Like many women, I have a thing for stylish, overpriced shoes. But long before I left my home this morning in my heals, I tried them on in the store, walked around in them; and even though it was the color and style that caught my eye, I would never have gone through with the purchase if they were not comfortable. (By the way, the photographer above is not me but our good friend Sara France).

But anyways, as a photographer, I approach my camera bags the same way. With obvious bias towards the company that I work for (and love with all of my heart), I have to say that the Waist Shooter and the One Bag are the best camera bags for women … and here’s why.

1) Comfortable - With an emphasis on ergonomics, the Waist Shooter and One Bag are tested and designed to be carried for hours. 12 Hour wedding? 5 mile tourism walk? No problem. The devil is in the details. For example, the strap bows out in the middle to maximize contact with the shoulder while remaining low-profile (bottom left). It also flexes to reduce strain and has a grippy side (bottom right) to minimize sliding around on your shoulder. The bags are also light-weight and minimalist so you’re not carrying unnecessary weight.

2) Stylish - With the swappable covers that let you switch from leather wedding black to floral outfit-matching colors, these bags are truly stylish. They also have a very slim profile and don’t scream “camera bag!” The covers are hand picked in local cloth markets in downtown Los Angeles and Santa Ana, CA. Many of the covers are produced in limited quantities, some as few as just 3-5, keeping the selection dynamic and unique.

3) Functional - I would never sacrifice functionality for style when it comes to my equipment. Trust me, I’ve gone through my fair share of bags (just ask my patient husband). Most of the female photography bags I have look amazing; but they just weren’t functional enough to be my professional bag. The One Bag v2 has a pocket or everything, from cell phones to memory card holders to iPads to yes … even my Macbook Pro. Unlike other bags, it doesn’t sacrifice any of its functionality for style. On the other hand, the Waist Shooter is just my quick access bag and functions as a lens pocket, perfect for what it is and what is costs.

Bags are like shoes. They’re expressions of our style and who we are. I am a female photographer. I’m stylish, yet practical. I’m girly but that doesn’t mean you can slap pink on it call it “for women.” I’m fashionable, but I know my way around a computer, around my camera, and yes … around my gear.

Thanks for reading!

-Alice