What Beginner Photographers Should Buy. 

As a long-time viewer, I find it necessary to point out that you only acknowledged one out of forty-seven camera bags.

I love how this started as “things to keep you out longer” and ended up at “I’m afraid to delete photos”. We love you James :)

I'm a big fan of the afternoon nap. I find that if I plan at least a half hour nap around 1pm I feel regenerated and can stay out longer. Not sure if it's my age or just a habit, but I do find that it helps.

Yup, storage episode with system, logic and set up would be an awesome addition. I wonder, which cloud is the best for a photographer...

I love deleting photos! It's part of my process as a digital cleanse!

An extra pair of dry socks usually comes in handy.

"There's not much we need as photographers" ...me looking over at the thousands of dollars in lenses, bodies, lighting, and rigging I've bought :(

Definitely do a video on your storage set up!

My peak design clip is one of my favorite accessoiries because I get to have my hands free while hiking without the camera dangeling from my hip :)

Very useful photography item in my opinion: microfiber cleaning cloth. Always handy to have around to clean lenses (and/or glasses) and they're re-usable! :-)

I am a amateur photographer and a podiatrist! Great shout out for our profession! James always brightens my day…Just as he says Barefoot shoe are great, as are stiffer sole shoes with a supportive cushioning insole. Walking boots for those hills, a sturdy walking trainer for cities and gentle walks - hoka / brooks/ ASICS are all good choices. choose Sketchers with care - not too soft and bendy, as not enough support. Any foot or leg pain - see a podiatrist!

Shoes are number one for me. I used to wear memory foam trainers, thinking they would be comfortable, but in fact walking boots are much more comfortable for 3 or 4 hours walking around.

I've just moved to barefoot shoes and boots and they've been a total gamechanger for me. Saquaro barefoot shoes are superb value for money and their waterproof hiking boots offer me the grip and security for coming down hills that every other boot I've owned has failed to.

Peak design clip on the belt. Camera can't take photos in the bag but it also can't take photos if you drop it off a cliff or into the ocean or is getting stolen and sometimes you need to attach it to your body to free your hand.

Amateur here. Big thumbs up to the shoe comment. I also find lens cap leashes to be a game changer for the simple reason that if I'm not anxious about losing my lens cap, I'll take more photos. If you can find the ones with a loop instead of the sticky kind that's a plus. The sticky kind are a bit hit or miss with actually staying on the lens cap.

Makes me feel better that you never delete photos either, I'm exactly the same way about it. Some people are super judgy about it but my pictures are precious to me, that's why I take them in the first place! Would love a video dedicated to your storage setup.

Loved to hear your point about taking notes on a notepad to avoid any distractions from your phone, that's actually what got me into photography in the first instance. I really disliked keeping my phone out to take photos and finding i was always distracted by it. So i picked up a point and shoot 7 years ago, fast forward to today I'm obsessed with my aspc system and can't get enough photography content.

James , I thought I was crazy for keeping all my raw files ... but going back to my African pics from 2021 for RU-vid has made me a believer in saving since I have found shots that I totally forgot about ...and as my editing skills improve have turned into amazing "keepers" . Nice Video see you soon ! Cheers !

My top things and Im a very experienced trekker 1 Northface goretex shoes (goretex) NORTH FACE are the BOM 2 Epirb as a safety device 3 Food,,,,yes carry lots of bars 4 Goretex jacket (North face) 5 Wrist strap so you can just walk with it attached to your wrist ....burn your neck strap NOW!!! 6 Pannadol - if you get a headache 7 Getting fit does help and yes I gym a bit 8 small first aid kit 9 Tell someone where you're going ...always and when you're coming back 10 lots of water! I've always said its not bad weather its just the wrong choice of clothing (the 5 Ps)...piss poor preparation = poor performance

A little First Aid kit can keep you going instead of bleeding all over your gear (been there, done that) or going home for treatment. I carry J&J knuckle bands ( they're large and flexible) and antibiotic cream.

Brilliantly simple and simply brilliant!

