It always begins with a quick glance at the photo bags. Then the question, “Do you want to take all that?” Okay, maybe it may seem an innocent question, but the emphasis on the “all” is the giveaway.

I admit it. I over pack. Not only for vacation (which women have a reputation of doing), but even for the one day events. It may be overkill, but I prefer to think of it as being prepared for the worst. Okay, so I have a Quantum Turbo 2×2, but still carry three full battery changes. And, yes, an extra lens cleaner cloth is in my back jeans pocket (along with the one in my camera bag). And I will admit to having pulled out a roll of film instead of my wallet in my purse. Small screw driver? Yep, have one of those too. I also carry two flashes (after all, one might malfunction), along with two bodies….okay, three bodies. Manuals for the equipment? Yes, I carry those too, although I can just imagine the grateful thief who not only finds himself in possession of some nice camera equipment, but also the manuals to learn how to use it.

It’s all the little “add ons”, that really add up. How does one handle the weight and find a bag large enough to carry it all? I have tried various sized photo bags: to date, I own one Billingham, one Krumpler, one Stormcase, six Lowepro’s, and seven Domke’s. While the Stormcase is the only one that can carry everything, unfortunately, its size disqualifies it from being taken everywhere.

While I love the Domke bags, there just isn’t one large enough for my needs. So, when deciding which equipment to take to photograph a wedding this past weekend, I decided on the Billingham (Model 550). I was able to fit everything I needed…and a little bit more. It comfortably fit three bodies, four lenses, the Quantum plus three cables, rain gear, softbox, Gary Fong Lightsphere, CF cards, extra batteries, manuals and a few little extras.

Of course, all that made it quite a heavy bag. That’s where my Sherpa/Assistant/Husband comes in…

This beauty was taken in my studio a few weeks ago. If you visit my site, you can tell that I enjoy using extreme lighting with my floral photos. In a future entry, I’ll describe my lighting techniques. Until then, here’s wishing you good light!