How do you get your gear to the wedding?

[wannabegood]

As I accumulate more gear, more Pelican cases, more lights, tripods, monopods, lightstands and so on I'm finding it increasingly difficult to carry everything in. I'm looking at Wesco folding hand trucks for their small size and light weight.

What do you use?

[cdifoto]

I don't carry THAT much stuff. I don't need it. Everything I own and use fits in a large backpack - including my light stands.

[wannabegood]

My wife assists with the 5D so I've got gear for both of us. I'm using 3 Pelican cases, his hers and lighting. I also use a DIY ringlite for macros of the rings and invitations, etc. The wedding we did Saturday the brides uncle recommended getting a cart or something when he saw I had to carry everything about 200 yds to the reception. What a bug he planted! lol

[cdifoto]

That's nuts. Have you considered a luggage cart?

http://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Adventurer-Travel-Black-Size/dp/B001CZPAKW/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I36OZO5DE2QRVM&colid=3AJ5L53WCUWAZ

I'm considering getting one for when I do destination stuff.

[SuzyView]

I don't take everything. I have a NOVA bag, largest one, a Domke F-802 and sometimes I take the Think Tank airport international, but that's only if I have to bring the PWII's and 3 flashes.

[JWright]

I have one of THESE (http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xgc/R-100657978/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053)I used to use to haul all my stuff around... Worked pretty well and the handle folds down so it can be stored and transported in the car easily.

[FlyingPhotog]

Magliner (http://www.magliner.com/)

Accept no substitute...

[wannabegood]

Nice suggestions all. I'm torn between the folding hand trucks and the platform style. I like the platform in concept, but keep remembering the set of 9 steps at the last reception 120 yds from my car. I know there's a wheelchair ramp almost everywhere to answer that. But grass and gravel would really trip up a cart. Anyone had experience with the Wesco Mega mover with 8" pneumatic tires? Seems steep at $250 but it's got a large toe plate and a 550 lb rating.

Reminds me of when I had my Peli case on the stroller exchanging lenses when my wife came back from changing my sons diaper...my 12 yr old grabbed up the case to help out and clear the stroller but it wasn't closed. My lenses (filters, cards, virtually everything in the case of padded dividers, on black asphalt in the dark) all scattered over the asphalt in front of a client. Inwardly I cringed! No damage though, so no insurance claim. Just don't want a repeat of something like that, ya know? lol

Thanks for the feedback everybody.

[SuzyView]

Jon mentioned a very inexpensive Samsonite fold out thing. I was curious, went to the mall and got one. It works great. Then I bought 3 others, but still use the original more. I do take lights and stands and umbrellas sometimes and those collapsible cart things are great.

[GwagDesigns]

If your gonna get a hand truck style, why not consider one of these, the fact it can be used as a ladder as well might come in handy at weddings. I saw Scott Kelby demonstrating one of these, not sure exactly what brand he was using, but here's what I was able to find on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Smart-Ladderkart-Professional-Stepladder/dp/B000A1FQEY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1251621250&sr=8-2

[SuzyView]

That actually looks useful! I may have to order one of those. I have a minivan and sometimes, it would be nice to have a ladder. Thanks.

[wannabegood]

Looks like a great idea GwagDesigns, I saw one of those and checking into it I found a reviewer that said it wouldn't stand up by itself to load your gear on it so they ended up not using it. It would definately be a plus to have the ladder right there for the larger group shots at a big wedding! (I did one last year with 30 people in the wedding party, 12 BM, 12 GM, double ring bearers and flower girls!The girl in the bridal shot at left actually!) The ladder was essential!

Suzy, do you use a collapsible cart? If so, what kind? I'm more concerned with them about rolling on gravel or grass or the inevitable steps with no ramp.

Thanks again everyone for all the helpful suggestions, maybe I'll find a cheap golf cart I can tow behind my pickup! LMAO

[SuzyView]

http://www.amazon.com/Sparco-Easy-Grip-Flip-Out-Platform-Capacity/dp/B000USIM5M/ref=tag_gam_ptcn_edpp_url

http://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-Micro-Mover-Fold-Luggage/dp/B000A8MGFO/ref=tag_gam_ptcn_edpp_url

I have these two. They are very useful, but don't carry a lot of weight. I think the stepladder thing is amazing. I may have to get one.

