>>2890164I took a photo of what I carry a while back, so I might as well include it.
A comfortable and user-friendly bag that's the right size for your setup is critical. I suffered for so many years with shitty boxy Tamrac and Lowepro bags, fumbling with stupid zippers and flaps and awkwardly placed pockets, and when I finally switched to better stuff I couldn't believe how much of a difference it made. Spending hundreds of dollars on a bag seems crazy until you've done it and experienced how much easier it makes everything.
Next, I won't leave home without a speedlite, some way of diffusing it, and some way of getting it off the camera. A single light with a basic modifier and a sync cable or cheap trigger is a real "force multiplier" and opens so many options for improving your photos.
Something to clean lenses is a must. A Lenspen or microfiber cloth barely take up any space or weight and sometimes they're a lifesaver.
This one is limited to my particular niche, but I always make sure to have a folding hairbrush and comb in my bag. The hairbrush gets used all the time by the people I shoot with (make sure to clean it between shoots) and the comb is to help me look more presentable after I've been out in the wind and weather all day.
Spare batteries for body and flash are obvious ones, and the same goes for spare cards. Filters are situational but a CPL is always a good thing to have. Have business cards, too, people ask for them all the time, and even if you're not trying to be a pro it's always nice to network. Chapstick and sunscreen are worth carrying, depending on weather. A physical notebook and pen are good if you're old-fashioned like me and struggle with taking notes on a phone.
