My EDC


If you are like me, you like a good EDC discussion. Well this is, and isn't that. I am going to mention the gear I am using, but I am not going to flaunt about it. This is my EVERY DAY carry, and I mean it when I say I carry it EVERY DAY. The items I use are not in my kit because it looks cool, or gives me "status", it is because it WORKS. If you are here for specs, sorry, I focus on practical use only. You got plenty of other blogs to check out if you want to nerd out about specs (which I also do time from time). Since that is out of the way, let's get into what I carry, and why I carry it.

The Peter McKinnon 8 liter sling on a black leather background

Bag


Bag of choice: Peter McKinnon 8L Sling

I’ve gone through my fair share of bags, but this one stands out. I used to be a big Peak Design guy and I rocked their 6 liter sling. Well, I saw this and I thought it looked awesome, it was functional, and it had some cool features, my favorite being the little draw string to close it without zipping it up. When I first got it, I actually didn't like it and almost returned it. That is because it was smaller than my 6 liter sling! It was more rigid and I couldn't fit as much stuff in it. Well, I decided to suck it up, make my kit a little smaller, and man oh man, this bag has been a dream. It is just so well organized, making it an awesome daily carry. I surprised myself by the amount of stuff I could fit in this bag, but it still made me sit down and think what I NEEDED and USED vs. just what I wanted to carry around.

A black fujifilm x-t5 with the Fujifilm 23mm on a black leather background.

Cameras


Photography Camera: Fujifilm X-T5

I switched to Fujifilm a little while ago, and I am not looking back. They are great cameras, capable, look fantastic, and most importantly, I freaking love using them. They make me feel good. I am currently rocking the X-T5 (with a Peak Design Cuff). The extra resolution of this camera helps because I like to crop in a lot since I normally carry the Fuji 23mm f/2 on this bad boy. Now, this one took me by surprise because I used to keep the 35mm on this camera religiously. I got the 23mm and didn't like it at first, but here I am, smitten. The wide angle helps out for those wide scenes, but I also love the wider perspective on portraits. It adds a character I just love to it. It also helps that I don't have to step 20ft back to get a portrait of someone if I am in a tight space. All in all, great camera, great lens, both serve my purpose on a daily basis.

DJI Osmo pocket 3 with accessories on a black leather background

Video Camera: DJI Osmo Pocket 3

Sure, I could use the X-T5 for both photo and video, but I prefer to keep them separate. I will be honest, I was completely influenced online for this purchase. Hook, line, and sinker I fell for the marketing not only from the company, but by quite literally the entire internet raving about it. I shelled out over $500 because I fell for the marketing because I felt like I needed it. Now that I have it, I can confidently say I don't "need" it, but it is nice.


This camera is great for both my jobs as a photographer and as a marketing manager. The quick grab and go style of this camera where you just flip it on and record makes it easier getting content. As someone who isn't super comfortable with video, anything that makes it easier and more accessible is a win.


With it, I have a DJI mic 2 transmitter that attaches on the case, the DJI mini tripod that screws into the bottom, a small little quick release attachment, and a wide angle lens and variable ND filter from K&F. I also have the PGYTECH Caplock Neck Mount system for POV shots for when I want to record hands free. No one is offering me affiliated links, so you all can find them on your own if you so happen to want any of it ;)


All of this makes recording video easier for me. Sure its a little overkill to carry everyday, but I am trying to get more comfortable with the craft, so the more I do it, hopefully the more comfortable I will get.

A Fuji Instax Mini Evo on a black leather background.

Fun Camera/Printer: Instax Mini Evo

This is a fun camera. I got it pretty early on in my photographic career. It's a little point and shoot digital camera where you can print your shots. I occasionally use it for that purpose at parties and such to use that built in flash, but I mainly use it as a small printer. Since my main camera can connect to my phone, and I can print off this camera from my phone, I normally go that route. It makes a cool "thank you" gift for if I photograph a stranger, or a friend, I can print it off right there and then and give it to them. It has made people smile 100% of the time so far.

Anker power bank, cord, and wall adapter, lexar sd cards, apple tag, fujifilm camera battery, and a sd card reader on a black backgorund

Small Essentials


Alright let's get through these real quick. These are the small items I carry everyday that do make a difference when I need them.


  • Anker Portable Charger w/ cable
  • Anker USB-C Cable
  • Anker Wall Adapter
  • Extra Fujifilm Battery
  • Extra Lexar 128GB SD Cards x 2
  • Apple Airtag
  • Uni SD & Micro SD Card Reader


Now most of these items are pretty straightforward on why they are useful. I always make sure to have an extra battery, and extra SD cards. The portable charger charges both my phone and my camera. The wall adapter is for when the portable charger dies (plus it is a fast charger). Lastly, the AirTag has been a huge saver a couple of times, because sometimes I am forgetful and just leave my bag places...

Business cards, business stickers, a metal comb, a gum pack, chap stick, lens wipes, pocket knife, and a microfiber cloth on a background.
A green notebook with stickers on it with a pen on top of it on a black leather background
A kindle paper white in a red kindle leather case on a black leather background.

Extras


Let's begin wrapping this up.

I always carry my kindle with me because I am trying to get away from scrolling when I have extra time. Instead I can either read a book, or study something since I can send PDF's to my kindle. It creates a nice, distraction-free environment for my brain to relax.


My notebook is ESSENTIAL. As I said above, I am putting efforts into getting away from digital if it's not necessary. I have been logging everything in a bullet journal (which is inside the green book), and the green book is used for photographic notes, whether that is from a meeting, video, or just inspiration that popped into my head. I am a big believer in a daily notebook, it is surprising how much you can come up with on your own if you just track it daily.


Next is the miscellaneous. This includes lens wipes for both my glasses and my camera lens, a pocket knife for utility reasons, chap stick because it is cold, gum for after I eat, a microfiber cloth for cleaning smudges from people touching my lens (happens more than you think), a metal comb for windy days, and my marketing materials such as business cards, and stickers to put on the back of printed photos.

A bag filled with my contents

That's It


This is what it looks like all packed. Yeah it's pretty snug, but it's a small pack. There is just something about fitting a bunch of things in a small pack in an organized way that makes my brain feel all good.


This is my kit for now. It is serving me, and I don't have any complaints at the moment. It makes going out and getting content efficient and fun.


Like I said at the beginning, I didn't go into specs, because specs aren't the thing you think about (or at least you shouldn't be thinking about) when you are out in the field creating images, or whatever it is you do. What matters is does it work for you. Do you enjoy using your kit? Does it make it more appealing to do the thing you need/want to do? In the case of my kit, it does.


The last thing I want to say is that I don't need any of this to create. I could have just a camera and find a way to create. But the fact that these material things make it easier and more fun is what matters to me. They work FOR ME, not the other way around. If you find yourself gear hunting, telling yourself you can't do something until you have that one thing, quit lying to yourself. That may sound a bit harsh, but it's true. You’re holding yourself back from creating—and in doing so, stopping your work from impacting others. That thing you think you need will just be replaced by another “must-have” once you get it. It's a constant cycle, and it isn't until you realize that until you are able to make meaningful work. I say all of this because I am speaking from experience.


Don't pick up gear just because someone else uses it or says it's good. Pick it up and use it because it works for you. Use the gear that helps you create the work you want to create, and a lot of times, we don't need as much as we think we do.