Was curious to know what you all do to prepare for a "photo day" so to speak. I've gotten into the habit of carrying my camera with me just about everywhere! You never know when that certain something will just jump out at ya or catch you eye! Since I'm really just starting out taking pix, basically I just pack my digital camera in its bag (If that)....don't have any extra gear right now...except for my battery charger, which I can leave at home!. Also, any advice on camera/lens protection, filters or easy to use tripods! As always...thanks! L8r!

For lens protection, there's the standard lens cover. If you want, go for a UV filter as well for some extra protection. Some say a UV filter adds warmth to an image, but personally have never seen the slightest difference with one. There are likely different grades of uv filter. try for a 0 (zero) if there's one, and keep on top of your lens. If you get a crack, at least it'l only be on the useless UV Filter. Always have a strap attached to the camera, and whenever posible, keep that strap around your neck when shooting. It really REALLY sucks to drop a camera on pavement (especially if its not yours... shhh...). if yer shooting with a Digi (which I don't), always keep some extra batteries, and an extra smart/flash or whatever card just in case you fill one up with a bunch of really nice images you dun wanna get rid of. A strudy camera bag is always a good thing. Also, if possible, try to get a very slim camera case, one that fits right around the camera. This is good for when you just wanna carry the bare bones (the camera only) so to speak. Offers a little extra protection, and its easy to get the camera out quickly (when needed quickly) if its packaged. easy to use tripods... don't think there are any. lol Filters are ALWAYS fun. I shoot black and white film usually, and colour filter on black and white shots (digi or film) can lead to some very nice reults, especially dark red filters. that's photo shooting day. Photo darkroom day is a whot other story...

I second Slinky's suggestions. For a tripod you may want to purchase a good sturdy one. There are some quick disconnect types but I'm happy whith what I have. When was the last time I quickly wanted a very stable picture BUT really fast? A small lense cleaner is good to have. A couple of cards for directing light comes in handy but I never remeber to cary them. A notepad for notes. Finally a foldable billy club for those dangerous areas when I'm street shooting. A warm coat AND EXTRA FILM!!!!! BBsteph

Hummm... I agree with everything Bsteph and slynky said... I love DARK REB and YELLOW Filters too when i shot on film... (and i shot only B/W film when not on Digital). Anyway... a couple of additions: The best tripod you can buy is a MANFROTTO. It is an Italian product, but the really best on the market (yeah, of course, Kaidan is better). Manfrotto's tripods are really sturdy (my father has one bought in the '70 and never broke) and has a large amount of available upgrades (QTVR Heads, Stabilyzers, hooks, interchangeables heads and so on...). The definitive tripods. Hummm... good additions to digital photographers are COLORIMETERS... they really comes in handy when you retouch your photos in photoshop. Kodak makes good and affordable ones... AH! remember to put 'em in every side of the pic if you can. I suggest a Circular polaryzer too... it comes in handy when you shoot through glass or when other reflective surfaces are around (water and so on...) If you have a Digital camera good enough maybe there's some kewl optical adder or optional lenses like macros, Wide or Tele. I like Wide lenses very much... and i consider 'em a must to have... Hope i had been useful... =) Artax

well first dont wear platform sandles, i learned that the hardway, oh wait i guess you didnt want to know my dumb girly advice :D I go on "photo walks" all the time too. I have a cushy camera pack that holds just enough without being heavy: Camera, two lenses, a small little lens cleaner cloth thingy, film and back up batteries. Oh, also I pack a small pair of scissors. (keeping in mind that I'm the little nonprofessional hobby photographer and not among the photo-elite lol) A lot of times I get a roll of film that has a kink in it and my camera wont take it. I trim off the kink and it works fine. I just have to remember when I do this because that frame of the film is almost always damaged. There is probably a much much better way of doing this so any suggestions would be helpful :) ...and thats the advice from the little guy.