As a professional photographer I speak from experience! We need to always have several things on hand for when those surprises come our way. Being prepared will not only ease your nerves but it will calm your clients who are needing this help, knowing you are prepared shows them you have thought through their session and care about them.
So let’s get to packing your Photographers Emergency Kit.
1- Scotch-Brite™ 50% Stickier Lint Roller (+ bonus sheets! woohoo): This has been the BEST item I have in my kit, why? For the moment that your clients get out of the car and realize all of their pet hair on their pants or the kids were playing and somehow have now gotten dust and glitter all over their outfits. Have no fear you’ve got this with a handy lint roller!!! It’s perfect for the prop chairs you need to clean up quickly, the blanket that has dirt on it or the clothes that need a quick cleaning up! IT’s GREAT for large picking up large debris such as pet hair & drums and since it’s 50% more adhesive it grabs more than just the typical lint/hair. I found these at Walmart (in the cleaning aisle) so go grab yours so you’re ready when you need to be!!! OOOHHHHH and I love the Scotch-Brite™ Printed Lint Roller ones too, for a little bit of cuteness and creativity to life and a BONUS the print is on EVERY sheet!!!
2- Candy: This works EVERY TIME for those littles that are having melt downs. Not only is it a bribing tool but the plus side to hard candy is it leaves no sign (especially a smartie type candy) that they have enjoyed it…you know like other candies that melt or they drool blue because of the candy…or how about their tongue is permanently red for the next three hours, yes that kind of candy…AVOID it!
3- Water: You’ll get thirsty! Have water on hand mainly for you as the photographer but you never know when you’ll have a client that truly needs it as well. I’ve shot weddings before were a member of the wedding party had a head ache had to take medicine and needed water…I impressed them with a brand new water bottle in my bag!!
4- Pony Tail Holder: Not for hair…for those outfits that mom didn’t try on the little BEFORE The session, that are HUGE…wa-la you can tie it back! Some will even bring a clothes pin for this same idea!
5- Safety Pins: Again can become your best friend, when a strap on a dress pops or a zipper breaks…these will do the trick every time!
6- Plastic Bag: YES! I have had to lay these down MANY a time for someone to sit on during a session, with a blanket over it of course. When the ground is wet but you need a little one to sit down, this is GREAT! Plus as anything it has multiple uses if you need to get creative.
7- Wipes: For those messy faces, messy hands or unexpected muddy spots. Wipes are a MUST!!!!
8- Snack: Bring a snack for yourself. Sometimes you end up shooting longer than expected and if you are in between outfits or locations, you may need a little burst of energy. I have found nuts/granola mix/bar or protein bars are the BEST option for me.
9- Bubbles: Non messy and the perfect tool that brings happiness to little and old! I always keep these hid and pull them out only if necessary! Not only do they make everyone happy, they can really make some sweet pictures if captured just right!
Most all of these can fit into your camera bag (although you don’t need it ALL in there, just take along what is necessary while you’re away from your car). Keep this in a basket or bag in your car and you’re set!
What else should I add to my emergency kit that I haven’t thought about?
Michelle says
I love this idea. I try to do a shoot with my kids a couple times a year, and this would be so helpful! #client
Mary Colyer says
Kleenex, I always have it. Pure joy in a mom’s smile when I hand her the mini package!