What to Pack in Your Camera Bag
By Anna Jones at Eversure,
7th August 2025, 5 min read
Packing your camera bag for a day of shooting can feel overwhelming and a bit like a balancing act. You want to be prepared for every possible scenario - whether that's bad weather, mechanical failure or creative inspiration - without carrying a heavy load.
Wherever photography takes you, having the right equipment with you can make or break the shoot. That's why we've created this comprehensive checklist to help you pack your camera bag efficiently. Sorted into three sections, we cover essentials, nice-to-haves and space-dependent extras.
Camera Bag Essentials
These are the must-haves - they're items that support your core shooting workflow and help protect your gear.
Camera Body & Lenses
Start with your camera body and a selection of lenses suited to your shoot, whether it's a wide-angle lens, a prime lens or a zoom lens.
Memory Cards
Pack multiple cards with fast write speeds and high capacity. Always have more than you need just in case.
SD Card Reader
If you plan to offload or back up your files mid-shoot, then a reliable card reader is certainly a must-have.
Spare Batteries
At least 2 or 3 fully charged batteries are a must for a full day out.
Lens Cleaning Kit
This should be complete with microfibre cloths, lens wipes, air blowers and cleaning fluid so your optics remain spotless.
Camera Manual
Either the print or the digital version. Having this to hand will allow you to check your camera settings quickly if necessary and will also allow you to troubleshoot as well.
Weather Protection
A waterproof rain cover or dry bag will safeguard your gear if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Microfiber Towel or Small Cloth
Useful for drying down your gear if it does start to rain. They can also be useful for wiping down surfaces before you set your camera down.
Model Releases or Consent Forms
Essential for commercial shoots involving people, as this will allow you to legally use and license the images.
Nice to Have
These items add flexibility and convenience but shouldn’t weigh you down.
External Storage Device
These are useful for backing up photos on the go.
Portable Light or Flash
Great to have in your arsenal if low-light creeps up on you or you want to get creative with your lighting.
Lens Hood
These help to reduce glare whilst offering additional lens protection.
Tripod
Even better if the tripod, or monopod, is compact and travel-friendly. Also useful if you want to experiemnt with long exposures.
Remote Shutter Release
Helps to eliminate camera shake for long exposures, as well as being handy for group shots.
Notebook & Pen
Perfect for jotting down ideas, shot lists or client notes.
Portable Power Bank
So you're able to keep your phone, camera or LED lights charged during long sessions.
Gaffer Tape
Excellent for quick repairs to get you by, as well as on-the-fly cable management. Cable ties and velcro straps work in the same way.
Multi-tool or Allen Key Set
These are great for making quick adjustments to tripods, mounting plates or accessories on the go.
Colour Checker or Grey Card
Help you achieve accurate colour and white balance during post-processing, which is especially important for product or portrait shoots.
Portable Seat
Make those long shoot days more comfortabl,e particularly when you're shooting at low angles or waiting in one place.
If You Have Space
These extras are great for enhancing your shoot or saving the day at the last minute - but only pack them if you have room in your bag.
ND filters or polarisers
These are great for having control over exposure and allow you to enhance skies, water and reflections.
Foldable Reflector or Diffuser
Great for portraits or controlling harsh lighting. Look for compact designs if you're bringing them on the go.
Business Cards
Handy for networking or if you're shooting an event or working with clients.
Props or Styling Elements
Depending on the nature of the shoot, these could be essential but small items like fabric, lights or background elements can elevate a portrait or a flat-lay.
Snacks & Water
Shoots can go on, so keeping your energy up and staying hydrated, especially for outdoor or event shoots where breaks are less common, is crucial.
Suncream & Insect Repellent
Outdoor shoots can expose you to the elements; protection from the sun and bugs is needed.
Camera Insurance
Even the most carefully packed camera bag can't prevent the unexpected - accidents, theft, and loss can still happen. Which is where Eversure's award-winning camera insurance comes in.
Our policies cover accidental and malicious damage, theft and loss, giving you peace of mind to focus on capturing the best shot. Whether you're shooting locally or abroad, your gear is protected with Eversure.
Final Thoughts
Run through this checklist before every shoot and tailor it to the needs of that shoot - an item from the 'if you have space' category might actually be an essential on some days. Being prepared means you can put more energy into the creative process and less on what you might have forgotten.