Yes please do a video on best way to upload to Mac and storage etc etc

You should try bone conduction headphones. Specifically the neanka runner diver pro or pro 2. I used them in my daily life all the time. Specifically to listen to music while still hearing everything going on in my environment. That way I can make sure I stay safe while being outdoors or in swamps/woods/beach. The runner diver pros are water resistant and can be used to swim with or in the ocean. They also have a built-in mp3 player that will allow you to put music on so you don't have to bring your phone with you or use your battery. My friend uses them to go snorkeling and record footage of fish. The battery's also last for 12 hours.

I agree with you on not deleting. Takes too much time to go through. I don't delete my cards either. Once full I buy a new one.

There are two things in life that you must have, one is a decent pair of shoes and the other is a decent bed, the chances are if you are not in one you will most certainly be in the other! Yes if you are interested in photography then a camera will help and if most of your pictures only get as far as social media then a camera/phone will do! Thanks for all those tips James, oh I forgot I bought my camera bag in Spain it cost 5euro from a street market it holds just one camera with lens attached.... and you was right a camera is no good in a bag...thanks for that tip......take care.....

Nice short video. I recently picked up the 6L peak sling just for this purpose. I also got the clutch so the camera is easier to keep in my hand. The one I had not considered is the sensor swab! I will add that to the kit. Thanks James.

got unreasonably excited when i saw you use the same powerbank I do. That thing is incredible

My greatest memories from travels are from times I put my camera away (for any reason). There's more than life through a lens.

Enjoyed your video thanks for posting 👍

When it comes to straps the awesome thing is that they are super easy to make yourself. I find rope straps good for my medium format, but for 35mm slr I found that 8mm rubber robe is best.

a video on storage would be great actually. i've been looking round for a good cloud backup storage solution to my physical backups but i just keep getting confused and giving up

Hi Jame, Great content, Keep it up !

Less is more. Good reminder James. My gear: best hiking boots, 1 camera body, with cage (so I can pick-up and use camera handheld), 2 lenses, 1 extra battery, basic cleaning kit, filters - maybe, 1 extra SD card, mono or tripod, and water; for close to home trips. That's it. Cheers to you and the wee clan.

I would add: 1. A hat to avoid sunburn and to shield lens to prevent flare, and 2. A mini-tripod you can put in a jacket pocket for those shots where you might want to capture some motion or put yourself in the frame. I have an Ultrapod with a Velcro strap you can use to mount it to small trees/poles and carry on your belt. It also fits easily in the Peak Design pouch.

I'm brutal at deleting images. If it's not good enough to print and put on my wall, it gets deleted. I could see the benefit of keeping photos if I made composites using parts of other photos. But I don't. So, to me, there's no need to keep a poor photo. I'll probably regret it one day.

Definitely interested in a video on storage!

This was actually super interesting and useful, very much like. I'd love to see a video on storage management.

A really thought-provoking video. I have osteoarthritis and ache ...well, all-over really and carry far too much gear...so that is definitely being culled.

Oh man, your struggle with the paediatrician/podiatrist choice of words cracked me up! Always enjoy your videos, James.

+1 on shoes that are comfortable for an extended period of time, and replacing them ASAP when they stop giving that long term comfort. I'm sure it was an oversight, but you never mentioned food. I always like to take some energy bars (Hornby or Clif are my favorites), and at least a liter of water.

Yes - please do a vid on storage!

All good advice. My camera backpack has recently been replaced by a 3 litre military waist bag. It means I need to carry the camera in my hand, but all my other gear needs to be the bare minimum. My back appreciates that very much. One thing I started using recently is a GPS tracker app with a GPX export capability to geotag my images.

I agree with the notebook! But I'd also suggest culling most notification and/or turning on DND by default (with the appropriate settings configured if you want to allow certain contacts to get through immediately.)

I always carry a SmallRig folding tool set for tightening those things that always loosen while out.

For the headphones you use in ears, but I prefer on ears headphones. The one I use are the Tozo openbuds. They are great. When going out I still can hear the surroundings and they are very light and great sound. Give it an try and then love them. 🙂

Thanks for all these tips and good advice. I have noticed that the older I get the weight carrying issue is becoming a real problem. I know what you mean about not deleting images. I can't do it either, and so have lots of portable storage units. A video on your storage systems would be really helpful and interesting some time in the future, when the rain stops play.

