Here’s What’s In The Photo Assistant Kit List
Updated June 15, 2020. This list of equipment includes some of the most common items an assistant should have in his or her photo assistant kit bag. It’s not necessary to carry every item listed. When shooting on location you should bring all of these items with you because photographers can be forgetful and when you cover their ass by producing an extra pocket wizard or USB cable the thankful photographer will remember who had their back.
When shooting in a studio, many of these items will already be at the photo studio, in which case you should use the photographer’s material. However, coming prepared or being able to improvise on the spot impresses any photographer. And impressing the photographer means being hired more often and generating great word of mouth referrals.
58 Items For Your Kit
- Smart Phone
- Sensor Cleaning Kit
- Sensor Loupe
- Local Map/Google Maps & Navigation on your Phone
- Contact info for local rental/repair houses
- Shoot info sheets
- Soft haired paint brush (1”)
- Adjustable pliers
- Needle nose pliers
- Small Headlamp or Flashlight
- Lens pen
- Anti Static brush
- Anti Static cloth
- Lens Tissue
- Double sided tape
- Scissors
- Q-tips
- AC line indicator
- 3 Prong, 2 receptacle splitter
- Glycerin in a dropper bottle
- Spare USB/Lightning cables, various types
- Spare sync cords, various types
- Spare Pocket Wizards/radio triggers
- Measuring tape
- 5 Piece precision screwdriver set
- Extension cords
- Small clamps
- A-clamps
- Scotch tape
- Packing tape
- Large & small notebook
- Fine tip markers
- Pens
- Armour All
- Cleaning cloth
- Baby wipes
- Compressed air
- Lighter fluid
- Labels
- Glue
- Chalk
- Pull ties
- Elastics
- Gaffers tape
- Black tape
- Matches
- Assortment of mirrors
- Monofilament line
- String or twine
- Velcro tabs
- Museum putty
- Windex
- Stop watch
- Leatherman multi-tool/Swiss army knife
- Cotton gloves
- Snacks – for you and the photographer
- Money (cab fare, lunch money, coffee money, etc.)
- Appropriate Clothing – for the day’s shoot
This list is based on my experience as an advertising and commercial photographer. If you want to be a photo assistant read this.
Get The Gear
These photography tools and materials are great to have on your own shoots so if you don’t have them yet it’s time to shop. I’m based in Calgary, Alberta and we have two excellent photography/video stores right here. The Camera Store and Vistek are stocked with the latest equipment from major manufacturers like Manfrotto, Profoto, Gitzo, Nikon, Hasselblad and Tamron. If you live outside of Calgary you can order from either of their excellent web sites.
What’s In Your Photo Assistant Kit?
Tell us what’s in your Photo Assistant Kit. We welcome suggestions for this list so leave your suggestion in the comments below. Better yet, upload photos of the photo equipment you carry in your Photo Assisting Kit.
