Need a Cute Camera Bag?
So you got a fun new DSLR for Christmas, and now you’re realizing that it’s a little more to tote around than the old pocket camera was. I’ve spent quite a bit of time looking for the right bags for me–things that don’t scream “I’m a camera bag, please steal me” during international travel, and that are a little feminine-looking–not your daddy’s camera bag.
First splurge of a camera bag was a brown suede medium-sized Jill-e bag. It looks like a posh carry-on bag, and fits my camera, a few spare lenses, my flash, my light meter, etc. The ergonomics are not fabulous–I do not carry it with me on daytrips, or times when I will have to use the shoulder strap too long–but it is fun and functional. And unlike many of the bags I found, it is made of real leather. They are easy to purchase through Adorama.
A new option for fashionable women’s camera bags is Epiphanie, designed by professional photographer Maile Wilson. I like the more purse-like look to these, and at $165, the price is not bad at all. I haven’t seen one in person, so I’m not sure how they carry, but they sure do look nice!
I went back to check on this site with my 9/2010 update and I noticed they have a whole new and fun selection of bags in unique colors. They have a great retro feminine style to them.
When I first added this post, these bags were still in the pre-order phase. Now they are readily available and they have added new styles. I love the variety of color a design options available, and the fuschia classic is still my favorite (there’s just something about a pink camera bag that’s so fun!). They also have some options for the stylin’ man in your life. You can buy them directly on the Kelly Moore site, or from Adorama.
“The *emera tote is designed for a DSLR a few lenses for when you’re running around town or vacationing and you don’t want to look like a tourist.” They are cute totes with a fun, urban style. They offer quilted and classic canvas options, and at $169 they are in the middle range of the bag options. They are also available on Adorama.
Designed by photographer Jessica Clare, these bags are designed for photographers to carry extra lenses while shooting. The changeable fabric sleeves make the bags great for those of us who like to change bags as often as outfits! They are available at Adorama.
Update 5/2010
Thanks everyone for the great comments. Wanted to add a few more to the list!
These pretty fabric bags are so popular they usually sell out within minutes of restocking. Sign up for her Facebook page for updates on when new bags are available. The “patchwork” style is my own most recent bag purchase and I have found it to be the perfect bag for my day-to-day shooting. It’s impeccably made and since she changes the fabrics seasonally they are still rather unique. If you have problems finding them directly, they are also sold on CosyCameras.co.uk.
I like the colorful boat sail fabric that they use for these bags, and they look like they hold a good amount of equipment for a messenger-style bag. They are priced at $150 and offer free shipping, which is always a plus!
If you’re not into the leather or cotton print look, these bags are an unique, girly alternative. The modern look of these is really fun, and very different from the other options. They are from Finland, but their site says they are available from several retailers in the US. The Bon Ton carries one of the models online (and it’s currently on sale for only $50). As does Sears.
These bags were suggested by a blog reader, so I thought I would add in a link. Looks like they are out of Canada, and are still working a a website, so I’m linking to the blog. Looks like a fun and different style. Check out the Florabella blog for a chance to win a free bag.
Update 9/2010
Thanks to my blog readers for pointing me toward new bag options! Here’s another one suggested by a reader… I loved what I saw so much I just bought one. Can’t wait to see it!
These canvas and leather bags look like great bags to take along on shoots, and are still both available and affordable, so I snagged one for myself (I got the one shown above). Can’t wait to try it out!
update 12/2010
A few new bags to add to the list!
These bags were highly recommended by a reader. I haven’t had a chance to see one in person, but from the looks of the photos, they are finely made from real leather with a pretty fabric interior. Looks like this bag would be practical to carry all your gear to a shoot and also has room for an iPad if you wanted to use it for a slideshow or ordering session. The bags run $329 and are available on the company website. You can also purchase the black version for only $269 through Amazon.com.
Just ran across those on Etsy and thought they were a nice design. I love the bright fabrics and they look well padded for handmade bags.
This company offers a few fun bags, mainly the small kind that you would use for just your camera and attached lens for a daytrip. The “lunch box” has some fun prints and is only $40! You can purchase the bags directly through the company website, or can also get the red bowler (for only $25 with free shipping) on Amazon.com or Adorama.
update 2/2011
Another Etsy seller of handmade fabric bags, I found XcessRize to have a nice selection of fabrics and designs available. I like that she keeps an active Facebook business page with product updates.
For those who want a camera bag that look just like a designer tote they have or saw at the store this camera bag insert is a great solution. Buy it and the bag, and combined you’ve got a camera bag that is just how you want it. Or if these dimensions don’t work, Shutterbug Designs also makes a similar insert.
I stumbled across this bag when it popped up as a Google ad. I thought it was cute and unique. Looks like they currently only offer this green style which sells for $98.
update 8/9/11
Gotta love leather bags that come in colors like “exotic fuchsia” and “persian peach” and also fit a long lens. They are sold out of Latvia and prices are in Euros.
For a more casual canvas style, check out these Dre Hartmann bags. They are also offered through Amazon.
