Protecting equipment

[JMM]

Question .... when using two camera's at a wedding, what is the best way to protect the second camera while photographing with the first. Any suggestions.
Thanks, Joyce

[xjben]

I've wondered the same thing. You can't leave it locked in the car, 'cause it's too far away to get quickly. Do you carry everything everywhere, or have a locked case you can bolt to a table, or something else all together? I'd love to know.

[AndrewCCM]

Carry them both or do like I do...I use a Think Tank case and either set it behind the DJ or locked to something. It has built in combination locks on the case and then also a wired lock to attach to something stationary. Pretty handy.

[JMM]

Last time I set it on a table or chair behind me and asked my assistant to also keep an eye on it. Small wedding so not a lot of worry. I used a variety of backgrounds, including outside, so constantly on the move. I tried to rotate cameras often for fear of one camera malfunction. I have not heard of a think tank case. I will check online. I think a case where you can just set the camera in, flash bracket and all, and be able to carry comfortably would be good. Then you have to worry about someone tripping on it if there is not where to but it.
Joyce

[Paulo]

I use a LowePro AW300 sling. I shoot with one and the 2nd is within reach if I need it but not in my way.
Another option could be a top loading belt harness to keep 2nd body within reach but not in the way while using primary body.

http://www.lowepro.com:8080/pages/BGindex/IX_digit.htm

[JMM]

I like those ideas. Just I use a flash bracket on one camera and it would not fit. I am using two lens and two flashs. Would it be better to use just one flash with bracket and just change out camers?
Thanks,
Joyce

[Daniel Bates]

When I shoot with two bodies, I'm wearing both. I never shoot with a flash bracket (anymore) because they're a big hassle--I'll have shoe mount flashes or PW transmitters on the bodies instead.

The whole point of carrying two bodies is to have two lenses available instantly--if you just have the second body for a backup, then lock it in a case somewhere with the rest of your gear. But I would definitely carry both on your person if you have the ability to do so--it'll open a lot of new ways to shoot.

[Paulo]

Depending on the size of the camera with bracket, the compartments on the bags (AW 300 sling, not sure on belt harness type) are removable so it can be customized to fit the gear you're using. As long as the flash is not attached all the time. You loose some additional lenses space so it's a give and take. Other may have better options for you.
Since I started using faster lenses, I try not to use flash much and when I do, I don't use a bracket ( I should ). The omnibounce attached to my strobe seems to help in most of my situations.

[JMM]

The wedding is this Saturday in a Reception Hall. I do like the sling idea and I do not have the transmitter set up. I use both cameras during the wedding for fear of camera malfunction. Do most photographers do that? I think if I put a quick release on my tripod, a quick release on my flash bracket and plates on both cameras with a sling for the extra camera. Does that sound like it will work?
Joyce

[Paulo]

Originally Posted by JMM

The wedding is this Saturday in a Reception Hall. I do like the sling idea and I do not have the transmitter set up. I use both cameras during the wedding for fear of camera malfunction. Do most photographers do that? I think if I put a quick release on my tripod, a quick release on my flash bracket and plates on both cameras with a sling for the extra camera. Does that sound like it will work?
Joyce

Your option may work. Just watch your distance and the guest to help make sure the gear on the tripod doesn't accidently get bumped/knocked over. When I was 2nd shooting, I saw photographers shoot with multiple cameras. But their reasoning wasn't because they were worried their equipment will malfunction but so they don't have to constantly change lens: one rig with regular or long zoom and one rig with a wide-angle prime or zoom.

I started shooting with only one camera and one lens mainly because, wel..., I only had one camera and one lens. :) Now, even though I have two, I STILL mainly shoot one, access the situation on what's happening or what's coming up and change my lens accordingly.

[JMM]

One camera was the reason I used one in the begining, but I had a scare at a bridal shoot. My camera had been knocked down at a previous shoot and had bent the hot shoe. I did not realize the flash was not cinking(?spelling?) with the camera. Made me worry about weddings. I feel more comfortable with one, although I would just die if I ruined a wedding. Thanks for all the help and advise.
Joyce