Accessories for Nature Photographers
You always see photographers listing all their preferred camera gear. But you do not see many posts on the accessories that you might want to consider owning. Below I have listed off all my preferred accessories you will find in my bag.
GPS and satellite communication system - I always have my Garmin inReach Mini. It offers me the capability of two way messaging, Interactive SOS alerts, and location sharing. Find it on Amazon
Photographer's Ephemeris - TPE is a downloadable app for your phone or tablet. It helps you plan outdoor photography in natural light. It will allow you to see how the light will fall on the land, day or night, for any location on earth. View it online
Headlamp – For night photography. It must have both red and white lights (preferably on separate switches), and be see dimmable.
Binoculars - I have the Gosky 10x42 Roof Prism Binoculars. When you are looking for wildlife I like to keep these handy to help me see the wildlife before they see, or smell me. Find it on Amazon
Pocket Knife - I always carry the 8inch Smith & Wesson® Black Coated Extreme OPS Knife. You never know when you are going to need a knife when you are out in the wild.
Photographer’s Blind – I have the Rhino R75 2 Person Hunting Ground Blind. It has a 66" center height with floor space 60" x 60" Find it on Amazon
First Aid Kit - I carry a first aid kit with an assortment of bandages, splints, electrolytes, medication, and water purification tablets.
Reusable water bottle - I never take a plastic water bottle out into nature. I prefer to use my favourite YETI reusable mug. View it on Amazon
Fuel for the body - before I depart out into the field I pack snacks. Dried fruit, beef jerky, and energy bars are a sufficient food source to bring with you.
Lens wipes - I always have an assortment of alcoholic and dry lens wipes. View it on Amazon
Lens Wraps - I purchase Lenscoat wraps for all my lenses. It’s not for camouflage. It’s for protecting my investment. I will want to trade-in or sell the lens at some point. Protecting the lens increases resale value. View online
Sensor Cleaning Kit – I own the Eyelead SCK-1 Sensor Cleaning Kit. A very easy to use method of cleaning your sensors without liquid. View it on Amazon
Rain cover - You never know what the weather will do. I always have me Lenscoat Raincoat RS in my bag in case I need to cover my camera and keep it dry. View it online
Bean bags - I use refillable bean bags. I use them as a brace when I am shooting out the window of a vehicle. I use them to lay my lens on when I am laying on the ground. I also always use them when I am on safari. View it online
I have the Anker PowerCore II 20000 portable charger for keeping my iPhone, inReach, or camera batteries charged. This is the perfect combination with the next item. Find it on Amazon
Newmowa Dual USB Charger for Nikon EN-EL15 batteries. This will plug into my Anker PowerCore if I need a charge out in the field. They are also currently available for Sony, Fuji and Canon batteries. Find it on Amazon
Back-Up ID – For international trips, in case you lose your passport or driver’s license. A photo of your passport and driver's license is a must, plus another form of ID like a birth certificate or insurance papers. You may also want to have emergency contact information.
External Hard Drive - I carry two Samsung 2TB T5 Portable Drive: 2TB Capacity, USB 3.1 Type-C and Type-A Connections, Up to 540 MB/s Data TransferCash on hand - This seemed like a good place for this advice. You are headed to remote areas, credit and debit cards are not always accepted. I always travel with $250USD worth of local currency on me wherever I travel. Find it on Amazon
Gaffer Tape – If duct tape is the homeowner’s best friend, Gaffer tape is the photographer’s equivalent. It’s like a repair kit and an extra set of hands all on one roll.
Power Strip – Hotel rooms don’t always have enough outlets, so bring a travel power strip.
Chemical hand warmers in the winter – With extended lengths of time you will be outside in the winter, I suggest chemical hand warmers. Pack them in your checked bag and do not carry them on with you. I would suggest only using them in your mittens. Do not use inside your boots as it will cause excessive sweating. For best results, it is suggested to put inside your liner glove on the back of your hand. This will keep the blood flowing to your fingers warm. View it on Amazon
Toilet Paper – How many times have you been out in nature for hours and realized that you did not bring toilet paper?
Covid-19 Supplies – In the new world of Covid-19 I will have two or three face masks packed in my camera bag along with a small bottle of hand sanitizer. You never know what the local regulations will be in regards to these items. It's better to be safe than sorry.
I hope you picked up a few ideas to put in your bag before your next trip.