Posted in photography and Uncategorized 2 years, 1 month ago at 3:19 pm. 58 comments
Love the camera bag info! Sure beats the boring black bag I have. Will definitely check out when I upgrade this year!
Thanks so much for putting together this list. I have been looking for a stylish camera bag for months, and I have had the hardest time finding anything. After a LOT of searching on the internet, I did find most of these websites, but Mimi and Kelly Moore were actually ones I had not seen before.
I’ve been looking for a stylish bag as well. They are tough to find. Another company I wish they’d get in the US is Herringbone. Right now, they are only available direct from Korea on eBAY. Thanks for the list. I didn’t know about Mimi, Kelly Moore or Epiphanie.
Great post! Thanks for this informative lineup. I’m looking for a camera bag, which is sooo hard in a sea of uglies. This is going to help me a lot.
Thanks so much for all of these great links!
I found another site with cute camera bags:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/xcessrize
http://www.etsy.com/shop/janinekingdesigns?section_id=6585125
Wow great list!
I have been looking around for a stylish bag for decades as well.
I found a new one through a friend. its catered to the more young and trendy crowd. But the bag look like a classic to me.
You can check them out at their blog. I think they just very recently launched it. Sometime early this month?
http://theitbags.tumblr.com
Hi have found the perfect solution!
”inside” padded camera bag !
http://shop.ebay.ca/i.html?_nkw=padded+bag+insert&_sacat=0&_odkw=removable+bag+pad&_osacat=0&bkBtn=&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313#item3effebbb14
That way you can use whatever purse you want without spending 200$!!
Thanks for the list. I’m on the hunt for a purse-like camera bag, so this is a wonderful list to aid me in my search.
I’ve been looking for a stylish, functional camera bag for a while. I recently discovered Porteen Gear on etsy, bought one of her handmade bags, and LOVE it. It’s the right size and shape, is attractive, durable, and well made. And it doesn’t look like a camera bag. I’ve just ordered my second bag from her, this time, the smaller day bag: http://www.porteengear.com
Thanks for the information! Another company worth checking out is ONA–they make full grain leather camera bags for women. The website is http://www.onabags.com. I haven’t purchased one yet, but I think the bags are super cute.
Thanks for keeping this updated! I love the Porteen Gear bags!
This post was so incredibly helpful!! thank you sooo much for putting this together!! I looked and looked and LOOKED for websites to find cool camera bags, thanks to you i found SEVERAL that i love. Thanks again!!
I love the bags Porteen bags & may order one. I also like the Priddy Creations & they are not too expensive. I would like to find a balance between the 2. Maybe I will make my own. I will post a pic if I do!
Of Note, the Mimi bag is very cute, and a nice sized bag, but the padding is thin and zipper pull sucks. I tightly stuffed the bag and actually yanked the pull right off. Also, once I upgraged to a D300, it didn’t fit across the width of the bag. I have to place it screen side down to fit, which means no/very small lens attached. I also found myself wishing for another divider pad. I believe it is designed for those who use entry level SLRs, it can’t really handle pro equipment.
I love the article. It seems so hard to find a durable, feminine camera bag, but you just made it so much easier to make my Christmas list!
I recently purchased The Nevis by ONA for my dslr and I LOVE it!! I still really like a lot of the ones you posted here, but I was specifically looking for a camera bag that was real leather. It was pricier than the other options, but totally worth it and I know it will last for years!
Now it’s so hard to decide which one I want for my 2nd
You’re awesome. Thank you so much for this incredible list. Now I’m off to shop…YAY!
Wow, thanks for all the info. I took a look at a bunch of these bags on Amazon.com and your recommendations were really helpful.
Has anyone ever tried one of the Dre Hartmann camera bags? They look relatively new on Amazon, so thought I would check…
wow. great job of finding all those nice bags. Personally I really like the bags from JillE. Just my 2 cents
Thanks for the super helpful post…so many bags to choose from…it’s tough!
I have found an awesome camera backpack that is not a guy bag. It is perfect for women and comes in two different colors including a beautiful blue and gray which is the one I got. Best of all: I only paid $100,00 and it fits my laptop, my camera gear, diapers and wipes, wallet, keys and more into it. It’s great! Check the website out: http://www.portarebags.com
wondering if anyone knows of a place to find a rugged/rustic/tooled leather type cowgirl looking camera bag. I have a “lucky brand” leather purse that i ADORE, and was hoping to find something like that. anyone have any ideas? please let me know.
Thanks for the list! There are a lot more options nowadays than compared to just 3 years ago for non-camera like bags. Just ordered an Emera, can’t wait til it arrives!
I’ve been searching for a more feminin photobag for ages, and this weekend I finally found it! And I had to blog about it too and tell all my friends on facebook. And one of my friends replied with a link to this page. So today all of my friends have been looking around here for their favourites, and I just love your page. Thanks. You can find my blog and pictures of my new bag here: http://bildedama.blogspot.com/2011/01/its-mans-world.html
I am very surprised that you could find so many stylish bags for women. I’ll send any female photographers to this blog if they have requests that could be fulfilled with these ideas. Good job to the author!
