Here's what you need...

5-gallon Bucket

This is a container, seat, stand, table, etc. I know I can get them locally at our home improvement store and Firehouse Subs. I know my father owned a "hunting" version with a padded swivel seat. Check the price on Amazon many of the basic buckets cost too much (however, if you are looking for a built in swivel seat or other features, Amazon or another online retailer could be your best bet, don't forget to look at local camping or "outdoor" stores if you want more features). 

You will need a lid for many of the uses beyond "container."

The bucket is only half full with all these items, which includes the bucket apron which goes on the outside when in use.

5-gallon bucket accessories

I had no idea there were so many accessories made for a 5-gallon bucket. We used to use the buckets for camping in Girl Scouts which is why I knew they were perfect for storage/seat but I'm thinking I might organize a bunch of things in buckets, now! Here are a few lid-seat options: stool, padded swivel lid, organizer seat (the video illustrates how four different products from this company work if you want to see them "in-action").

With any accessory for your bucket, make sure you can still close the bucket. Many of these products are designed for use around the house where the bucket is used like a shopping bag (doesn't close but can hold tall items).

Travel Tripod/Smartphone Adapter

Note that I was given my tripod and have no idea what brand it is. You may be happy with a mini-tripod but I like having the option of something taller without the extra space to store it.

You may or may not need a phone adapter as most tripods now come with one. However, if you're using a tripod you've had for a while, you may want to buy an adapter if you're using your phone (which I recommend for location and the option of using an app like Billion Graves).

Bucket apron

There are a million options for this. Once again, I was given the one you see pictured. The clips on it prevent the lid from being attached so I'll be buying a different one. However, the pocket size is perfect for a photography kit. When choosing this for a cemetery photography kit, you probably want large pockets. Many have smaller pockets than what I own.

Gardening shears and other gardening tools

Get something that can handle anything that isn't excessively overgrown.

Billion Graves App

(free version is fine)
This will geotag your photos and allow someone else to transcribe the information. It's easier for the photographer than Find-A-Grave but both are valid choices (you don't need anything extra at the cemetery for Find-A-Grave). Get the Billion Graves app here.

Photo Reflector/Diffuser Set

Amazingly, the picture product is still available. Why do you need it in the cemetery? The same reason any photographer uses it, it lets you control the natural light.

A reflector is the most useful part of this kit in the cemetery (it has two, silver and gold, plus the white also works to a lesser extent).

I was taught this technique with a mirror, which will work much better. However, you need a mirror the size of the inscription you're trying to bring out. That's not usually something you can bring with you (and use) if you're on your own or if you have to fly...

This set folds up (easily) and is small enough to fit in your bucket. The diffuser can help you remove strange shadows if the stone is in direct sunlight.



Note that the set contains the diffuser (with the foldable edging, i.e. that is the stiffened piece) and one reversible zip on cover (i.e. soft, no stiff edge on its own). You can NOT use the diffuser and the reflector at the same time unless you have something else to go inside the reflector cover.

A piece of foam core from the dollar store will fit but not fully stiffen the reflector. The foam core can be trimmed to fit and even cut in half and duck taped to "fold" if you want a cheap fix. Foam core won't fit in your bucket AND do a good job stiffening, though.

This set is small enough and lightweight enough to carry two (you could also buy a smaller one to be your diffuser). This is worth every penny if you're serious about your cemetery photographs and can't bring a mirror.

This is worth every penny if you're serious about your cemetery photographs and can't bring a mirror.

Your bucket can prop up this reflector if you're working alone. (Reflector placed close to stone for illustration, only.)

This fake headstone doesn't have details that illustrate why reflected light is needed. It does show how much additional light the silver reflector can provide, even late in the day.

Index cards and sharpie

For making notes that need to be in a photograph. A pen probably won't do, you need a marker, preferably black, and that's a sharpie.

Hardback notebook and pens/pencils

Since you have a seat or table (the bucket), you could also use a small device with a keyboard if you prefer electronic to paper. I don't want to photograph on my phone and try to take notes there, too, but you can. If you use Evernote, this Moleskine notebook is the perfect way to write and then digitize notes from the cemetery. Or try a Rocketbook, the executive size will be easier to fit in the bucket.

Water bottles

For you, to stay hydrated, if you're going in the summer, I recommend an insulated bottle (I just bought this one which includes three styles of lids and comes in a larger size). I am less likely to drink water that has gotten warm and if it's hot... not happening. The cover on the straw top will keep the lid completely clean, even if you knock it over into the dirt while working.

If you're looking for a smaller bottle, I recommend this bottle.

If you need water to clean the stone or matte dirt that keeps flying up, insulated bottles get heavy in larger sizes. Make sure to bring a second bottle for your non-drinking water, if you need it. You could also bring a spray bottle.

Hat, protective clothing

Any protection from sun, bugs, poison ivy, dirt---anything.

Measuring tape, clipboard, pencils, graph paper, ruler, etc.

If you will be sketching a layout. A project clipboard, the type that is a shallow box with a clipboard on top, might be best to hold everything.

Since I first wrote this post, you could now skip the sketching if you have a drone, permission to fly it in the area, and someone skilled at this. Of course, many cemeteries are heavily shaded so this will only work some of the time.

Tombstone rubbing kit

I don't do rubbings, too many issues with possibly damaging the stone, but a kit should fit in your bucket if that's your choice.

Permission slips

Print a copy of local laws that give you permission to be in a cemetery or correspondence giving you permission to be on private property. You are not guaranteed to have permission to be in every cemetery and even if you can be there, photography (or rubbings, etc.) may not be allowed.

This is a good post from The Legal Genealogist about this issue. In particular, read the comments to learn about the many variations people have come across and also the issues you should consider from an ethical stand point, not just a legal stand point.

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Do you have any additional suggestions for items for a cemetery photography kit? I tend to work in rural cemeteries but they aren't hard to access. Do you need different supplies for an urban or remote cemetery? Have you found something that helps with mobility issues or comfort? Leave a comment and tell us what additional items help you!