From our ongoing exploration of ways to become a faster and more efficient camera assistant, today’s tip is:

11. Label Your Cases Inside and Out

There’s nothing worse than heading to your toolbag for something specific, opening it up, and getting lost inside.

You unzip this pocket, open up that flap, pull out the slate, some markers, a tape measure — nothing, still can’t find it.

There’s a remedy: labels. And not just in your toolbag.

One of the first things I do during a camera prep is take time to label each case with big, bold letters that say “CAMERA” or “AKS” or “LENSES.” Then, for example, I’ll go into the lens case, and write on each lens cap the focal length and T-Stop. I highly suggest reading Adam Richlin’s comment here about how he labels his lenses (hint: see the picture above).

There are many more possibilities for labeling, however, as lens cases are just one example.

Label almost anything you can so you can find certain tools or pieces of gear quickly. This includes all cases, toolbags, or even bags within cases.

But heed this warning: too many labels and you’ll find yourself lost again.

What do you take the time to label and has it helped make you faster?