Beyond Gear: Must-Have Items for Commercial Photographers Recommended by Commercial Photographers

As photographers, our toolkit extends far beyond just lights and cameras. Our success hinges not only on technical prowess but also on the carefully curated collection of must-have items that accompany us on every set. So, we set out to interview 15 photographers to explore what miscellaneous items commercial photographers can’t go on set without – because sometimes, the smallest things make the biggest impact in capturing that perfect shot.

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1. A Good Breakfast

“My go-to is an egg sandwich with ham, spinach, mayo, and ketchup on whole wheat bread.” – Jason F. Vasquez

2. My iPad

“I use my iPad for everything. I might need to quickly refer to a sketch, check dietary restrictions or quickly send sketches back to a client.” – Megan Crist

3. Compression Socks

“Comrad makes great ones. Makes standing all day way easier.” – Mike Troast

4. Note-taking essentials

“A handy notebook, and a good sharpie.” – Dylan Stanley

5. Hot Sauce

“My kit bag has a mini bottle of Cholula, a mini bottle of tobacco, and packets of sriracha.” – Russ Heller

6. Water Bottle

My emotional support water bottle. – Rachel Thalia Fisher

7. A 7″ Reflector

“Lately, a simple 7″ reflector. It’s like an old-school lighting hack – the simplest, cheapest tool is sometimes the best.” –  Jim Lafferty

8. Universal Tripod Plate Screwdriver

“I have a drilled buffalo nickel on my key ring so I never leave home without it.”
– John Saponara

9. Comfortable Shoes

“I really like ON Cloudswift 3 AD.” – JD Closser

10. Breath Mints

“I always keep a toothbrush in my gear bag along with my favorite strong breath mints, Altoids or Altoids Minis.” – Iri Greco/ BrakeThrough Media

11. Work Ethic

“A good work ethic and respectful vibe.” – Antonio Fernando

12. Kind Bars

“Sometimes I get so focused on work I forget to eat. Having a few Kind bars on hand helps keep my energy level up throughout the whole day.” – Gina Risso

13. Duck Calls

“As an animal photographer, I rely on my duck calls frequently.” – Michelle Russ

14. Light Meter

“A lighting meter. I’m young but old school.” – Ashley Chappell

15. Birkenstocks

“A deposit, an agreement, and a pair of EVA Birkenstocks.” – Regan Wood

BONUS: A Smile

“You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” – Leila Sutton

As we wrap up this insightful journey into the essentials of a commercial photographer’s world, it’s clear that the term “must-have items” takes on a broader and more nuanced meaning. Beyond the lenses and lights, these unique additions bring a touch of individuality and practicality to each shoot, embodying the diverse stories and styles woven into the fabric of our craft. Here’s to the often-overlooked champions – the must-have items for commercial photographers – that silently contribute to the magic behind every captivating image. Cheers to the unsung heroes of our kits!