Always carry two wet-wipes in your camera bag. Aside from cleaning out wounds (see Cheap Trick #27), we photographers like to get down on our hands and knees to get that perfect shot. When you’re done you’ll probably want something to wipe the sticky stuff off of your camera, because you can’t douse it with your water bottle! That you use on your hands!
[Also be sure to replace these once a year, nothing like a dry wet-wipe.]

Always carry two large band aids in your bag. Let's all admit, when we really get into our photography we sometimes take risks we shouldn't take and which lends itself to scraps and bruises. And we’re usually no where near a drug store. Aside from being used for wounds, band aids are great if you need some tape. Let's say you drop your point and shoot camera (because heaven knows a “real” photographer we would never drop our DSLR!) and the battery door is broken and won’t stay shut. Just pull out your band aid and tape it! So why two band aids? Because whatever you did to break your camera means that you'll probably need one for yourself too! [Be sure to replace these once a year, band aids do go bad]

Now that’s a cheap trick!

If you did Part One then you might as well do Part Two. Take a look at all the things that were in your bag and ask yourself, "Do I really need this? When was the last time I used this?" other than emergency supplies like band aids, you might want to reconsider those "optional" items.

While you are at it replace your band aids and wet wipes with fresh ones. There's nothing like a dead band aid when you really need it!

At least once a year you should completely empty all the contents of your camera bag on a table or on the floor (gently) and clean your bag! Once your bag is empty, take your bag outside, turn it upside down and give it a really good shake. Then take a vacuum, using use the small hose attachment, and get into the small parts of the bag. Your equipment will be much happier!

The Bronx zoo is the second largest zoo in the United States behind the world famous San Diego Zoo. Started by what is now known the Nature Conservancy, the Bronx Zoo offers spectacular opportunities for photographing wildlife (both in front of and behind the fence!).

If you are headed to Africa for a Safari book a Private Photo Safari with NYC photo safari before you leave and let us show you how to take better photos before you get chased down by that lion.