Event photography broke me down, this built me back up. 

My essential event gear: Black Skechers Go Walks (I have a pinched nerve in my foot). OpTech/USA Double Sling. Slinger BigBag Simple 15 rolling backpack and Alpine 200 photo backpack. Utility belt with pouches for 2 lenses, 2 batteries, and one flash.

Regarding shoes. Before you buy your next pair, learn how to use a Brannock it’s the foot measuring device, there’s more to it than just where your toes extend.

I just bought a pair of ugly Hokas and love them. It's good, I don't care what I look like when out in public.

Words of wisdom 🙂 It is good to see you in great shape, maybe I have never seen you so relaxed (rested) in any of your videos! I haven’t tried any type of yoga, but even Dave Goggins praises it.

Omg I can really relate to this! At 40 and being active whole life suddenly the joint pain can only be mitigated with stretching and yoga. Thanks for this post. Super relatable! And I hear ya about ugly shoes. I haven’t solved that yet.

I retired the Tamarac Bag a long time ago. I have worked as a photojournalist and event photographer since 1983. I use a combo of a Seahorse camera case(which has wheels) and a photo vest.

Yeah I was wondering how you were on your feet for hours on those chucks! Glad you made the change and feeling much better for it, along with your other changes. I should try yoga as my 9-5 has me crouched over a keyboard all day. I’m a hobbyist and I used to be a pack mule and dragging along everything I own too, until I woke up to myself and realized I hardly used any of the stuff I brought.

Awesome changes 👏, I suggest reducing the amount of stuff you carry around so your shoulders don't get the best of you. Thanks for suggesting Yoga & the boots most especially.

Maybe it's time to try APS-C.

Thanks, Something in return for everything, I share my story: I did give up on sugar and gluten while i was in the army and i could endure more hours on my feet. Silicone soles in my boots helped a bit but not as much as giving up gluten. Lately, i had elbow pain and i found i was having tennis elbow, look for exercises for tennis elbow to strengthen the muscle and have no pain again. Other than this, i have back pain if i hold my hands in front of me for a long period of time, so i need to find some exercises to combat this, i think romboids muscles are the cause. Talking of gear, i use crop sensor with a 16-80 mm lens and a flash. I see no need to carry so much weights on my back, but if needed i would put some gear on my waist or lateral of my legs. Jogging makes me feel easy. All the best!

I mostly shoot sports. I walk for exercise everyday so I don’t feel tired being on my feet. But when I can I use a collapsible stool. I have different bags that I use. I try to carry the smallest bag possible. This year I’m down to a Canon R6II and a 1Dx. I almost always use just two lens a medium zoom and a large telephoto. At the end of the year I’ll probably get a R3 to replace the 1Dx. For shoes, I use Converse and Vans. Or might use Solavair, they are better Docs. But I never use the same shoes two days in a row.😊

Check out Cole Haan shoes. Especially one they make called ‘zerogrande’ which are constructed like a sneaker but you can totally suit up. They’re more expensive but you won’t believe how comfortable they are

I've got the Hokas for running, but I never take them off!

Mik, thank you so much for this. I am going through a body rebuilding. lol I experienced tendonitis in my right arm and it seem no matter where I go, I also bang my elbow against a wall, door, etc. The dark side is against me. Although, I eat a plant based diet, my downfall is sugar. I am taking it out of my diet , and looking to do some yoga. I have a friend who teaches it. I also am looking into a chiropractor, just to round things out. I have my first big conference in July and this could be the worst time for my body to breakdown. Did the yoga help your tendonitis? Anyway, keep doing what you're doing! Peace!

i had a light case of plantar fasciitis after failing my first marathon and seen a pediatrician. They recommended a custom insole but i ended up getting powerstep pinnacles insoles. GAME CHANGER fam. I pretty much dont have that pain anymore. Love your videos brotha

7 months later, did you get rid of the bag? The Hoka is amazing.

Purchased my first pair of Cons in 1964 when they were $8 and still have my last Made in USA ones. I purchased the exact same black Hoka sneakers prior to watching your video. You are 100% correct that they are a game changer. They say brilliant minds think alike, however, I wish my flash photography was as brilliant as yours. Your videos are easy to understand and quite helpful, so I am now your newest subscriber.

I spent many years working on hard surfaces and I heeded advice from a friend of a podiatrist. Have two or three pairs of work shoes in your closet and rotate them daily. The shoes will last much longer, and your feet and knees will take less wear and tear. I used what my sons called "dad shoes" or referee black walking/hiking shoes. I've had those event days when I spend 6-8 hours on my feet, in a suit and I have a set of Allen Edmonds dress oxfords that I paid about $300 for in 2005. I use the now about 5 times in a month for my day job, and for events. I can tell these shoes are great as I get home after a day on my feet, and my feet are feel no worse for the wear. Quality shoes are worth the price. Oh, and stop eating crap, you'll feel better!

Wearing through shoes every few months here and time to upgrade. I can't find that exact model of Hokas...what's the model name?

my body has been progressively breaking down over the years as well due to age and photography gigs. id have ankle tendonitis for weeks after a 15 hour shoot, my back would feel like it was made of crackers and ready to break any minute, shoulder pain, etc. as illogical as it seems, now have a few pair of alden boots tht i wear for my shoots. at first i wore it for the style of course, but my body and feet feel a lot less pain during and after the shoots. expensive, but worth every penny to me. extremely comfortable, i rarely ever notice theyre there unless i want to look at how good they look haha. leather soles are the most comfortable for me, unless i know im working on tile most of the day. i use a suitcase roller when im carrying a lot of gear. the roller was expensive but it has a no questions asked lifetime warranty and ive gone through enough lowepros where the company wont stand by their warranty for some stupid bs reason. just get a padded compartment cube and insert it into the suitcase. as for diet, ive recently changed my diet to a more plant-based diet and i only eat meat very occassionally. its provided immediate benefits to my energy levels and being able to focus. ive always wanted to get into yoga, now may be a good time for me after watching this vid.