Ask 100 street photographers what the most important part of the job is and you may get 50 different answers.. Creative people tend to overthink questions like that. When you look at it a little more simplistically, however, the realization sets in that without a camera and the associated equipment, you're simply an observer. Regardless of your skills, talents and accumulated knowledge, without working photography gear, you can't create photos.
Although the statement above is true no matter what genre you're working in, street photography has an unpredictable aspect that can present unique challenges. For serious street shooters, that unpredictability is part of the attraction and jumping into the fray is how we get the great shots. While you're intent on capturing the action, your gear is being banged, bumped and bounced against people, buildings and whatever else happens to be in the immediate vicinity. Even when you're simply looking for the next shot, urban streets are rarely ideal environments for fragile, expensive equipment.
With that problem in mind, a successful street photographer and instructor recently teamed up with an innovative manufacturer to create a solution. What they've developed is a brilliant solution that we think deserves to be shared with our readers.
The Streetwise bag is one of the latest designs added to the Explorer Collection from HoldFast, thanks to to combined efforts of Andy (Fundy) Funderburg and Matthew Swaggart. It's designed to organize equipment like the new, compact mirrorless cameras and more, and keep it separate from the elements as well as shielded from impact. It's both effective and elegant, combining rugged good looks with the kind of protection your gear needs out there in the crowd. You can organize your street gear wisely and access it easily, while protecting it from all the jostling the street can bring.
All that protection is provided by thick, natural sheepskin, which provides not only cushioning, but natural water resistance and flame retardation. The waxed canvas shell offers even more water resistance, making this handsome, low-profile bag one of the best investments you can make in keeping the tools of your trade safe from damage.
Streetwise is more than just a bag; it's part of HoldFast's super-smart, US-made carrying systems. You can carry it as a stand-alone shoulder bag, or for more security and flexibility, attach it to their incredible Money Maker double harness rig. The outside pockets are perfect for some of their other pieces, too, like the Explorer Wallet.
Street shooters, travel buffs and any photographers that shoot in active environments should take a serious look at this bag as well as the system it fits. HoldFast is changing the way photographers think about carrying systems. Visit their website today to see why.