How do you store your photography gear? If you are a photography enthusiast, you probably have invested in various cameras, lenses, accessories, and memory cards. You want to keep them safe, organized, and accessible, but you also don't want to clutter your space or damage your equipment. Here are some tips on how to store your photography gear properly and efficiently.
The first step is to choose a bag or case that fits your gear and your needs. You can opt for a backpack, a shoulder bag, a rolling case, or a hard case, depending on how much you travel, how often you use your gear, and how much protection you want. Look for a bag or case that has padded compartments, adjustable dividers, water resistance, and security features. You can also use inserts or pouches to organize your smaller items, such as batteries, filters, and cables.
I love the pelican cases as they are practically indestructible. The foam dividers are great for sectioning off lenses and flashes when you're mobile.
I have two types of camera cases - a backpack and a wheeled case. Both come in handy in different scenarios. When I know I will be walking around a lot for a photo session, I will carry the backpack. When I am carrying a lot of kit, but will be stationary during a session, I will opt for the wheeled case. I have found myself carrying both on some occasions.
Before you store your gear, make sure to clean and dry it thoroughly. Dust, dirt, moisture, and fingerprints can damage your lenses, sensors, and electronics over time. Use a soft cloth, a blower, a brush, and a lens cleaner to wipe off any debris or stains. Avoid using compressed air or harsh chemicals, as they can harm your gear. Also, remove the batteries from your camera and flash, and store them separately in a cool and dry place. This will prevent corrosion and leakage.
Cleaning lenses and cameras is essential for producing quality images consistently. Most if not all the major camera makers offer some form of maintenance programs and it would behoove you to look into joining one. The fee is usually nominal.
The next step is to store your gear in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. Extreme temperatures and moisture can cause condensation, fungus, mold, and rust on your gear. You can use silica gel packets, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to control the humidity level. You can also use plastic bags or containers with tight lids to seal your gear from dust and moisture. However, do not store your gear in airtight containers for too long, as they can trap moisture and gases.
I tend to keep the silica gel pouches that come in new gear. This is also a good/free way to keep my gear moisture-free. So never throw those away unless the pouch they are stored in has split.
Another tip is to organize your gear by category and frequency of use. You can group your gear by type, such as cameras, lenses, flashes, tripods, and filters. You can also label your gear with tags, stickers, or markers to identify them easily. You can also arrange your gear by how often you use them, such as daily, weekly, monthly, or rarely. This will help you find your gear quickly and efficiently, and also avoid unnecessary clutter and weight.
If you have a studio space you can get a lot of organizational ideas from Pinterest. The materials used to keep things organized can range in price from free to really expensive. Just try to focus on what you need to keep things in a place that you'll be able to quickly and efficiently access while working.
The last tip is to check and maintain your gear regularly, even if you do not use them often. You should inspect your gear for any signs of damage, wear, or malfunction, such as scratches, cracks, dents, or loose parts. You should also test your gear for any issues with performance, such as focus, exposure, or color accuracy. You should also clean your gear periodically to remove any dust or dirt that may accumulate over time. By checking and maintaining your gear regularly, you can extend their lifespan and quality.
I clean my gear right after a beach shoot even if I didn't go in the water. I wipe the surfaces with a soft lint-free cloth dampened with freshwater since saltwater and electronics simply don't go very well together. I worked for a commercial/residential lighting store and we sold fixtures that were specifically made for beachfront locations because of the salt content in the air. It may or may not matter, but I'd rather be on the safe side especially for tools I use for work.