| Do you want to improve your photos with very little | | | | serves two purposes - one, it facilitates a connection |
| effort? Then consider adding some gadgets to your | | | | between you and the child, and two, it distracts the |
| basic photography kit. Gadgets range from simple, | | | | child and creates interest and expression on the child's |
| inexpensive, "dollar store" items to high end tripods. | | | | face that is genuine, interesting, and makes a beautiful |
| What each item has in common is that they are all | | | | image. |
| tools to help you, the photographer, take more | | | | Lens Paper: Also known as lens tissue. This is a small |
| imaginative, quality images with less effort. Be | | | | item that can mean the difference between a great |
| resourceful and assemble a camera kit that will take | | | | shot and an, "Oh, that's too bad" shot. Also, don't skimp |
| your images to the next level. | | | | on this item! Using an inappropriate paper, tissue, or |
| Close-Up Lens Set: Sometimes considered a set of | | | | cloth, can scratch your lens. |
| filters rather than lenses. Either way, this is a great little | | | | Vest: A photographer's vest is an important gadget to |
| gadget to keep in your camera case. They are much | | | | have. However, if you are on a budget and/or just |
| smaller than carrying several macro lenses, and much, | | | | starting out, it is possible to get a vest at almost half |
| less expensive. If you are just dabbling in photography, | | | | the cost. How? Look for a fishing vest and modify it to |
| are on a budget, don't want to carry around a lot of | | | | your personal needs. This is another subject that can |
| extra equipment that gets heavy, but want to | | | | have a more lengthy discussion in another article. |
| experiment with close-up photography, then I suggest | | | | Cheat Sheet: Cheat Sheets are little laminated cards |
| adding this item to your kit. I have taken some amazing | | | | sold in camera stores that distill the thick instruction |
| shots with this little item. | | | | books of specific camera models onto one small |
| Perfume Spray Bottle: These little refillable bottles are | | | | durable card. They are quick reference guides and |
| generally used to carry a small amount of perfume in | | | | store easily into your camera kit, or in a pocket of your |
| a ladies purse. They are purchased empty and | | | | photographer's vest. |
| sometimes come with a tiny funnel. Put water in the | | | | Stabilizer Strap: A stabilizer strap not only keeps your |
| bottle instead of perfume. When shooting outdoors, | | | | camera from flinging around during the time it is on |
| spray foliage, flowers, surfaces, etc. and get a beautiful | | | | your body, but not being used, it also distributes the |
| fresh glow to the subject. This adds interest as well as | | | | weight of the camera and is more comfortable on the |
| help with the lighting. | | | | neck and back. I highly recommend this item. |
| Zip-Close Storage Bags: These are another handy | | | | Emergency Poncho: Again, a non-traditional item in a |
| item to keep in your camera bag. Keep several | | | | non-traditional place. The mega-discount stores and |
| different sizes, such as snack, sandwich, quart, and | | | | dollar stores usually carry these disposable items for a |
| gallon. I even keep a two-gallon bag in my kit. They | | | | dollar or so. They are smaller than a deck of cards |
| can protect various size items in your kit from bad | | | | and easy to tuck into your camera bag. If you are out |
| weather as well as condensation. Keep them handy | | | | and about with your camera and get caught in a rain |
| for those extreme occasions. | | | | storm, this little item can save you hundreds of dollars |
| The "Happy Meal" Toy: This is a little trick I use to get | | | | in camera damage. |
| the best photos possible from uninterested children. It | | | | Multi-tool (Swiss Army Knife): This little tool packs a lot |
| doesn't have to be a "Happy Meal" toy, but just any | | | | of gadgets into one small item. It is an essential piece |
| little, inexpensive small toy that you can have in your | | | | of equipment to have in your camera kit. Items such |
| camera bag and give to a child who is not interested in | | | | as screwdriver, scissors, knife, pick, pliers come in |
| you, the photographer, or being photographed. This | | | | handy in the field. |