@ Christie looking for a cowgirl-ish bag. You said you have a purse you adore already. look into a ‘camera bag insert’ you can find them on ebay for 25$ or amazon.com. then you can protect your baby & just slip it inside your bag you already adore.
but this list is great!! thanks for posting it!
Thanks for this. You just saved me from hours or googling and clicking
Great info!
THANK YOU for putting all this together! I REALLY appreciate all the link & recommendations. Now I just have to decide which one.
Thanks so much for putting this list together! The only feminine camera bags I was familiar with before were Shootsac (which wasn’t exactly what I was looking for) and Jill-e (which look nice, but they aren’t really my style). Hopefully I will be able to find something to suit my style and needs from this great list!
thanks for the research I sooo need a woman’s bag
thank you for this post. i’ve seen the jo totes bags, but this was way more helpful!
Thanks for the great article. Thought I would make another suggestion as well. I just got a Dre Hartmann Liza Satchel and LOVE it. It was about the same price as these other bags and I chose it over a Jill-E bag because I preferred the canvas and the real leather. It also looked a lot like a nice handbag too. So might be worth checking out. http://www.drehartmann.com is the website and my sister bought one off Amazon.com too.
Wow, thanks for compiling all of this info. So glad there are girly options out there. I bought a Classified AW140 messenger bag with my 7D but find it’s just too bulky and, let’s face it, manly. Especially if I’m shooting at an artsy event. Any tips on backpacks? (My massage therapist recos to save my shoulders and upper back.)
Thank you!
I’ve had my camera bag for an embarrassingly long time. Upgrading has been impossible–this list has proven intensely helpful!
I’m lovin’ Kelly Moore bags.
Thanks! I just ordered my first “fancy” camera and want to carry it in style! GREAT roundup!
Seriously – this post is so helpful. I’ve come back to it a 100 times.
How do you like your porteen bag – I think that is where I’m heading.
I like the Porteen bag–it’s a nice size, and they are really pretty! I have some stitching around the strap this has come out, I need to contact her and see if I can have it repaired. I also had some similar problems on my jill.e bag. I guess that will happen with heavy gear and heavy use. My newest bag is the Ketti patchwork. I love the design, it fits my gear surprisingly well for as small as it looks from the outside.
Thank you for such a great list!
Thank you so much for all this info! I just bought the canon D60 and im needing a bag but I didnt want to spend $60 or more on just a plan old black bag! I wanted something cute and shows who I am as a person and photographer. I have been looking and going crazy trying to find something that fits me, and then I came across your sight and smiled with excitment! Thank you so much for doing this! I cant wait to find one and buy it!!!
Hi wondering how you like your new bag. Did you get the extra large and how well are they made?
thanks!
Were you asking about the Porteen bag I mentioned? I have a medium-sized one. I had a problem with the stitching come out on the shoulder strap (I think my gear was too heavy for it!) and I retired it. Right now I’m using my Ketti bag, and I love it!
Great blog! For photographers in the UK/Europe you can get Kelly Moore, Cheeky Lime, Ketti, and *emera from http://www.cosycameras.co.uk I got the latest Chevron style from Ketti and I love it!
Great post! European readers can shop for camerabags from Ketti handbags, Kelly Moore, Pompidoo, THEIT and Epiphanie all in one online store: http://pilgerbags.nl/.
The latest in stylish camera bags is coming from Peru: http://www.etsy.com/people/LU100cases?ref=si_pr
Thanks for taking the time to compile this list! Very helpful, I plan to look into a few of these options!
What a great list! Makes it more difficult to choose, though
A little tip for the Dutch photographers: http://www.havearosa.com
The Rosa Bag!
I just wanted to thank you for this post! Because of you i found Jo Totes when looking for a cute camera bag this summer. I bought the Betsy bag last month and I am so happy! The bag quality is amazing and the perfect style for me. I really appreciate you spending the time to put together this post because it saved me a lot of time doing
Google “research” haha.
Thanks for posting- just got a Dre Hartmann bag and love it- it was the blue and white one- in love!
Thank you so, so, so much for this page! I’m looking for a nice and cute camera bag and you’ve shown me so many options! XOXO!
Love those Jill-e bags! The link on this page needs an update
– Here it is http://www.jill-e.com/
Thanks! I’ve updated it
Awesome post. I just got a snugglens bag and love it.
I am going to check out many on here too for a more trendy pocketbook look. I personally did not like the kelly moore bag it gets super heavy quick.
Cheeky Lime now has 2 different colors for the classic bag & is extending the line later. They also added a new line that fits a laptop as well with 4 different colors! They are awesome & I want them all!
Thanks for sharing these great resources! I will be purchasing one now!
thanks so much for this list!!!!
it made it so easy to compare the different companies and although it was posted 2 years ago – still very relevant! ended up buying the jo totes so we’ll see how it looks when i receive it~ ! thanks!
So many choices! thank you for compiling them into a post!
Fantastic post! Thanks so much for collecting all the stores together in one place, it is really hard to find all these places just from searching.