times:

It’s Not About the Gear.

The truth is that these days, just about every single piece of commercial photography equipment is good enough for most uses. Especially when you consider that over 90% of pictures end up being viewed on average sized computer screens, whether they’re on your Facebook Page, Google+, your blog or the emails that you send your friend and family.

Even when it comes to pro work, average gear is often good enough. I’ve sold plenty of photos that were shot with $150 zoom lenses. Professional bloggers, travel writers and modern journalists use point and shoots all the time. Heck, I even heard about a pro photographer who recently sold a photo to Coke™ that he shot with his iPhone 4S. They liked the shot and didn’t care what camera was used to make it.

What ultimately matters more than the gear itself is HOW YOU — USE IT. What makes the difference in whether you create compelling imagery or not is your artistic eye, your personal vision, your creative methods, your photographic method, your attitude towards photography, and how you approach your subject matter.

That’s not to say that the gear doesn’t matter at all, because it does. High end camera gear offers you more flexibility, more options, and yes, often times better quality imagery.

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t obsess about camera gear and get completely wrapped up in total photography nerdiness*, because it’s perfectly ok if you do. In fact, it’s downright fun. After all, we’re photographers; what else are we going to talk about when we get together?

So, if you love photography, then LOVE it no matter what camera and lens you use. Be PASSIONATE regardless of whether your camera costs$299, $799 or $2,799. SHOOT, LEARN and PROGRESS, and if eventually, in your educated, experienced mind you decide that you absolutely NEED that fancy new gizmo, then by all means, do your part for the economy, buy it and have whole lotta fun with your new toy.

*Special thanks to Tessa Treadway for the term “photography nerdiness.”

6 Things That Always Live in My Camera Bag

Dan Bailey's Adventure Photography Blog Posted on by

Whether you’re a seasoned pro who’s out shooting assignments in the field every day or a weekend enthusiast who likes to make outdoor images for pure enjoyment, being a good outdoor, adventure and travel photographer means always being prepared.

I’m not talking about always having your camera with you so that you don’t miss the shot- you already know to do that. Right?!?

When I say prepared, I mean prepared for adventure. You know, those great, unexpected, sometimes dangerous experiences that often have you stumbling back to the trailhead, or the hotel long after dark when you’re hungry, tired, wet, cold because you suddenly came across some great photo opportunity and the light was just getting good on that temple or mountain… You know what adventure means. That’s part of what makes photography so much fun.

Chances are, you carry enough camera gear in your bag to get you through just about any photographic situation, but what about any adventurous situation during or after the shoot?

Here six simple things that I ALWAYS carry with me in my camera bag. They’re the things that helps me stay stay much more comfortable out there when I’m out there having adventures with my camera. Staying comfortable will allow you to stay in a much better mood, not to mention warm, dry and fed, all of which will allow you to have more energy and be more creative. Depending on what kind of photography you do, you should think about carrying some of this stuff as well; maybe you already do.

Patagonia windbreaker jacket1. Jacket

No matter where I go, I’ve always got my ten-year old Patagonia Velocity windbreaker with me. It’s small enough to be stuffed into the outer pocked of my camera bag or clipped to the outside. (It folds up into it’s own pocket.) It shields wind and light rain and keeps me comfortable when the sun goes down after the last light has faded from my subject. If it’s especially cool, I’ll even throw in a Capeline shirt as well to layer underneath. You should never be without the proper clothing in the outdoors.

2. Clif Bars®

The other thing you should NEVER be without in the outdoors is some extra food. I always throw a couple of Clif Bars into my bag as well. That way, I know I’ll be able to make it back to the car after that exciting bout of adventure photography. Even if your shooting doesn’t require a huge amount of exertion, you’re still expending valuable mental energy being creative. Your brain actually uses 15% of your body’s cardiac output, 20% of its total body oxygen consumption, and 25% of its total body glucose utilization. You’ll need some of that energy for the hike back.

3. ZipLoc® Bags

Another essential outdoor and travel photography item, the ZipLoc® bag. Useful in so many situations, for sorting gear and keeping it dry. We used to carry all our film in them while traveling. I always have at least one or two of the gallon sized bags with me and sometimes a spare quart size bag that remains after I’ve downed my PB&J. You never know when they might come in handy, so it’s always good to carry a few.

4. Headlamp

Or small flashlight. It only takes forgetting it once. Enough said.

5. Carabiners

I’m a climber, so I’ve got hundreds of these things kicking around the house. They’re without a doubt, one of the greatest inventions ever. Clip and go. I’ve got at least a couple of them attached to every pack I own. Invaluable little things. Get some.

Red cotton bandana

6. Cotton Bandana

Keeps the sweat out of the eyes, the dust out of your nose and mouth, the sun off your neck, and the dirt, water and mist off of your lens. Plus, they’re great for wrapping wounds. I often find myself in the outdoors with not a stitch of cotton clothing on, and I don’t always carry proper lens cloths with me. Ever tried wiping rain off of your lens with a polypro shirt? Doesn’t work very well, does it? A good old fashioned cotton bandana is universally useful item. Cowboys wear them, and they’re outside all the time, they must be on to something.

———

Depending on the type of shoot or the weather, I may take a few more things with me, but these six items pretty much get me by in most situations. Think about what kind of photography situations you often find yourself in and consider what you’d need in order to stay comfortable and/or safe.

Now, before you forget, go throw those essential items in your own bag so that you’ll have them with you the next time you go out shooting and adventuring.

Also, check out the 6 photography specific accessories that I usually have with me no matter where I am. These are essential items I rely on aside from the pro camera and lens hardware.