James at about the six-minute mark you said you made a point about looking at a vista thinking you need a long lens but there being plenty of other shots at wider focal lengths you just need to look for them... would love a video on exactly that.

Looking forward to the episode about storage. I have the same issue with old photographs keeping everything. Would love to know what process you use for your NAS, your mobile storage and off-site back up.

The goat strikes again!

Yes please do the storage video 🙏🏻🙏🏻🎉

The advice not to take a whole multitude of lenses on your photo hikes is actually a recommendation to take one single "super-zoom" along with you. How about a 24-600mm? Would be nice to have, wouldn't it? Unfortunately, this is no such animal in the zoo for FF or MFT. But for 1" there is. Built in. This is why I am on a bridge - the Sony RX10iv. That, plus an ND filter and a polarization filter and I'm done. Well, almost. I also have a couple of cables, a few batteries and a +3 diopter achromat to get in closer to the motive at the long end of the zoom. Apart from that, I have some extra flash stuff, soft light reflector, etc. But not on hikes.

As a Podiatrist I would warn older photographers who have reduced cushioning on the balls of their own feet, that walking uneven and hard surfaces for any extended periods of time. Footware with less or reduced insole cushioning and footwear with thinner soles you will find your feet will get painful quite quickly. I have looked at vibobarefoot footware on several occasions and I think I will personally take the plunge at some time soon. I delete shots from a shoot that definitely do not work and not worth editing. So they have to go in the bin. Just tried to trade in a Shimoda camera bag in the UK and no one takes them, or I have to pay the carriage. Great bags, but worthless secondhand in the UK.

Hat. Baseball cap. Rain, snow and sun. Socks, comfortable. Shoes…yes! Work vest, for all the odd bits. Rain coat of sorts…proper clothing for the day. Maybe wind and water “proof” to maintain the urge to shoot. All the other stuff. Communication to the world (appropriate). Broken leg can be a problem. GPS to locate your way to the car park? Or find you I eventually will get found.

I delete photos when i am sure they are junk. If i look in the future i will not miss it since i don't remember about it

I've started wearing UPF goodies from Northbound Gear and I can't recommend them enough. They keep me cool and dry and keep the sun off of me, which means I'm far more likely to stay outside.

Good advices, I am a bit opposite on some of the things you mentioned. I carry most of my lenses with me because I have a very curious and wide interest in photography types so I do carry my macro lens and flash with a diffuser, I do carry at least one telephoto/super-telephoto with me because wildlife is my main interest and I will have a standard fast zoom and/or a fast prime for landscape or portraits of my dog if she's with me. I pack either my backpack if it's a long hike or my most used bag: the Crumpler Quick Escape 800 which fits most of my stuff in and on my hip or on my back I do have my Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 with me and listen to music 99% of the time (though if I focus on wildlife I will have 10-20% volume with sound passthrough) because I need them to manage my anxiety and absolutely mandatory if I am around people/in the city, else I would have a panic attack within the hour. I hate camera straps and never wear them, but I have become used to having a hand strap and I started using the Falcam one because it's magnetically detachable a very quick release and the strap itself can loop around my wrist and has a magnetic point where the lock stays attached like an wrist band. I don't travel far to need a large power bank (though I would get one when I can afford to travel) but I do have and use VERY often an Anker Nano Power Bank that has a built-in (pull-out) USB-C connector and it so small that it fits my Olympus OM-1 and it charges my camera while I use it, it doesn't even affect the balance of the camera because it's pretty light too. It doesn't give me a full charge but it can get me a couple of hours extra of shooting if I run low (as I am still on only one OEM battery). I imagine it would work just as fine with a Sony aX camera and they go for only 30 £ a pop on Amazon, I would get more than one and have spares in every bag. I used to keep all my images for years (but I did lose about 5 years at the start of my photography from a failed HDD with no backups, couldn't afford spares) but I have started to not keep images that have little or no value so I delete most of the images but the ones I want to keep. It has trimmed my library from tens of thousands of images to a few thousand over the last 5 years. Images that I do shoot for someone that asked me or paid for I do keep all of them.

