Take a peak into any photographer's bag and you will find a tightly crammed mass of odds and ends designed to help during virtually any shoot. Most of these extra pieces of gear are directly photography related, but sometimes we encounter a few non-photography gems that are certainly worth making space for.
BioLite PowerLight
The BioLite PowerLight has become my go-to solution for having a convenient light on set when working in the dark. It is a flash light on one end, but also a stubby diffusion dome light on the other that can function much like a mini Ice Light. On top of that, it also includes a large-enough power pack that it can be used to charge phones and other small devices while out in the field. Overall, it has earned a spot in my bag of the indefinite future, especially as I edge toward shooting more and more in dark environments where I need access to light that allows me to work.
Mini A-Clamps
Photographers often use larger A-Clamps for securing seamless backgrounds, but the value of tiny A-Clamps is often overlooked. I always have a handful of them in my bag. They are excellent for securing clothing, especially when working with garments that may not perfectly fit your model. Great stylists will almost always have a set, but by bringing a set yourself, you ensure that you will never find yourself wanting.
Hair Spray
I can't be the only photographer that loathes retouching flyaway or messy hair. When working with a hairstylist, you don't really have to worry about this sort of thing, as it is taken care of for you. We can't always work with hair stylists, though. Hairspray is cheap and doesn't add much weight to your bag, but can literally save hours of work once the shoot is complete. When choosing which hairspray to purchase I'd recommend chatting with your favorite hairstylist or makeup artist about what they would bring to an average shoot. Don't just get the cheapest stuff from a local drug store.
Conclusion
Every camera bag is a reflection of the needs of its owner. They are like a small window of insight into the type of photograph a photographer is looking to create. By optimizing the contents of your bag, you can become a more efficient and reliable photographer. Don't automatically discount anything from potentially having a place, even if it doesn't directly aid in taking photos. I'd love to here about some of your favorite knickknacks that have earned a place in your bag. Head down to the comments and let me know.
Not very good reviews on the biolite. Never thought of hair spray though. I often have the muse walk with her own if necessary
I've had mine for almost 2 years now under frequent use and never had a problem with it.
As most of my income comes from architecture and real estate photography, trust me when I say this- you should ALWAYS keep a roll of toilet paper in your case!
Ha! All those brand new places that have yet to connect plumbing, too... ;-) Yup.
Haha, absolutely true. I would also say paper towels and windex.
Being out in the field a lot, mine usually includes food and a drink bottle to attached to the tripod...
I never leave without ducttape, I rather have my duckttape than clamps
Duct tape is TERRIBLE! invest in a roll of gaff tape (especially Pro Gaff) and you'll never go back.
Mylar emergency blanket. It's a reflector, tarpaulin, sparkly background and can even be an emergency blanket.
a multitool is a must for me and has come in handy in so many situations from just cutting loose threads to a team of bridesmaids stripping the spiky underwire out of the brides corset.
I always keep a pocket knife on me and a multi-tool in my case at all times.
SPF Sun Protection
For landscape/nature photography, specially in bear country... a bear spray :) and a swiss army pocket knife
Totally agrees with all of it.
Some more things, I always carry in my photography bag: Blotting paper and medical strip.
small LED flashlight
Something i always keep is a few ziplock bags so i can throw my lenses and camera in if I'm doing outdoor stuff and rain comes down.