Question from a photographer

Had a question I wanted to pose to you folks.

I have a contract that would have me taking photos of soldiers of different levels during training exercises for unit use. The last person I was told couldn't get his crap together and kept missing shots because he was fumbling with his gear and talking too much.

To not have to fumble with gear I had an idea of using a plate carrier and basically setting up a camera bag that I wear. This would put all of my gear "at the ready" but would bring a possible problem. The LAST thing I want to do is look like some kind of "wannabe." My goal is practicality. I know I'm bound to catch crap just because I'm the civilian.

So my question would be - If you were doing some sort of training, saw a photographer will all of his gear setup on a plate carrier - Is that something that might bring negative attention?

Thank you for any guidance you guys can provide.

[Guy]

Originally Posted by ImagesNC

The last person I was told couldn't get his crap together and kept missing shots because he was fumbling with his gear and talking too much.

Remember, you're not there too talk...

Use gear that serves no "single" purpose. Lowepro is what I've been carrying for years:

• MacBook Pro w/500GB SSD HD & 8GB Ram
• iPhone
• iPad
• iPod
• Canon DSLR T1i
• 1-tele/wide/standard/flash
• Bose Noise Canceling Headphones

And, the pics are NOT yours since, you'll be on a contract.

Originally Posted by Guy

Remember, you're not there too talk...

Use gear that serves no "single" purpose. Lowepro is what I've been carrying for years:

• MacBook Pro w/500GB SSD HD & 8GB Ram
• iPhone
• iPad
• iPod
• Canon DSLR T1i
• 1-tele/wide/standard/flash
• Bose Noise Canceling Headphones

And, the pics are NOT yours since, you'll be on a contract.

Understood 100% that the pics are not mine. I'm just thrilled to have been awarded the contract and am trying to avoid the issues that the previous civilian photog had.

My gear I will be carrying on these jobs:
Canon 5D III w/ 24-70 2.8
Canon 7D w/ 70-200 2.8 IS
Sigma 18-35 1.8
Canon 2x TC
Canon 1.7 tc
Canon 100-400


MANY batteries plus portable media backup system

What I've done is procured a basic coyote brown plate carrier from the local surplus store and a few pouches from Maxpedition and The Vest Guy. Both cameras I will be using weapons slings to keep them from banging together. Essentially the idea was to turn a plate carrier into a wearable camera bag where everything is easily accessible and there is no fumbling and missing shots. I've done one job already but that was in a non-outdoor setting with no movement.

I fully expect to catch some grief simply because I'm a civilian but am trying to avoid the "wannabe" tag as jobs will put me in close proximity to folks in the HS category. I want my shots to speak for themselves. I received some positive feedback on the idea from a retired QP. Said people might look at me funny at first but the effort made to be as practical and quick as possible should win out. The main piece of advice was dont speak unless spoken to.

Hope that made sense. I tend to ramble ALOT.

Thank you very much for the reply. The noise cancelling headphones idea have me wanting to head to a local store to procure electronic earpro so I can hear when needed.

[Guy]

Are you going to be stateside or overseas? Why the two cameras?

The headphones are for peace & quiet while, editing and selecting pics and/or ignoring people on flights.

BTW...I use a Photive Battery Grip for Canon EOS Rebel w/Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAs while carrying a few extra batteries which I've never needed.

I'm completely stateside here in Fayetteville.

No travel requirements have been laid out to me.

I use two cameras because shooting lots of movement; I fully expect to have to use two lenses. Don't want to ever be caught changing lenses and missing shots. If need be I have two 5d III's because of low light needs.

Does stink that I wont get any of my photos or even credit but hell - Knowing what the pictures are for and who might see them is enough for me.

I did receive some guidance about 20 minutes ago that if I do execute the plate carrier idea it should have a quick release. Had to look up what that was. Feel stupid lol

[Guy]

I'd bring every piece of equipment that I owned; just in case then!

I'm just an amateur photo person however, I'd leave the "militarization" of photographers to the professionals (cross thread points).

Do you get my above drift?