EDC, WIMB, essentials, whatever you call the stuff you carry everyday is the topic of our latest blog series. We ask productive people to empty their bags and share their everyday carry with us to find out what helps them make stuff happen and what they can't live without.

Bag owner: Alex, Photographer, Writer & Grad Student (Roadmap+)

This month our photographer and writer, Alex, gives us a look into his backpack and everyday carry. Juggling work and university is the norm at Roadmap+, but Alex manages his workload in his own unique way.

What's in your everyday bag and why?

As a photographer and European ex-pat, I'm a permanent tourist, so carrying some kind of camera goes without saying. I always carry the Panasonic Lumix GM1, but I often bring a film camera, like the Pentax K1000 with expired, Ektar or Portra film, and whenever I can, I carry my Canon 5D Mark III over my shoulder.

As a grad student, I often bring a notebook and re-type my notes later in Outline (basically OneNote for Mac). Because of the photography gear, I'd rather not bring a laptop or tablet everywhere I go. I keep my reliable Jetstream multi-pen in the pen holder of my Hobonichi Cousin in black leather, which gives me enough paper space for jotting down settings, ideas and my to do list. Since working at Roadmap+, I've become a so-called “planner addict”! I love my apps, but I know I won't forget anything if I write it down on paper.

What's your minimum must-carry?

The Panasonic Lumix GM1, film, camera batteries, iPhone, headphones (I'm currently using the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 over-ear), my Hobonichi Cousin, Jetstream, sunglasses and wallet.

figure out what works for your mind and body

Any tips for getting things done anywhere?

I know it's said daily progress is most effective, but I tend to get carried away with some of my work: when writing, post-processing, and even my grad work. So I kind of go with the flow and can spend an entire day on one or two things. If I do that, I don't beat myself up about it, I just make sure that within the next three days I spend a good amount of time on the other things I need to get done.

This flexibility allows me to really get into flow, explore or create more freely, without pressure, and it lets me focus on papers – or articles – fully for a longer period of time and not lose momentum. Shifting from one task to another doesn't work for me, but by the end of each week I usually regain the balance and never not do something for more than three or four days. You have to figure out what works for your mind and body.

To be featured, email your answers to the three questions answered above and include a link to your photo (16:9 or 16:10 format) to submissions@roadmapplus.com. If you have a blog, Instagram or other social media account you'd like us to feature, please include the URLs in your email.

See also... What's in my bag series, Everyday Carry