18. SURPRISING ESSENTIALS
PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE OFTEN great improvisers. We’re used to pushing ourselves to look at things creatively when we shoot, so by natural extension, we’re often good at finding creative solutions for common problems. Some of my absolute favorite accessories and camera-bag stowaways are items that were originally designed or intended for non-photographic purposes (Figure 18.1). The most useful items are the items on hand, so consider picking up a few of these surprising and inexpensive accessories to take along on your next trip.
Plastic Shower Cap
Every time I travel, I take the hotel shower caps home with me. In a popup rain storm, or on a windy beach, a shower cap is a great disposable rain cover for your camera, plus it’s easy to fit in your bag or pocket. Put your lens through the elastic opening and you’ll be able to shoot freely while keeping the body protected (Figure 18.1, item A). For better visibility, slide the eyecup in place on the outside of the shower cap and tear a small hole to allow clean access to the viewfinder. The eyecup should hold the shower cap in place and keep the hole from getting bigger.
Ear Bulb
Also known as an infant snot suckers or aspirators, ear bulbs are tiny and powerful dust fighters (Figure 18.1, item B). They perform the same job as larger dust puffers and are significantly smaller and cheaper. Ear bulbs are available in most drug stores, in one piece or two. I like the two-piece ones because they’re easier to clean if any dust or debris gets stuck inside. Ear bulbs can be used to get dust off the front of your lens, or off your sensor, though you should always use extreme caution and avoid touching the nozzle to the sensor!
Badge Clip
Next time you get roped into going to an annoying conference or networking event, remind yourself that you’ll be taking home a valuable photography accessory. The alligator clips found on name tags and badges are fantastic for keeping track of your lens cap while you shoot (Figure 18.1, item C). Keep the badge clip attached to your camera strap or the strap of your camera bag and you’ll have a consistent, convenient location for your lens cap. Badge clips also work well to keep a lens cloth handy.
Gaff Tape
There are loads of reasons why sound, video, and theater techies swear by gaff or gaffer’s tape (Figure 18.1, item D). Made of woven cloth and available in a variety of widths and colors, gaff tape is strong, water resistant, and heat resistant, and it leaves no residue when removed. Gaff tape is the magic in-field fixer and can help solve many issues, from shoes that rub to broken bag straps or even a battery door that won’t stay closed.
I’ve used gaff tape as a quick fix for a crack in a camera body, and I’ve used it as a replacement grip when the factory grip on my camera fell off mid-trip. Gaff-tape your phone to the dashboard of your rental car for easy, nondestructive navigation; use small squares of colored gaff tape to label your gear. Buy it by the roll for best value, but tear off a strip of two or three feet and wrap it around a pencil to save space in your camera bag and have an ergonomic pencil grip (Figure 18.1, item E).
Jar Grip
This one’s not quite as versatile as other items in this list, but when a filter gets stuck on your lens or, even worse, to another filter, you’ll be glad to have a super rubbery grip (Figure 18.1, item F). In a pinch, rubber bands wrapped around the filter can work as well, but a jar grip is much faster and easier to use.
Q-tips
Most DSLRs rival English muffins with their abundance of nooks and crannies. The world is filled with dust, dirt, and mystery gunk, so if you’re going to be out shooting, it only makes sense to bring a cheap and easy cleaning tool. Avoid using a Q-tip anywhere but the exterior of your camera and accessories.
First-aid Kit
Photographers will generally do anything to get the shot. If you’re anything like me, photographic off-roading could mean skinned knees, blisters, splinters, scratches, and cuts. I keep a couple of sealed single-use packets of Neosporin, a few adhesive bandages, ibuprofen, and tweezers in a pouch in my camera bag. Bonus points for anti-itch cream, sun-screen wipes, and bug-repellent wipes.
Microfiber Towel
Sometimes, despite all your preparation, you or your gear get soaked. A travel-sized microfiber towel is lightweight, amazingly absorbent, and dries quickly. Wrap it around an expensive lens in your bag for extra cushioning and it will be waiting for you when you need it.
Multi-Tool
For car-based travel, I always keep a Swiss Army Knife or a Leatherman in my camera bag. When I fly, I switch to a credit-card-style multitool so I don’t have any issues with TSA regulations. Both types are a huge help when you want to tighten a screw, or pop a bottle of beer on your travels.
Bike Lock
On road trips and travel days, I tend to keep my Pelican case in my car much of the time. I may stop and carry some gear with me for shorter hikes or excursions, but usually the Pelican stays put. To deter thieves, I like to not only lock the case itself, but run a flexible bike lock through the handle of the case and attach it to a strong anchor point in the trunk. You can bike-lock your gear to a radiator or bedpost in hotel rooms for added security while you’re out.
Snacks
So much of my photographic success is food based. It’s easy to lose track of time while you’re out shooting, and low blood sugar is no fun. I like knowing that I have a tasty treat in my bag to keep myself going. Treat yourself like a toddler and get in the habit of keeping a couple of contained snacks or granola bars handy. Replace them as you go so you never have to scramble before a shoot to pick up snacks or reach for one and suffer the disappointment of an empty snack pocket.
Water
No matter the climate you visit or how thirsty you may or may not feel, drink lots of water! For many of us, this is easier said than done, but with dehydration comes slowed reflexes, fogginess, and confusion. Drink plenty of water to keep a clear head—if not for the sake of your health, then for the sake of your images and your expensive gear!
18.1 These items weren’t designed specifically for photography, but they’ve all come in handy on my excursions.