Conventional camera straps hurt - here is what I use instead

Every single bloody camera strap I’ve ever used give me migraines, any weight on my shoulder or neck triggers a migraine, sometimes even my camera bag can do it but I’ve learnt to take my camera bag off at every opportunity to avoid this happening. I also invested recently in a new camera bag which has an across the chest and waist strap which pulls the load off your shoulders so much, this was a big deal! If my gear grows I’ll look into a roller bag.

I’ve tried every single camera strap I can, BlackRapid being the most suggested one. I can’t tell you the amount of money I’ve wasted on different strap types to still end up with excruciating pain.

I’ve searched high and low for a better camera strap over the years!

In the end, I went to the doctors about it because it was really interfering with my job, seems I have something called a Chiari malformation. Basically, my brain has herniated from my skull slightly. It sounds WAY more dramatic than it is. Occasionally my brain might slip and put pressure on my brain stem and spinal cord. It f*&king hurts. A camera strap puts pressure on those excessively and generally inflames the area. So anyway, at least I found the reason I can’t wear straps.

So instead I use a wrist strap by BlackRapid, WAY cheaper which is always a bonus. Plus a Spyder Belt that I’ve tried is really helpful on set so the weight can sit on my hips instead. My lower back isn’t the best but I’m doing exercises to help strengthen it. Better than damaging my shoulders and neck further.

I should be having a massage twice a week but who can afford that and have the time? Also in these pandemic times probably not the wisest so my love bought me a theragun mini to keep with my on-set, this has honestly been one of the best purchases. If you haven’t seen a theragun before just click the link (this isn’t an ad or anything I just genuinely think every photographer should invest in one!) It’s basically a handheld machine you can massage yourself with, I use it on my shoulders every evening when I get home from a shoot, along with a bath (I used to HATE baths, I now see the benefit with Epsom salts). It’s helped my recovery, remarkably so.

Since working on film and TV sets I’ve seen quite a few people in different departments using Theraguns, minis and normal ones. I prefer my mini one since I have small hands and it doesn’t take up a lot of room. Lot’s of cameramen use them to keep their muscles from seizing, especially in cold weather. Also, Steadicam operators as the weight of those things are immense.

Generally, as photographers, we damage ourselves with our gear. Carrying heavy loads on our backs all day, working in extreme conditions sometimes. Weight solely on our necks, cricking our necks to look through cameras, our poor eyes too.

So I’ve made it my mission to try and find the gear that puts the least amount of strain on my body, so I can use it for longer! I use my screen on my mirrorless camera 90% of the time now to prevent damaging my eyes and neck unnecessarily. My wrist strap is basically to keep my camera safe, the Spyder will help on longer days.

Before the pandemic I was also doing Pilates twice a week, I will continue this when the law allows. I walk for an hour a day too (used too). I’m a big believer in low impact exercise. It’s always worked for me personally.

Diet-wise I’m a bit restricted since I have Celiac Disease and other annoying allergies. But it means I don’t snack on set and always being in charge of my own food rather than relying on catering.

So photographers! Are there any limitations you’ve found with traditional camera gear? Anything you recommend? Do you have any physical limitations and found a way to overcome it? I wanna know!