What do you take with you when you go out on a photography trip? I guess this depends on what you are going out for in the first place and how long you are going to be there.

I find that I take my camera most places and some of my most valuable images have been caught whilst on shopping trips. I love getting impromptu shots especially of people.

There are always plenty of people around near where I live together with a number of different street events happening. This is a great opportunity for good images.

Consequently, I don’t need to lug a heavy tripod around and don’t have the need for several flashy lenses.

My “everyday” bag consists of:

My digital camera fitted with 18 – 55mm lens and built-in flash, a skylight and polarising filter, lens cloth, memory card (and spare), fully charged battery (and spare), a small torch, notepad and pen.

It’s not much and is easily portable. There are few scenarios that require more equipment. I travel light and reap the benefits of frequent photo opportunities.

Over the years I have found that because my camera is with me most of the time, it is like I am always on a permanent photography trip. Image opportunities that arise out of the blue can be captured easily because my camera is never far away.

Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com.

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