cboysen Loc: Homewood, IL

Because of a balance problem, I walk with a cane or a walker. However, I still love photography and want to get out and shoot photos. How can I manage a camera bag with a camera and several lenses? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

You can fit a small bag on a walker. Some walkers I have seen double up as a seat, so having a small monopod that you can clip on/off to the handrests when needed, would aid shake reduction.

There is a school of thought that 'as a photographer' you need to explore areas in great depth. The reality is that you can find great images in most places. If you live in an urban area then get inspiration from those who shoot the urban landscape. A trip to the shops may give you the opportunity to take candid 'people shots' equally there are rural areas and parks that have good access and a wide taxalogical content (wildlife and plants).

Lots of people rush around.....If you cannot rush - then study what you see. Look at 'the small picture'. Again, gain inspiration from those that notice patterns and lines.Peeling paint, quaint doorsteps etc. Sit quietly and wait for the shot to come to you. Or, take more notice of what is around you.

If you are a member of a club - use your photography and knowlege to benefit others and the club. Get someone to carry your kit in return for teaching them skills or advertising their outings etc. Photography is becoming more and more a social activity. Why try to do it alone?

You mention 'Camera and lenses'. How much 'kit' are you weighing yourself down with. Is it time to get a lightweight bridge camera or something even smaller. Technology moves on....Quality is in your head,not always in the kit.

Food for thought?

cboysen Loc: Homewood, IL

Thank you very much for your thoughtful and useful reply.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

I am 73 and frankly got tired of carrying all the gear. What I did was, over the course of 6 months I sold all my Canon equipment and bought a Sony RX10 Model IV It is much lighter and no extra lens and for me the images are perfect. I have also purchased a Nikon P1000 because of the reach. I understand I will have to use a tripid because I tend to shake. Good luck, there is always a solution.

dragonfist Loc: Stafford, N.Y.

Mr.G. Brown that is one of the best replies I have seen on the Hog. You gave some very good advice. I have a mobility problem due to emphysema and find it difficult to walk more than a few feet without getting short of breath.You reached the OP and me with some well thought out ideas to still be able to enjoy our hobby. Thank you.

PeterBergh

I find that a photo vest works much better than a camera bag. With a vest, you only have one piece of equipment to handle: the camera and it can be worn crosswise over your shoulder. Changing lenses is also easier with a vest; you just reach into the proper pocket.

(I don't use a cane or a walker, so I'm a little like the spinster aunt giving advice on child rearing.)

POINT-N-SHOOT Loc: PENNSYLVANIA

I have COPD, I am using Sony X80, carry it in my shirt pocket or in small fanny pack. Takes nice pictures, 30x zoom 18mp

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

The answer for a lot of us, as we aged and developed health scenarios that made handling camera, lens', & bag difficult, was to move to a high quality Bridge Camera. You may want to look into it, cboysen.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

You might want to go micro 4/3s or at least, mirrorless to lighten the load and pair it with a good walk around lens. I use the Olympus e-m 5 Mark II with a 14-150 II and can carry it all day cross body with no pain, no strain.

TJ28012 Loc: Belmont, NC

I use a small scooter. Works great!

Clapperboard

cboysen I walk with a cane. I use a backpack camera bag that swivels round on to my chest. I prefer this type as when I swap lenses I can work with the case and not put a lens on a fence or similar, with the risk of being so 'in the moment' of the shot the lens gets left behind. I carry a lot of kit. I have a cane that has a curved handle that I hook on my left arm while shooting hand held.

mikeschwartz Loc: Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago

I have trouble walking due to back problems and use a mobility scooter. They can be taken apart an placed in your car trunk. They cost in the range of $800-$1,200. The only problem with them is that they can't handle inclines of more than 6-9% and don't do well on rough terrain. Many time I can get the scooter in walking range of the area from which I want to shoot and then bring with me a small lightweight three legged collapsible stool to sit on. I go on photo club outings all the time but am limited to locations that I can traverse on my scooter. The local PSA chapter goes on two bus outing every year and they place my scooter in the bus storage compartment without the need to take it apart. Since I live in the city, I also use that scooter for running errands in the neighborhood.

NewBEE161 Loc: Olney, Maryland

OUTSTANDING advice!

the f/stops here Loc: New Mexico

I use a wheelchair and find it sometimes advantageous. I get to see things at a different perspective than someone standing. I not only hang my small backpack behind the seat but end up carrying a few others as well. Yes, you will find locations you can’t access but you’ll find many that you feel comfortable in and have fun being creative. I find myself looking for locations to do photography that fit my limitations. Not a problem as I’m out 2, 3 or 4 time a week exercising my shutter finger.

I’ve learned not to carry too much gear. I often take only a DSLR and two lenses, a small flash and a monopod.

Just enjoy what you can do and leave the rest for others.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

I love reading these "helpful" threads, beats the heck out of pointless arguments, fanboy bashing, second guessing new products we have not even seen and/or touched, hate laced rants, etc. etc. … well, just me, but that's my drift......

Lighten the load, smaller camera with a high quality all-in-one lens (you pick type and style), vest or mini backpack, you can do it!