[spicesupreme]

here's a video that shows a few different carts and there features

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pmi1woCJ6M

[LBaldwin]

2002 Toyota Tundra!! Other than that, I use a large Tamrac rolling case, backpack for the camera and rolling cases for the strobes.

[Tomi Hawk]

here's a video that shows a few different carts and there features

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pmi1woCJ6M
Wow! Thank you!

:)

[_aravena]

2002 Toyota Tundra!! Other than that, I use a large Tamrac rolling case, backpack for the camera and rolling cases for the strobes.

:lol:

I came in here to make a post like that than I read yours. Mine's a Cherokee though. :D

But in that there's a 7MDH holding all my gear although I might need something bigger or make the g/f carry the 5MDH with just her stuff.

[wannabegood]

SpiceSupreme, thanks! Nice video showing several carts and why they like em. Couple of really nice ideas there, have to look them up.

Hahaha, Tundra and Cherokee huh? Mine's a Banks turbocharged 7.3L Diesel F250 with a rack on the bed that I can really get some altitude with if and when necessary on the outdoor stuff. With my ladder on top of the rack I've got a lens level of 15'!! ;)

The thing that made me start looking is, if the truck is otherwise engaged we use my wife's Caravan, much more limited space. So the folding cart designs are very appealing!

Thanks everybody, I knew I could count on the folks here to show a multitude of ideas.

[SnlpeR]

the last wedding i did was ON the beach
i knew the pelican 1514 wouldnt be able to be dragged on the sand
so i strapped it to one of those foldable dollies with bigger wheels
strapped a tripod to it too
since i was close by...i didnt feel the need to chain the case around a tree

[LBaldwin]

SpiceSupreme, thanks! Nice video showing several carts and why they like em. Couple of really nice ideas there, have to look them up.

Hahaha, Tundra and Cherokee huh? Mine's a Banks turbocharged 7.3L Diesel F250 with a rack on the bed that I can really get some altitude with if and when necessary on the outdoor stuff. With my ladder on top of the rack I've got a lens level of 15'!! ;)

The thing that made me start looking is, if the truck is otherwise engaged we use my wife's Caravan, much more limited space. So the folding cart designs are very appealing!

Thanks everybody, I knew I could count on the folks here to show a multitude of ideas.

Yea I shoot aircraft from the back of my truck and would love to build a moveable/removeable platform. but my gas milage sux already so..

[wannabegood]

Oh I wish I could shoot a beach wedding! Not likely though, stuck in the middle of Texas like I am. Oh well, farm weddings aren't bad, unless they want to pay in pigs and chickens! :)

Les, the rack on the truck is great, a couple of 2x12s in the bed to put on the rack sideways for support, a piece of 3/4" plywood for the deck and you're rolling! Remove it all in a couple of minutes and you're on the road. I'll admit, tracking a jet across the sky in a rotation while looking up can induce some vertigo, but just stand in your tracks and don't fall off the truck and it all works out fine. ;)

[imagesbybarbara]

[quote=wannabegood;8557417]Oh I wish I could shoot a beach wedding! Not likely though, stuck in the middle of Texas like I am. Oh well, farm weddings aren't bad, unless they want to pay in pigs and chickens! :)

Remember now sand on camera is not fun. :lol:

[bobbyz]

I am thinking about this one for outdoor/beach use.

http://beachrollyusa.com/_wsn/page3.html

[wannabegood]

Ah yes Barbara, thank you for the insight! Sparkling clean churches with no felt air current are a wonderful thing! :) Dark with lots of interference perhaps, but still...

Actually have my first outdoor wedding coming up in November, not really looking forward to the problems it poses. Gotta love a challenge though, right? ;)

Thanks for the link bobby, darn computer is acting crazy right now but I'll bookmark it and look at it later when the bugs are all asleep...

[MDJAK]

Wow, it was recommended to me long ago by very experienced wedding shooters to: KISS, meaning keep it simple...

I can carry all I need in a backpack and a Crumpler which holds my flashes. When I walk around I use a belt system in order to change lenses quickly.
me

[Wilt]

Anyone like me, and use a car to get your gear to the wedding? :lol: ;)

OIC, LBaldwin uses a Tundra! :cool:

I have semi-hard sided cases for much of the stuff I bring (and can lock up). The only thing in soft case is the 'working' shoulder bag. A foldable luggage hand cart helps save the back and minimizes back-and-forth trips to unload and load.