Chasing Camera Bags, Capturing Couture and Finally, an Epiphanie

Finding a bag to carry my new camera in has proven more difficult than deciding which camera to buy. So many options to consider. 

Do I combine my purse and camera bag and carry one large bag? 

Do I keep them separate and carry two bags? 

Since camera bags are a little pricey, I thought I could buy a cute purse and use it as a camera bag. 

I discovered that the camera is surprisingly bulky and hard to carry safely so I decided I would need a bag designed specifically for cameras. 

But it had to look fashionable. I was looking for something chic.

My photographer friend Brittany accompanied me to one of Orlando’s oldest camera stores. I tried out the smallest women's bag they had and asked a salesman where a full-length mirror was located. 

“A mirror? I don’t think I’ve ever been asked that question before.” 

I found it hard to believe that this store had been around since the 1950s and nobody ever needed a mirror. 

“There might be a mirror in the ladies’ room,” he said. “But I can't say for sure since I’ve never been in the ladies’ room.” 

He was right. There was a mirror in there. I spent a long time staring at the bag from all angles but I just couldn't make up my mind. 

The salesman had a hard time understanding my issues. So I went back to searching the internet for a bag. 

After much deliberation, I decided on the Epiphanie Charlotte bag designed by professional photographer Maile Wilson. 

I held my breath, hoping I'd like it when it arrived in the big white box. I love it! 

It’s silver metallic on the outside with adjustable compartments in dove-gray fabric on the inside to fit my camera and lenses. It even has an adorable camera charm that hangs off the bag.

But I still felt that the camera needed a softer touch. 

Girls carrying a substantial camera always looked a little masculine to me and the black strap that said Nikon in neon gold that came with the camera didn’t help. 

So I found a girly camera strap at Capturing Couture. 

It's covered in hot pink fabric roses. When it arrived on my doorstep, it was even prettier than it looked online.

So. Now. Finally. I am ready to shoot amazing photos. 

I have my new very official-looking camera hanging around my neck on a roses-in-bloom haute couture camera strap. 

I have my fabulous silver camera bag slung over my shoulder. 

Now I’m just wondering how long it will take me to figure out what this camera can do. 

When I’ll remember what f-stop, aperture and white balance mean without consulting the instruction guide. If I’ll be plucky enough someday to turn the dial to “M” for manual to bravely set my own features instead of keeping the dial safely on “A” for auto. 

I want to take pictures worthy of filling the frame. I want to learn new photography techniques. I want to give this new venture my best shot. 

But I’m sure of one thing. 

At least I’ll feel fashionable trying.