Essential Gear, Fire Girl Style

The Fire Girl kit for a day at the range. Glock optional.

I’ve been receiving odds-and-ends emails this week from people who have read about my work in Cowboys & Indians and have questions. Some are professional, business-related, relatively normal questions. Others defy the ordinary.

One reader asked a question that has made me stop and think. “What are the five most important things that help you get through each day?” While not terribly photo oriented, I thought it was an interesting question that bears thought. Finally I’ve come to a breakdown conclusion. (Sean in Galway, this is for you!)

1) MacBook Pro 13”

This guy comes on in the morning, at lunch break, and then for an extended amount of time at night. Essential for photo work, news analysis, and research. Hard to imagine a day without it. Small, easy to travel with, and a wonder when teamed with Mobile Me.

2) Canon 5D Mark II

Whether it’s spending a sub-zero evening with me in the Montana wilderness or doing duty in downtown Austin’s art district, this camera has been everywhere. Hardy, filled with features, and dependable.

3) Kombucha

Seriously, this stuff is amazing. Healthy energy in a bottle. Enough said.

4) Moleskine notebook

I always, always have one of these on me. Several have taken up residence in my camera bag, another lives in my purse. Found a tiny one in an old pair of jeans. I waterproof them with map-proofing. Indestructible, unobtrusive, and easy to use. I’m forever taking notes and making lists… can’t imagine a day without one of these little notebooks nearby.

5) I-Pod Touch

Filled with “work only” music. I have an investigative playlist, an equestrian playlist, and outdoor playlist. Whatever project I am working on automatically has a soundtrack ready to go. Lately has been reverberating with the heady music of Tartanic during late-night work sessions.

Apparently there are other things I have trouble living without – a large assortment of tea (sipping peppermint at the moment), a good first-aid kit (bloody blisters on feet and legs at the moment from breaking in new boots), and the alarm setting on my phone. (Because life is short – and I’ve discovered how little sleep I can actually get by on.)

However, I have found – and it’s been tested – that if you strand me with the five above items I’ll be a pretty happy camper.

The necessities, right?

Tags: Techniques