What's in my Camera Bag | the unexpected must-have items

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyPureRelief #CollectiveBias

When you use your camera pretty much daily, you tend to collect things in your camera bag and the bag gets heavier and heavier, so I've decided that there are some things that have to go - like lenses I never use - but there are some things that are a must. Especially, if I'm going on location to photograph a client. For me that usually means somewhere in the great outdoors. In Mississippi no less. So, I have learned to be prepared and like I said in my post last week about mom's summer grab bag, I'd rather be over prepared that unprepared. So, here's break down of what's in my bag most of the time when I'm working.

1. Camera (not pictured but you can see it in the graphic above) I use a Canon 7D and my favorite lens is my Canon 35mm 1:1.4 L Series and it stays attached A LOT of the time. I also have attached to my camera a battery clip that uses two batteries to extend the life of battery usage.
2. Extra Battery and Battery Chargers
3. Camera Cleaning Kit
4. Memory Cards
5. Remote
6. Business Cards

Unlike items 1-6, the next few items might seem a little unexpected or something you wouldn't think to keep in your camera bag, but like I said over-prepared is best.

7. Toys. I just keep a few small toys handy for shoots with little ones. I like to throw a few things in there that you won't really be able to see in a photo or like the lion, I can hold to catch the attention of a little one.
8. WATER - I usually take a couple of plain bottles waters along just in case the client is also thirsty (IT'S HOT in Mississippi).
9. Wipes. You will ALWAYS need a wipe. Always.
10. Hair tie. This is for me. I like to go in looking all fancy with my hair down, but who am I kidding. Top not or pony tail almost always happens.
11. Lip Balm
12. Hand sanitizer
13. Bug Spray. I like to have a safe-for-everybody bug spray because we are mostly shooting evenings and this is Mississippi..mosquito central!
14. Contacts. I keep an extra set in there because I have to see during a shoot and if something happens and I can't see, we are in big trouble!
15. Eye Drops. I get the worst dry eyes, so I used to keep contact solution, but recently switched so something a little more soothing, Clear Eyes® Pure Relief™.

I mean, really, when you are looking through a camera and at a computer all the time, what is more important than taking care of your eyes? Dry Eyes are THE WORST. Clear Eyes® Pure Relief™ is preservative free (for dry eyes, doctors recommend preservative free drops) and can provide up to twelve hours of relief. 

You can get a coupon for Clear Eyes here. Also, when I shopped at Target for these last week they had a special promotion going on to get a $5 gift card with purchase of this product! 

Tell my what's in your CAMERA BAG or purse that might be an unexpected item you can't live without? 

Also, how well-loved is my Epiphanie bag? Time for a new one ya think?