{Screenshot from my Pinterest page}

One of the things I liked least when I was starting out in photography were the camera bags.  The gear was so exciting, the subjects amazing, but who wants to show up at an engagement shoot in downtown DC with a boring black bag?!

Then there are the times you want to downplay.  When I was starting out (actually, even today!), I was toting my expensive Nikon D300 (at the time) around to playgroups, I didn’t want to look too much like a “photographer” — I was a momtog, but I wanted to be a mom first, photographer second there.  Ditto taking my camera to parties, school events, and more.  I used to throw it into my oversized purse or a diaper bag and hope for the best, and while I was lucky, I was also seriously stressed out!

Then one day I noticed on Facebook that another Washington, DC area photographer (I forget who now, I’m sorry!) was “hoping for a Kelly Moore handbag for Christmas”. And I clicked the link and it was love at first site (I believe I was looking at the very popular Kelly Moore Hobo Bag).  But I was concerned because the bags seemed a little small (by that point I had upgraded to a D700 and more expensive/heavy/long lenses, and I wanted to be sure I could keep the lens on the camera while in the bag).  Next, I saw a Facebook post about an Epiphanie handbag (warning — annoying flash website), and as they say on the site, I had an Epiphanie.  I also had a UPS delivery a few weeks later with my Epiphanie Ginger bag, which I really love for style, and like fine for carrying my equipment.  (Details about my Epiphanie Ginger bag: I feel the bag lacks adequate padding and I don’t like the texture of the interior lining.  But organization and style I LOVE).

Anyway, the other night, I was “window shopping” online for camera bags, searching through forums on ClickinMoms.com to see what other photographers were suggesting/using/wanting, and I came up with the whole list of chic camera bags.  Hope my sacrifice of a few hours’ sleep/obsession with awesome camera bags list saves someone a little time!

You can also see this list on my Pinterest page (complete with pictures — I’ve included a screenshot of the page below).

Here are the links, in case Pinterest isn’t your thing:

• Epiphanie Camera Bags
• Kelly Moore Bag
• Jo Totes
• The Joy Bag
• Ketti Handbags
• Jill-e Bags
• Capturing Couture
• Black Rapid
• Crumpler

If you know of a great camera bag I’ve left off this list, leave me a note here or on Facebook, and I’ll add it to the list, with credit. 

Happy shopping,

- Danie

Suggestions/reviews from readers:

• Land’s End Canvas Route 66 Khaki Bag From C.L. Davis, a photographer in Claremont, California (check out her blog!).  She adds: “Added plus – buy it in khaki and carry it when photographing events and people will ask if you are with “the press.” Kinda funny.”