How do you recognize a professional photographer out on the street? By the khaki pants, multi-pocket cargo vest, casual t-shirt and a very big lens hanging around his/her neck, right? Oh, and how about the large black camera bag stuffed with equipment causing Igor-like posture?

For many years, that has been The Standard Uniform of Professional Photographers. Add a press pass and a monopod, and you’ve got a sports photographer. Add a floppy hat and a walking stick, and you’ve got a nature photographer. Add an assistant and a bunch of strobes, and voila! Commercial photographers.

This is probably still the standard dress for many photographers, and I’m not knocking that. But one-size-fits-all or one-style-fits-all doesn’t work for everyone. Petite women like me do NOT look good in large cargo vests and I certainly don’t want to leave my sundress, or my fashion sense, behind when I strap a camera on.

Fortunately, there have been some great improvements in both the functional and artistic design of photographic equipment, and more photographers are willing to break the code of black and khaki. Today I want to share my excitement for the growth of great design ideas for camera bags…. particularly camera bags for female photographers.

Wouldn’t you know it? It took the women out there to look at your average camera bag and say, “We can really do something more with this!”

One new company, Epiphanie, shows great potential for providing camera bags specifically tailored to female photographers. Right now, creator Maile Wilson has three bags showcased on her website that could compete with any high-fashion bag or purse out there (minus the Paris Hilton-type pricetag). Plus, they have super-functionality! I think I like the Ginger bag the best. Although the Lola strikes my fancy for those days when I feel super-sassy…

This posting will serve as an official hint to my husband for a great anniversary gift.

Check out Epiphanie bags for yourself here.