Having recently volunteered as an Administrator for the photowalk group Kolkata Photowalking, I was forced to look back at my experience. Short as it may be, I discovered that I always came back with some fine memory from almost every photowalk. And a few practical lessons over time. As a photowalk organiser I have been asked about the kind of gear that one should bring to a photowalk. Even though I wrote a Guide to Photowalks sometime ago, based on my lessons I decided to make my list.
- Enthusiasm : perhaps the most important element that you need. If you are not enthusiastic enough, you will not enjoy it. Your enthusiasm may be driven by the company you will keep, the joy of a new camera/lens, a new style/trick, the location or simply photography, but you must have something driving you there.
- Shoes : can’t stress it enough. Good footwear is a must. You will be walking possibly for fairly long hours. A good pair of shoes which protects your feet all day long is a must. Bad shoes can be a huge dampener.
- Batteries and Memory cards : It really isn’t ideal to run out of any of either mentioned here. Carry spares if you can. Ensure you charge your batteries the day before and your memory cards have enough space. When travelling backups may not be an option. Spare cards are a must then. Plus cold weather drain battery faster.
- Travel light : This starts right with your bag followed by your photographic gear. Carry a comfortable bag, one which you can carry around all the time and yet is a strong one. You need not carry all your gear. Take only what you need.
- Weather protection : Where required, do carry them. It never helps if either you or your camera gets down because of weather (read brollies, raincoats etc.).
- Enjoy : All said and done, you must enjoy. Carry some contact information which you can give out if required. A friend of mine carries his business cards around.
That sums it up for me. How would you list out yours?