It's in the bag.
For those of us that aren't Annie (probably 100% of my blog readership :)) we have to carry our own equipment.
It seems like I have been on a constant quest for the perfect camera bag (a 30-year search) and I have concluded that It just doesn't exist. Don't get me wrong, there are some amazing products out there (I've probably used quite a few of them) but there is not one bag that is ideal for every photographer and/or situation. Each size/ style/ brand has its positives and negatives. Obviously I don't have personal experience with them all so I will concentrate on those I own and generalise a bit on those I have used in the past.
1. Shoulder Bag. Pretty self explanatory, A bag with a single strap that is carried on the shoulder. The size ranges from quite small up to a large chunk of bag capable of holding a complete DSLR system. Positives: don't have to put bag down to access gear. Capable of holding large amounts of equipment (including laptop). Negatives: can be a nightmare for your back/shoulder to have the weight on one side and can have a tendency to slip off your shoulder while shooting.
2. Backpack. Again, self explanatory. The backpack-style bag has probably seen the most improvement in recent times and a variety of configurations and styles have emerged. Positives: Weight is evenly distributed across both shoulders, with some models offering a waist belt to let the hips take some of the load. Heaps of room for gear and laptop. Negatives: Most models require the backpack to be taken off and put down to access gear...a bugger outdoors if it is wet/muddy (there has been some advancement in this area in recent times (slipping out of one strap, spinning the bag and accessing via a side zip), but I've not actually seen one in action).
3. Sling bag. These are a hybrid of the shoulder bag and backpack. The bag section tends to be smaller than the previous two models. It has a single strap that goes over the head and sits diagonally across the chest. The idea being that you spin the bag section to the front to access gear and then back for carrying. Positives: Can access gear while still wearing the bag. Negatives: Capacity is less than shoulder bag or backpack. Weight can be an issue on one shoulder. Not normally space for a laptop due to the curve of the wraparound style.
4. Messenger bag. A smaller more slender version of the shoulder bag (also tends to be more stylish in the looks department). Positives: lighter than a large shoulder bag. Often less conspicuous. Can access gear while wearing. Usually room for a laptop. Negatives: less capacity. Can slip off shoulder. Weight can still be an issue on one shoulder when fully loaded.
5. Roller bag. Pretty much a camera suitcase on wheels. Positives: Tons of capacity. Weight not an issue while rolling. Negatives: Wheels next to useless once off paved surfaces. Due to size and capacity can be very heavy. Stairs can be a problem. No access unless stationary.
6. Hard case. Ultimate protection for your gear. As the name suggests a case with a hard, impact resistant outer shell and padded interior. Some are air and water tight. Some are also fitted with wheels. Positives: excellent protection for your precious equipment. Huge range of sizes. Capacity not an issue. Negatives: Heavy. No access unless stationary.
So, as you can see, there is a huge choice and how you want to operate (on the move access, travel light, or carrying heaps) will have a huge impact on which style is right for you. Or, like me, you might find that there is no ONE bag that works. *** these are my general thoughts on the various styles of bag and are in no way specific to the brands shown in the photos...which have been added for purely illustrative purposes***
Next week I will detail what I have, why I have it and how I make it work for me.
Catch you then.