I get asked this question a lot…What’s in my bag?  So here it is…and not what you might think!

I’m married to an Eagle Scout so the “be prepared” motto is heard often in our house! And I can say for sure that all of these items have been used more than once while on a shoot!  This is a mixed bag of equipment & essentials that make for an excellent armor of defense against any situation. That said…I use the “essentials” only when needed because most often the sessions unfold naturally without any need for breaking into the reserves!

THE EQUIPMENT

Let’s start with the equipment!  As an artist with a background is painting, every lense I use is like a different brush.  I use them all.  You can be sure if I leave one at home, I will carry remorse for not having that camera available!  So I generally carry the whole artillery with me.  Unlike any material item in
my life, I will spend the most investment on camera gear! This is just a few of my typical session items.  I have three NIKON camera bodies, 6 lenses, 2 flashes…and some pretty fun lensbabies. I can’t pick a favorite.

THE QUILT: The quilt is crucial…it always offer a punch of color, provides a bit warmth when necessary, or a dry area for a family to sit gathered together. This was made by Jennifer Trendel at Grey Rocks Design.  With an eye for design and the skill set of a fine seamstress, Jenn offers custom work specializing in fabric artistry!  Phenomenal!

THE ESSENTIALS:  Alright, here is it!  Yes, my bag is heavy but I have really used all of these for different reasons!  Do you want to know why?

TIME SAVERS IN MY BAG

The lint brush cuts down my editing time spent cloning in photoshop! The bobbi pins and clips alway help for hair or wardrobe malfunctions. The Benadryl is necessary when I (or my clients) get stung by mother nature’s littlest predator…you know the orange and yellow ones:(  Ouch! Aquaphor is the best “healing ointment” for dry skin and chapped lips. Bandaids…well that’s a given.  Bandaids are always the best fix for any crying moment, lol!

TOOLS OF ENGAGEMENT IN MY BAG

As useful fun as all of these items can be, learning personality and discovering the playful nature of the child within it my best tool.  Connecting with people first, talking, playing, laughing, relating is the best tool of engagement.  If necessary, my reserve kit includes the items below. Bubbles, books, stickers and a few essential classic toys are always fun…keep them simple and classic! That way they will always be timeless if they happen to sneak into a photograph! Pick something that squeaks or squeals for grabbing the attention. These can give me a chance to break the ice with the little ones or even catch the attention when I need to.  I use the stomp rocket for a reward after play (or photos or photoplay). The scratch and sniff stickers are always helpful giveaways or can be placed strategically around when needing a little help compositionally.  The googlie eyes are a great help on the camera shutter!  The starfish, my favorite, is the perfect compliment to the natural environment…when i am not sure we will find one at the beach…I just bring one!  It’s in the bag!

Oh, and the glasses (or sometimes a mustache)…icebreaker for helping Dad to relax and let go!

REWARDS FOR JOB WELL DONE:)

Mom’s would be glad to know, that the special treat like Gummy Bears, or marshmallows, or lollipops, are never part of my session.  And as a bit of a sugar hater, I actually only offer one after the session is completely over.  like done.