Mini Session MUST-HAVES For Your Camera Bag

Hey there, family photographers! Let's chat about what's hiding in my camera bag. Trust me, after years of chasing toddlers and trying to wrangle entire families into the perfect shot, I've learned a thing or two about being prepared. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's dive into my camera bag absolute must-haves for every photoshoot!

My Favorite Camera Bag From Kamrette.

The Attention-Grabber

First up, we've got what I like to call the "kid whisperer" - a squeaky or noisy toy that's guaranteed to make even the most camera-shy kiddo look your way. Now, I know what you're thinking: "But won't I look ridiculous jumping around and making weird noises?" Well, my friend, the answer is yes. Yes, you will. And you know what? It's totally worth it!

Picture this: You're in the middle of a shoot, the sun is setting perfectly, and little Timmy is more interested in the grass than your camera. That's when you whip out your secret weapon - maybe it's a squeaky rubber chicken, or one of those pop-up toys that makes silly sounds. Suddenly, you've got every kid (and let's be honest, probably a few adults) looking right at you with big grins on their faces.

Snacks: The Ultimate Bribe

Let's be real for a second - sometimes, we need to bring out the big guns. And by big guns, I mean snacks. My personal favorites? Mini marshmallows and fruit snacks. They're small, they're tasty, and most importantly, kids love them!

Why these specific snacks, you ask? Well, they're the perfect size for quick, mid-session treats that won't stain teeth or clothes, which is a massive win in my book. There's nothing worse than getting the perfect shot, only to realize later that little Sarah has a big ol' chocolate stain on her adorable white dress.

Remember, though - always check with parents about allergies / dietary restrictions before breaking out the snacks.

Backup Equipment: Your Insurance Policy

Okay, this one's serious business. I cannot stress this enough: ALWAYS bring backup equipment. I'm talking a spare camera body, extra lenses, the works. Why? Because Murphy's Law is real, and it loves to strike at the worst possible moment.

Picture this nightmare scenario: You're in the middle of capturing a family's once-in-a-lifetime moments, and suddenly your camera decides it's had enough. It's lights out, game over. But wait! You're prepared. You calmly reach into your bag, pull out your backup, and keep shooting like nothing happened. Crisis averted.

Trust me, I've been there. And let me tell you, the relief of having that backup is worth every extra pound in your camera bag. So, pack that spare gear and thank yourself later!

Memory Cards Galore

Last but definitely not least, let's talk about memory cards. Here's my winning strategy: I always shoot with two cards in my camera simultaneously. Every shot gets copied to both cards. It's like having a built-in backup for your backup! Because let’s be honest, memory cards fail all the time and I do not want to have to go and tell my clients that their photos are lost and we need to do a re-do!

But wait, there's more! I also carry several additional cards with me. Why? Because if you've ever had a session with me, you know I'm what you might call an... over-shooter. Fifty photos for a mini session? Oops, my bad! But hey, better to have too many great shots than not enough, right?

Pro tip: Invest in high-quality, high-speed cards. They might cost a bit more upfront, but they're faster and more reliable! Definitely worth the cost!

BONUS: My Favorite Camera Bag

Of course I couldn’t leave you hanging without telling you how much I LOVE my camera bag from Kamrette. I’m actually on my second bag with them now - that’s how much I love it! The current bag I’m using is the Lyra in Tan linked here. This thing is sturdy, well padded, and has a million different slots and pockets so I can fit ALL THE THINGS. Plus, it’s gorgeous and doesn’t scream “I’m a camera bag!”. So there you have it, friends! These are my essentials for every family photoshoot. With these in your bag, you'll be ready to tackle anything - from tricky toddlers to camera malfunctions and everything in between.