"Take less stuff" Not me considering takling an RZ67 on a hike

Have you ever had a SD card fail and you lost all your work? I'm having the dilemma of a lifetime right now on which camera to buy. Not sure if I'll regret the Sony 6700 when I start doing client work and personal RU-vid content.

Hello James, I like you philosophy's about very practical and useful conditions for photography. Very professional. Thanks for sharing your insights. Bert.

I know it's just a bit of a joke online (about British people mostly) but thank you for saying "bottle of water" at 4:14

Would def love to hear about your storage workflow. I have a NAS, a few ssds and such but it can be … overwhelming at times to get it all straight

9:18 RE: Note Book. Another suggestion would be a small digital Dictaphone instead of a notebook, that way you can just speak into it & listen back later (maybe while editing your photos).

On stormy days, don't forget rain gear for one's self and camera.

Love your content man! And since we talk "gear" in this vid, do you still use the X-Pro 3?

Hello James. I'm really glad you mentioned Etsy and camera straps, because I realised today that I need another camera strap. At the moment (well, ever since I started photography actually) I've used a neck strap. But just today I realised just how much my neck and shoulders were aching just carrying the damn thing! So maybe a wrist strap is the solution.

good stuff dude! to summarize i think? shop around and find what you want at the moment lol. and you will likely evolve in your bag needs. bags are great

Meanwhile: I'm praying for my drives to catch fire so I don't need to organise my files. Anything I was feeling at the time I've already published.

My usual comment: Has to be a great day when James Popsys puts out a new video.

For me, I finally arrived at carrying a very lightweight backpack instead of a sling bag. It's not camera designed, but actually a camelback without the bladder that was sitting in my closet for a decade. It has outside pockets for my water bottle which I previously didn't carry but it's important now (and I can't stand the camelback bladder thingies). I can throw my camera in the main compartment if necessary and I'm stopping for a meal, for example. And maybe one additional lens (or none) with some protective pocket thing, and a couple of batteries although one usually goes into my pants pocket. Plenty of room for a sweater (or jumper if you prefer) or extra shirt, if necessary. For travel, a camera backpack that has room for the necessities like snacks. Again, maybe one additional lens. That leaves at least six bags on my shelf...

I just found you and I love you. I feel seen.

Do a whole video on storage, yes, please!

Honestly refreshing to hear someone who wears barefoot shoes basically say "I'm not a podiatrist, I just like them"

It would be so awesome if Emily started responded when you say stuff like, ‘it’s ok; Emily won’t watch this.”

Super small note: Those Lacie "rugged" drives are garbage. I dropped mine from 2 feet off the ground and now it skips and won't read. It happened last month and I'm still upset about it

All very sensible suggestions, James. May I ask, what length of rope camera strap do you use, I assume short, 70mm'ish by the way you fold it into a wrist strap ? Thanks.

I am a deleter. regularly. the option exists on most storage systems to recover things either accidentally deleted, or that one has had second thoughts about. also. every time you back the 'puter up whatever is on there is there. on the backup. a perfect time to free up space, *should you need to*. (given storage these days though, space is no loner the final frontier)

Maybe a pen to write in your notebook 😂😂😂. Fascinating video as per usual, really like your minimalist approach.

So my way of dealing with anxiety about file loss is... I have an active sd card for each camera, from which I don't delete anything. (I have separate ones for video recording so it doesn't clog up, run out of space at inconvenient moments). Once the card is full, I use a new card. Filter process - I currently import everything into lightroom cloud (although I'm planning on introducing some culling software into the mix very soon) - I then star rate everything, but anything with missed focus gets rejected. - I then go through starting at 5 reducing down to 1, doing some initial edits to see if the photo "makes me happy", which gets chosen, or rejected depending. - When I need to clean out my cloud library, I go to a year thats been sorted, I delete everything rejected nostar, and export everything rejected with star via lightroom classic into a year's catalogue, and delete from the main synced library. I also have my cloud library synced to a local ssd. I have a server running truenas (so it uses zfs, and so should be more resistant to bitrot), everything that makes it through the first filter is backed up here)

please do a storage and saving cycle video

What would you say is the most important for someone on the budget? Should we invest in a good body, lens or decent laptop to edit pictures on?

