carrying equipment around

<p>I have started accumulating way too many light stands, reflector arms, unbrellas, brolley boxes, etc. (i.e. all long, narrow items). Does anyone have any ideas on how to carry all this stuff around? It's difficult to find a bag with the necessary dimensions; my reflector arm, when fully folded is 42 inches, so I would need a bag at least 45 inches or so long, and about 10 inches around. How does everyone else do it?</p>

<p>Sell/give away what you don't need.....you'll be surprised. And your back will thank you....</p>

<p>Photoflex rollaway cases.</p>

<p>http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/sc/from-froogle.asp?id=964761647&rf=froogle&dfdate=4_14_2009<br>

My bf is a Dj, he loves them, and I use these as well. They work great and are durable too. Don't remember where I bought mine, but I think it was ebay maybe...<br>

--Heather</p>

<p>I got my case with my Bowens light kit. I took out some of the dividers (they're velcroed in there) and it's now my rolling light kit bag. Saves a ton of wear and tear on the back.</p>

<p>Dave</p>

 

<p>An assistant ;-)</p>

<p>A milk crate can carry some of the equipment and will double as a posing stool with a muslin or cloth drape.</p>

<p>I don't carry that much stuff that is long and skinny. I break things down and organize things according to use. The only long, narrow stuff I have is for church formals. I have one Tenba triangular case that will hold 36" stuff that I bring when shooting in a church. My other stands are compact, folding ones that fold to 20". They go in my rolling case or my 20" duffel bag.</p>

<p>I also have what I call a mummy case, probably like the Bowens bag that David talks about. It is long, rectangular and has dividers inside. Some of the dividers make small compartments, but there is one that creates a shelf, onto which long, thin items are put. It could easily hold 10" of long thin stuff if you cleared it of all dividers. The name of the case escapes me, but I bet you could find similar ones on B&H. What I like about it is that you could strap it to a roller and it becomes very easy to move.</p>

<p>Alternatively, the large rolling cases that are made by most every photo case manufacturer could work, but I hate those really large ones. Breaking things down by use works for me because it keeps having to haul gear at a minimum.</p>

<p>Golf club bags</p>

<p>I just do the light stand bag and milk crate thing. The light stand bags can hold umbrellas and reflector arms as well. The milk crates I can stack 3 or 4 high and use a folding handtruck to move around. In these I carry the strobes and all kinds of grip gear. </p>

<p>Camera's and lenses go into a lowpro backpack or hip bag. I also wear a pocket vest if I feel like using a lot of primes or want to carry spare batteries and such. I never bring everything and plan ahead so it can all fit into my small car trunk.</p>

<p>Typically I'll only use/carry 2 bodies, 2 zooms, 2 primes, 2 flashes, and two portable strobes with stands and umbrellas. Locked in the car is a third spare body and maybe a strobe pack kit.</p>

<p>I have two stands and they fit in a smallish bag that came with them. I also have an apollo s/box and two brollies in that same bag.</p>

<p>More than that is more than I need for a wedding.</p>

<p>I currently have a room full of photo lights/gear that needs a visit to ebay.</p>

<p>the ON STAGE bags are very good quality</p>

<p>I don't use any of the equipment you list when I shoot weddings. I have two identical tear drop (small) backpacks. One stays with me and the other is locked in an alarmed SUV close by. So during the course of ANY wedding it is the essence of simplicity; camera, lens (one) and flash... that's it. I have shot 300+ weddings this way with excellent (according to the couples) results. Really... what do you really need?</p>