What is in Moose's camera bag
and
more importantly, why is it there?
Content,
that’s key to success. Not just the content of your camera bag but
the content of your photograph. But the one depends on the other, doesn't it? It’s very understandable that photographers
put so much emphasis on their technology, but that’s not what really,
honestly, makes the best photos necessarily. It’s the way all the elements of the
photograph are arranged in the viewfinder that makes content work. The arranging of those
elements is where camera gear comes into play. To that end, I want
to share what’s in my camera bag and why to give you a starting point
(I said starting point) when it comes to filling your own camera bag.
We all need to be unique in our approach to photography being true to ourselves. So cloning what I have in my camera bag in your camera bag not only does not guarantee
you photographic success, but possibly robs you of your own potential. The contents of my bag are based on my style
of communicating photographically the projects I am currently working
and that's based on my years behind the camera photographing wildlife. These parameters are constantly changing! There’s a lot that goes on
in gear selection, the biggest part being the constant push to improve.
It’s what I call the Darwin Theory of Photography – evolve or parish!
How do I select my camera gear? First, it has to be in the Nikon line
up, that’s obvious (and why Nikon, they still make the best flashes and now, the amazing D3).
After that, it’s the tools (bodies, lenses, accessories) that permit
me to visually interpret the world in my viewfinder so I can communicate
that wonder I am so fortunate to witness to those not as fortunate.
The first twenty nine years behind the camera have literally been focused
on wildlife and wildplaces. I select the gear I have
then by the simple mathematical formula of: What I’m Photographing
+ What I want to Communicate = Gear Used.
What follows is what I typically have with me based on the main focus of
the project. What is listed except where noted is packed inside the
Photopack in which it is under. Those items not packed in the Photopack
are now (click here to learn
how I pack to fly) FedEx to the location in a Pelican Case 1660. I no longer trust any gear to check-in when flying. By clicking on the equipment, you'll be taken to a page with some of my thoughts as to why I have that particular item and what I feel it can do for my photography. I hope this helps you make the most of your photography!
WRP's MP-1 Photopack
The MP-1 is the photopack I grab the majority of the time these days. This is because the 600mm is the longest lens
I need for my current projects (and it's easier to ship the 200-400VR than the 600VR). The list you see here is what I have with me on projects all the time. Items with a single * listed below tend to go FedEx in a Pelican case these days. Since I first started to use the MP-1, a few hundred thousand air miles ago, I’ve yet to have a
problem getting it on any plane as carry-on. While it does weigh
more than my ol' back wants to carry, it does get my gear to where
I need to work.
* = FedEx to location
** = carry-on shoulder
+ = Gitzo 3540XLS for everything but 200-400VR & 600f4
++ = Gitzo 5540LS is for 200-400VR & 600f4 only
WRP's MP-3 Photopack
The MP-3 has been a workhorse
of a photopack for me! The shift in projects means it stays home alot lately. The only difference
between the gear in the MP-1 and MP-3 is the selection of the longest lens. The last
few years have found me depending on the 200-400VR for my projects
which was great for my back since this set up weighs less than the
MP-1 - 600mm combo. My MP-3 has a little over a hundred & fifty thousand air miles
on it being shoved in more overheads than I care to think about without
ever having a problem. It’s also been in more rain and snow and no matter
what I’ve thrown at it, when I unzip the flap my gear has always been
ready to go.
* = In Checked Luggage or FedEx
** = carry-on shoulder
+ = Gitzo 3540XLS for everything but 200-400VR & 600f4
++ = Gitzo 5540LS is for 200-400VR & 600f4 only
WRP's MP-5 Photopack
The MP-5 is the only bag
Sharon uses and one I use primarily at our DLWS events or when I’m
traveling to speak at some function or working really light. Quite often,
the MP-5 is packed with excess gear packed in my checked luggage
to be pulled out once on site (with most gear going in the MP-1).
I’ve come to depend on the MP-5 to “down size” once on site and on
the trail with the big lens on the tripod over my shoulder.
* = In Checked Luggage or FedEx
** = carry-on shoulder
+ = Gitzo 3540XLS for everything but 200-400VR & 600f4
WRP's MP-7 Photopack
The MP-7 is my go to photopack for most of my event and convention shooting. It's my location / landscape photography photopack. I don't think you'll find any other photopack like the MP-7 out there!
I’ve come to depend on the MP-7 to make traveling by air a whole lot simplier, carrying essential gear for quick shoots. You can head here to see how I packed the MP-7 for a HI trip.
* = In Checked Luggage or FedEx
** = carry-on shoulder
+ = Gitzo 3540XLS for everything but 200-400VR & 600f4
++ = Gitzo 5540LS is for 200-400VR & 600f4 only
On the Shoulder
(this goes with me EVERYWHERE!)
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