I've had many instances where photos that were nothing around the time I took them, suddenly make sense alongside something current. Now, I only really started photography proper 9 months ago, so nothing is great, let's be honest. But if that can happen now, how important could it be to save everything over even just 4 or 5 years, let alone longer! Storage is cheap, and USE KEYWORDS.

Storage is pretty cheap nowadays. I copy the card to the hard drive, delete anything unsatisfactory (e.g. bird wings, head or tail cut off, blurry, blank sky or ground). Import rest into lightroom and keep forever. I tag photos with type of bird or specific subject matter and geotag any that i might not recognize location. Makes searching among 100000 images pretty easy.

my camera bag is for when I don't want my camera to be stolen 👍

I hope you do a video on Storage. I am always picking brains on how to orginize my images. I also store 99.9% of what I snap. I have a web server in my house and a NAS that I built and both backup to my dad's house nightly with a script I wrote years ago. I accidently erased one of my big (for me big is 5tb :) external drives .. Luckily it had just backed up the night before, so it was pretty good to restore .. I also do not use MS or Apple software (why would I? My degree is in IT Security, I kind of know about those two companies :) ). Great vid, hope the wife doesn't see your dirty shoes (I like to wear Topo hiking boots - great big toe-box, little, tiny price tag, and wonderful heal support for walking along the side's of hills/trails).

For some reason your channel is a stress reliever for me... And nice to see another human being whose mind goes all over the place with photography. Yes - better to stay out longer. I have certainly found that the photos taken in the first hour at any location are the worst. Things improve after that. Maybe it's because you exhaust those things that make obvious subjects for photos. Plus the light may not be right for those subjects and you make a mental note to return at a different time/season/etc (and do you ever follow up on that?). But after that, maybe sit in the location and have a sandwich, and then look again. That's when you notice the not so obvious, or the strange thing that person is doing, or the contrast in colour of that poster with the background, or even the amazing caterpillar that tried to crawl over your shoe...

Where's your hoodie from James? Love it.

When I taught photography in the late 80s students would turn up with their cameras in leatherette ‘ eveready’ cases. I told them all they were actually neveready cases.

I have a very small bag that my X-E4 only just fits in with an 18/27mm pancake lens, so I put the 'spare' lens (a 15-45mm) and phone in my pockets. Then when I get to a 'destination' I take the camera out and pop the lens and phone in the bag... with the spare battery and memory card.

As for barefoot shoes, also try Saguaro which are nice and cheaper...

Please do a video on storage, I'll be your best friend..

Thinking of buying an XT2 or XT3 along with a Viltrox 33mm f1.4. Still considering if the XT3 is worth the extra money, the video and AF features are very enticing. Since I do plan to use the camera for video, I think it would be best to get the XT3, but I'm still not sure.

Watch caps aka beanies for cold weather. You wear them often; do you have one or more brand recommendations?

You have yourself a NAS, there is no reason to keep memory cards. Transfer them all to your NAS. Format those cards. Sounds more like an OCD issue than fear of losing a photo.

Was going to make a comment about barefoot shoes, and you started talking about how you wear them. My man.

Request: please follow up on your suggestion re a video on your storage regime. Ta.

Me watching the storage section with every photo I've ever taken with my camera on my laptop's SSD

I keep a microfiber cloth in my bag, too. It is always there.

Now you’ve made me super interested in barefoot shoes. Especially the winter ones (Canadian here!) I see you were wearing them in New York. Truthfully, did your feet stay warm enough that you didn’t contemplate heading home early?

Combining elegance and luxury kislux

In my bag I have one extra lens usually a zoom. A notebook. Pen. Extra battery. Still carry the bellroy camera bag. Is it too big? Maybe. Do I care. Nahhhhh lol