Need a Cute Camera Bag?
January 5, 2010
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 2 years, 1 month ago at 3:19 pm. 58 comments
I found this fabulous-looking emu at the zoo yesterday, and had to try some portraits.