Moose Loc: North Carolina

Bought a new backpack for my pending trip and was able to get all my camera gear in it. It weighs about 15 pounds, without a tripod, and that got me wondering about carrying all this stuff on each photo outing. How do you plan your photo shoots? Do you take everything in your pack just in case, or do you plan on a specific thing, e.g. taking close-ups of flowers, thus limiting what you take from your pack?

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

My kit isn't every big. I have my 40D, 50 1.8, 85 1.8, and my 24-70L. I normally take all 3 lens, my 430 exII flash, extra batteries for the flash and camera and a grey card. Weights about 15 pounds give or take.

If we are going to the zoo or family putting I'll leave the flash and grey card at home. Shots are going to be snapshots, so why bring everything?

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

Want to make it clear that I ment my family outtings shots were going to be family snapshots. Wasn't referring to your shots. I re-read my post,above and it could be taken the wrong way, so I wanted to be sure I didn't come off like a poop head. :-)

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Depends on what you're shooting.

Usually, 2 bodies (one for back-up) and 2-5 (prime) lenses.

Which is why I use M-series Leicas: small, light bodies and even smaller, lighter lenses.

NEVER carry everything you own (unless you own very little). Instead, think about what you're going to shoot, and take the lenses you'll need for it.

Cheers,

R.

CanonShot Loc: Lancaster County, PA

I definitely go with a plan unless it is a walk-around event close to home... particularly an area I know well... in which case I only take my 24-105 zoom. Also, I carry a small camera bag that contains the necessities for EVERY event... extra battery, extra SD card, a Lens Pen, and a mini notepad and pen.

In the bug/flower months when extraordinary wee things can pop up at any moment, I always include my macro lens regardless of what was on the main agenda... for instance, a birding excursion or landscapes/seascapes which require another lens or two. Again, NEVER leave home without an extra battery, extra SD card, a Lens Pen, and a notepad/pen. I make a habit of putting either a tripod or monopod in the trunk. It IS part of the plan, but I don't necessarily lug it around. I do use a camera backpack instead of a small camera case if I am doing any appreicable amount of hiking or larger lenses are needed in the shoot.

Maybe you can trust your memory but lots of photogs will share important tidbits of info that will lead you to the promised land [photographically speaking] or provide details, cell #s, etc., that are invaluable as you put one foot infront of the other. Hope this helps. Going "light" as possible is the main game just as you are wondering about in your original post.

We all know some shots will be missed... photography is like that!

ebaribeault Loc: Baltimore

I used to bring every thing. The past two years I pay more attention to what I plan to shoot and only bring the equipment that is needed. I have found my photography has improved by planning the shoot

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

This sounds to me like a description of 'growing up' as a photographer.

Cheers,

R.

ebaribeault Loc: Baltimore

You got that correct

forbescat

It all depends on how I am traveling. If I'm using my car, I take a tripod, 3 cameras, a roller board with lenses and batteries and cards, lunch, extra water, change of jackets/boots, towels, trash bags...and that's for a day trip. I have a small station wagon type (Audi 4 Avant) and the back makes a perfect mobile camera station. If I'm flying, I take my roller board with one camera, two lenses and the batteries, charger and cards.

CanonShot Loc: Lancaster County, PA

Moose, there are so MANY helpful people on this site. As the posts accumulate, some responses will validate what you have already considered, and then, there will be some unique responses. A couple of those just may be the ticket for you... to fit your style.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

I usually go out with a plan and take ONE camera and ONE lens. I find I can be more creative if I limit the number of options.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

[quote=mdorn]

Unless the one camera fails. It's only happened to me once but I was glad I had the second body...

A lot depends on what/why you're shooting, too.

Cheers,

R.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

[quote=Roger Hicks]

Agreed. However, the wonderful thing about being an amateur is that you don't sacrifice dinner that night if your camera breaks. :-)

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

With age comes wisdom(sometimes)!

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Wow, great comments. Thanks all. Trying to be prepared for everything that may come along can be difficult, and most likely some photo op will happen that you can't set up for in time. As one said, you lose a few good shots.
Thanks again.