YOUR EMERGENCY KIT

Gene's Note: This is a repost of a short Tip of the Week I did for my sponsor Black River Imaging. They published this in their newslatters. I can't believe how much response this tip got. Several photographers emailed me their tips as well. I've added the tips from one of them - photographer Tim Byrne.

No.

I'm not talking about the back up Compact Flash card in your camera bag.

And no... I'm not talking about the extra set of batteries.

I'm talking about the emergency kit in your camera bag that make you look like a total "Rock Star" in front of your client.

I have two things in my camera bag.

1) I have single use "OFF" wipes.

Yes... those anti-mosquito wipes.

You'll need them in the summer.

You're doing pictures during sunset... and your bride is complaining about the bugs bitting?

Go into your bag and open up a pack of "OFF" wipes and ward off the mosquitoes.

It's a total, "I'm a pro" move and she will tell all your friends about how wonderful you are.

2) I have "HOT HANDS" in my bag.

Hunter's use them in the winter. They are singe use "heating pads" that fit in the palm of your hands.

Basically... you "crack" them open and it ignites heat.

In the winter... if your doing a shoot outdoors and your client is cold?

Say "hold on..." - then go to your bag's "emergency kit" and open up a "Hot Hand" packet.

They will love the warmth - and YOU? You are a total rock star.

And what about in the summer?

"Hot Hands" works just as well.

Your in a church for a wedding and the air conditioning is on max high?

Guess what happens when to your camera lens when you walk outside?

Yep. Your lens fogs up due to the difference between the cold inside and the hot outside.

The solution? Hot hands.

Break one open and warm up your lens pronto.

AND... more stuff from thought up by photographer Tim Byrne - www.timbyrnephoto.com

Bridesmaid repair: bobby pins, safety pins, Tide stick; roll of white medical adhesive tape, small scissors, Swiss Army Knife, small packs of Kleenex.  

Grooms men/parents: extra flower pins, clean/new handkerchief, ball point pens and 3x5 cards.

Stuff: small bottle of aspirin, “Portable Pepto” tabs for when the food lands wrong; about $10 in ones and change; maps for everything; small (but not too small) squeaky toys for kids; a couple of bottles of water; a plain bagel for my munchies.