Out with the Old...In with the New

Introducing my brand new camera bag

Letting go can be hard.

This past weekend I decided it was time to let go of something that has been difficult to do. Deciding to part with my 34-year-old Domke camera bag my father gifted me in 1990—the exact year I discovered I wanted to be a photographer. I remember the moment vividly my dad gifted me my new camera bag and what a wonderful surprise it was to receive it—an indicator my dad believed I was a serious amateur photographer worthy of a good camera bag. Inside my new bag I stored a Pentax Super Program, a 28mm lens and several rolls of 35mm black and white Kodak Tri-X. I was 19.

But some things are harder to let go than others. I think it’s fair to say we’re all guilty of hanging onto things for no specific reason other than ‘sentimental value’ or the possibility we might need a particular thing in the future. My Domke bag has traveled across a few continents, all over the United States and Canada and endured over 250 weddings during my 15-year wedding photography career. Practically every time I’ve used it, I’ve thought of my dad. 

I recently took my old Domke bag out for a photoshoot. At the end of my shoot, I took a long hard look at the tattered bag and it finally hit me that it was time to move on. It’s so old, the edges are frayed. The bag has held up quite well; the hooks and velcro are still in place. A worn look, like your favorite pair of threadbare jeans can be a good look. Getting something to look worn can take years and many of us strive for that worn feel as a personal statement and style. Precisely why denim companies manufacture brand new jeans replicating a worn out feel by using all sorts of textile treatments. But then there’s a point your favorite pair of jeans are so worn, eventually, you’ve got to let them go. So, I’ve decided, If I’m going to be a pro, I can’t lug this old bag around any longer. When I got home from my photoshoot, I removed all of the bag’s contents and set the camera bag aside as I finally made the decision to part with it. 

Time to move on. Change is good!

Sunday afternoon I took a trip to my favorite local camera shop—Glazer’s Camera Seattle—and started to browse camera bags and backpacks. I approached the Domke section and suddenly I spotted a black Domke bag—the exact same camera bag my dad gave me! I couldn’t believe Domke was still making the same bag. There was only one in stock and after a few minutes, I decided to purchase it. 

There are other camera bags and back packs I’ve got my eye on and soon I’ll shop for another bag or two, but what more perfect moment to stumble upon the very same Domke bag I’ve had for over 30 years. But even better…this one’s a little bit larger in size. The bag even smells good—like that familiar ‘brand new car smell’ when I open the bag. 

Can you just tell how excited I am about my new Domke camera bag? Every time I use it, I’ll probably think of my dad too.

But wait….there’s more! I just couldn’t resist purchasing these adorable vintage pins during my visit at Glazer’s Camera. I think these will definitely look great on my brand new camera bag. I also own an old Hasselblad and one of my go-to films was Kodak Tri-X, so these are just fabulous, don’t you think?

I’m a professional photographer based in Seattle, WA. I appreciate your taking the time to read my Substack. I invite you to visit my photography portfolio here:

See you next time! Liza

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