As a photographer, it's pretty obvious what you need to get started and to grow - a camera body, some lenses, a bag to hold it all, and lighting equipment when you get to that point. Once I had all of those things, I more or less thought I was done. Sure, I'd add a lens here or there, and maybe get a nicer bag to hold everything in, but I was pretty much done, right?
Well...not exactly. While the camera and lenses are certainly the most major purchases I've made, there are a whole host of other things to consider - some not just for photographers, but for any small business. This past week I took stock of some things I have in my office space, and realized that nobody would guess these are some essentials for surviving from wedding to wedding. So this post was born, and I'm about to introduce you to the photography gear I never knew I needed!
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) - I have to thank my husband for this one. A couple times our power went out, or I hit a breaker while doing some heavy editing and running a space heater in the office. Immediately my computer shut down, and I would lose any open work. An UPS will give you about 2-3 minutes of back up power so your computer won't shut down immediately. It allows you to save open work, close your windows, and shut down your computer safely. In fact, I just made use of this yesterday!
Unitek Multicard Reader - This one is a little more obvious, but with cameras that hold both CompactFlash and SD Cards, I needed one reader that I could take with me, plug into any computer, and use to download my files. It's also extremely helpful to have a USB 3.0 reader, since the download speeds are so much faster than a USB 2.0.
Canon Pixma MX922 Printer/Fax/Scanner - The newest addition to my office family! This helpful printer now only scans and faxes, but I can print wirelessly via my iPhone from anywhere in the house. And the best part is that it was only $100. Win!
Extra Lens Caps - Well, this is a bit embarrassing. I've lost so many lens caps in my time that I bought a variety pack. Sometimes it just gets too hectic during a wedding or family session to keep track of everything!
Giottos Rocket Blaster - I remember reading about this on another photographer's blog, and buying it right away. This is a tool that will blow dust off your camera sensor. I send in my camera annually to get it cleaned, but this is great in a pinch. Hint: if you use this, be sure to lock your mirror before cleaning, or you can get in a whole lot of trouble!
Lifefactory Water Bottle - Another recent addition, thanks to a birthday gift from my sister! I've had a water bottle for the last few years, but recently read about the danger of having plastic water bottles (even if they're BPA free). This one is glass, and the biggest one possible, so I can sip on water all day. I can tell a huge difference in my energy levels, and even my mood, if I don't drink enough water, so this one's a necessity!
Well, there you have it. You may have known about a few of these things, but even I had to be educated about a couple tools that I now use all the time. If you're a photographer, is there anything you've had to buy that's been surprising for you?
