But first let me tear through all of the gear and see EXACTLY where I left it.
So maybe it’s time to get a bit more organized.
After finding files in various hard drives (hard drive crash, computer replaced, almost have everything back where it should be) we’re ready to tackle the hard goods in multiple places.
What we’re saying is, when you have your photo gear in cases, you want to know what’s in those cases.
Used to be with film cameras, there was a main bag with bodies and lenses. Perhaps some extra filters on a side pouch, and film rolls in the bag in the lid.
What happened?
Well, through the years, we gather things. And the digital world has required more items to enjoy the craft/art/hobby/profession of photography. Cables, batteries, chargers, card readers, laptops, CF cards, etc.

Then you need certain bags to hold gear for certain events. True that, but it starts to add up.

Now whenever you pack your gear, you have to know what to take.
Vacation requires one set up. Traveling to shoot for real, another.
Assignments call for full tilt plus back-ups. Each assignment calls for certain gear.
Wedding, Sports, Portraits, Events. All different needs

So how do you keep track of it all? yep, that’s the question I had to ask myself, when i couldn’t find that cable I KNEW I had, but had put in a bag from 2 outings before.

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Tags and semi-transparent bags. That’s is the conclusion.

The tags you can get from a stationary store like Staples, and they can be either the tie on or the key-ringed version, which we prefer. The bags you should hunt for.[photopress:m_v65768.jpg,full,centered]
Yes, baggies will work for the small things but we dig the mesh bags from Muji. Easy to see, consistent shape,
and zippered. Cost between 4.50 and 5.50 at Museum of Modern Art. And guess what?..they are recycled material. Muji is too cool.

Here’s how the organizing works:

Camera bodies live together in camera bags with their batteries as a standard.
Still have a Nikon D70 so that is in one bag with batts.
Nikon D200 is in another with it’s batts.

Each bag gets a tag with contents listed. Since it’s on the outside, you can see easily what you have. Add a date to the list and you’re current.

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All chargers stay with their power cords, adapters, and conversion plugs. A good idea is to use a label maker to name your chargers so you know what goes with what.

USB cords, video cables, photo transfer cables, go into another mesh bag.

All Apple stuff or PC Laptop goods (you know you have it) go into another bag. we’re talking iPod cords, power blocks, laptop output cables for video presentations.
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International power adapters into another: simple plugs, transformers, multi adapters.

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Card readers and cables plus USB multi plugs get their own home.

Now the mesh helps you see but the tags will set you free.
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Yes, we do keep a bag just for portable flash gear. On Camera strobes, Battery packs, chargers, stroboframe,
and some lighting hardware, albeit minor. So this real equipment bag gets a tag, also. Happens to be Lowepro Vertex.

All lighting gear is kept in a long rolling case. Always. Strobe packs, heads, cables, light stands, umbrellas and the little goods like clothepins, black foil, flex fill ( folding reflector) and holder, and of course Pocket Wizards.
This has wheels, travels right, and not much changes here. If I’m lighting, this comes with. It is a Tamrac.

OK, the bags get the tags and the mesh bags live in a simple corrugated box for storage. This allows for modular packing and, hopefully, keeping track of your gear. Mainly the little bits that will be needed.

Not on a shelf, no assistant to take care of it, but it must be done.

There is one main case that is always out and available. It holds all camera gear from the last gig, or the main gear. Cameras, key lenses, CF card wallet, Flash.
When I travel, this case, a ThinkTank Airport International, holds the main gear I can take on the plane. There is alway another bag packed with the other modules in the luggage to simplify, and carry on the back if need be, once I reach the destination. Then I go into the modules to build it out right.
Whether it’s a walk around town, or an immediate real shoot, I’m ready. And I know I have that cable I was searching for before.

Remember to take all essential (like that charger) onto the plane with you. If luggage is lost, you won’t be.

Getting a little DIY on ya here, but it all comes out of need.

How do you organize your gear?
No really, we want to know. All good ideas are to be shared.