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Charleston Metro and Beaches, South Carolina

What's in my bag as a Charleston Family and Senior Photographer

Feb 13, 2026 | By: Erin Rose Photography LLC

Every year I find myself adding more and more things to my bag that actually have nothing to do with photography and more to do with how to serve my client better. I even have my go-to items for the beach and others for downtown sessions. It's made me ponder if anyone else might be the same, and what else I could be missing. I did a general Google search and found that other than wedding pros, not many photographers talk about all the items they keep on hand for the variety of situations we encounter. So, I thought it would be fun to look over all the things I keep on hand, why they might be needed and links in case any other photographers might not have thought of it. 

To give you a little insight about what I shoot, where I shoot and when:

Historic Charleston Portrait Sessions typically take place from sunrise until about 9:00am or between 5:00pm and sunset depending on the time of year. The humidity is thick in the summer months and the mosquitos are actually pretty terrible almost year round. Depending on the package that my client books we're either staying within a 1-2 block radius or we're walking multiple blocks over one or two hours of time so the variety of things in my bag for my downtown sessions do sort of depend on the session itself but you'll find the components below. 

What's in my bag for ALL Sessions?

For starters, these are my basics, things I carry to every session no matter where we are. 

In my camera bag:

  • Nikon Z7ii x2
  • Nikon Z Lenses: 50mm and 85mm almost always, occasionally I'll switch out the 85 for a 70-200mm
  • Dual harness for both cameras by Coiro
  • SanDisk Extreme Pro Memory Cards
  • Extra batteries
  • A copy of ALL of my business licenses for Charleston City, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island and Folly Beach
  • Eye drops
  • Moist Lens Wipes and Dry Microfiber lens cloth
  • Rocket Blower
  • Business Cards
  • Bandaids
  • Silica Packets for keeping dampness out 
  • Stickers and Coloring Books - the rewards!

 

My camera bag that isn't really a camera specific bag and actually just a backpack is from Day Owl. I actually have two different sizes, the Pro and the Mini depedning on what lenses and what I want to carry. It also gives me two options for when one is in the wash getting all the sand off of it. These bags are great for what I carry.

 

My primary busy season for photography sessions spans between March and November; between spring break and after Thanksgiving. Charleston's temperatures between these timeframes range from about low 50s to heat indexes of over 100 depending on the week, then add in some intermittent showers, high humidity levels and a hurricane season starting in July and ramping up through October. We're all over the place weather wise! On top of attempting my best at being a local meteorologist for my clients I also have to anticipate needs that might arise throughout the variety of landscapes we have in the low country, especially since about 75% of my clients are here from out of town. My primary clients are couples, families with children, high school seniors, and extended families from anywhere between 10-30 people, so I have many age groups and many needs to think about. 

How is it possible to anticipate the needs of the variety of clients you photograph? 
- With years of experience.

What's in my Beach Bag?

For my beach sessions I bring a specific bag filled with must have items for my beach sessions which often can have anywhere from 1-30 people. 

 In my beach bag I carry:

  • Sand Cloud Towels x2 - great for posing a family on or just to thrown down for everyone to put their items. These towels are great to shake off the sand quickly.
  • Bandaids
  • Fabric Tape - windy conditions can challenge some outfits
  • Dry washcloths - so many uses but the most often is kids who need a dry wipedown
  • Baby wipes
  • Doggy cleanup bags

What's in my Wagon for Charleston Sessions?

For my downtown sessions around Charleston I will usually just take my bag if I know I'm working with just a small family or a session that doesn't involve an outfit change. However, if we're sticking around for a longer session or working with a maternity or senior client who has multiple outfits we're bringing the wagon!

 

In my wagon I typically carry:

  • A battery operated fan - it's hot out there! 
  • A lighted mirror - for makeup touchups
  • Foldable pop-up changing tent
  • Garment bag - to keep outfits safe and clean
  • Fabric tape - great for all kinds of outfit solutions
  • Bug Spray - a MUST for pretty much any time of year in the downtown area
  • Oil absorbing sheets - always a great tool for oily touchups
  • Travel hairspray for high humidity, for those stubborn flyaways
  • Floss sticks - gotta have clean smiles!

In addition to all those necessary items that come with me I also have a garage full of other fun items to bring to personalize your session. I'm not super huge on using props, however, if there is something that can enhance your session in some way or something you request I'll be bringing that along as well. 

My most popular beach props include:

  • Baby Surfboard, great for kids up to 3 or so
  • Baby Boat, fits kids up to 2 years old
  • Baby X-Wing, for my Star Wars fans this is such a cool prop for the beach 
  • Little Wooden Stool, I love using this for kids just learning to stand or children up to 4 years of age
  • Wooden 1 or ONE letters - great for marking that milestone
  • Baskets and Crates GALORE - I have a few different colors and varieties
  • Bench, I always bring for larger family sessions of 15+ people to allow us some variety in the group poses

See my full list of equipment and items I typically carry below. I am NOT an affiliant for either company, these are just a public list so I don't make any kind of commission off of anything you buy or don't buy! 

See my Amazon List
See my Equipment List
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