32ndframe

Part of what I do is press photography for a local media company. Both fun and unpredictable, the range of things to document and shoot seems unlimited as a press photographer(The above scene is from a local festival).

In order to get the job done and be effective one has to be efficient, flexible, and creative. The gear you use is important as is the other details involved. Below is a list of what I bring and why I bring it.

Photo gear

Cameras: D7000, D90, D200, etc assorted prosumer/pro nikons. Usually 2 digital and one film. I like nikon because their prosumer bodies, from my experience, can handle a beating that only competitors pro cameras can (like the sprite that was accidentally doused over one of my cameras at the above event.

I like a camera body I can rely on (Ie: not a full consumer body). My budget is limited (so is the agencies) so that is why there isn’t a D3 on the list. Not much more to say but that Canon, Sony, Pentax, and Olympus also offer great 35mm Dslr bodies in the midrange.

Lenses:

A fisheye 10.5mm (for superwide stuff, tight spaces, rapid group shots, overhead and tight spots, very important lens)

14-24mm or 17-35mm (for wide shots, better group shots, things that can’t be distorted, establishing shots, portraits that show the enviroment)

28-70mm and or a 50mm(portraits, mid shots, product or item, you can probably figure out what)

80-200mm (many use the 70-200mm) (close ups, detail, things that need to be flattened together, portraits, subjects that need a narrow Dof to bring the subject out, etc)

every once in a while I need a 300mm or a macro (but as a press photog those aren’t  necessary to keep in your bag…)

Etc accessories for the cameras

Sb900 flash (or sb7oo) (never know when you need one. The pro/prosumer flashes can fire on bursts and can be bounced, manually adjusted, and wirelessly fired.)

Gary Fong diffuser  (minimizes shadows, expands range of the flash, etc)

Monopod (for overhead shots mainly)

Microphone (video…)

Extra batteries, cards (sandisk extreme), film (Iv’e had situations where digital can’t be done)

Non Photo Gear stuff:

Notepad (for notes)

Pen (for notes)

Agency press badge and state press badge (people are less likely to bother you if you wear it)

Professional flashlight (one needs a light at the weirdest times)

Orange vest (for areas that require it and for visibility if you are working in a road etc, also to keep people from bothering you)

Cell (do I even need  a caption?)

The law (one will be surprised on how few security guards know photo laws)

Black Rapid strap (ok this is photo gear but it is important to mention.  It balances the weight 100times better than a “kit” strap. It also holds a spare car key which can save your butt in a pinch)

Belt on pants (this seems like a no-brainer but if your pants fit snug you may forgo the belt. This will come back to bite you as a press photographer as you have to bend over alot which stretches out your pants. This loosens them up in a way daily activities won’t…  Just wear one!)

A water bottle (hydration is important; Another no-brainer)

GOOD SHOES (not white. Expect to have 2 pairs, one pair of street shoes and one pair of dress/formasual. Not much more to say but they will only last you a year and a half)

tape recorder (quicker than a notepad at times)

I know I’m forgetting something but this is just a base list…