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The Brolly Buddy,
A Caddy for active location photographers.

I came up with this idea after making the connection between using personal airport luggage handtrucks and golf bags. The airport handtruck for easy go, and the golf bag because it provides access to the right tool for a given situation.

The device is basically a heavy duty, foldable wire framed personal hand truck with wheels, and a plastic 13 gallon kitchen trash can, cut to accommodate taller objects.

Two pieces of heavy wall 3/4" aluminum tubing are used to provide frontal support. The plastic can is affixed with pipe straps and rivets for clean looks and to prevent equipment from hanging on screw heads. Foam is glued into the bottom to cushion tripod feet and prevent rattle during transport.

Two cardboard mailing tubes are attached inside the front to hold umbrellas.

A used laptop bag is riveted to the front to hold flash guns, cables and small items.

Battery packs, such as Quantum QB1+ and Godox PB820's easily clip to the sides.

Tripods and speedlights can be pre configured, partially folded and set inside in a ready to pull and use state. I also use simple tent stakes (driven between the leg supports) for achoring against the wind in the outdoors.

The entire design has eliminated the use of several tripod bags and numerous cases. Everything you need for a typical 3 and 4 light shoot can be taken in one go, and always in reach for ease of access, (and to prevent theft). No more having an assistant wait by an open van while you haul things in piece meal.

I've already used this on several jobs, including a wedding, which came in very handy. It survived lugging over heavy terrain and being dragged up steps in absence of elevators and ramps. I was able to set, place and strike a four light, tripod church formal for a wedding party of 23 people in under 20 minutes, without an assistant.

What was once considered a hastle for me and a headache for the client, turned into a conversation piece with a positive first impression.

It easily fits through a standard doorway, narrow halls and can be carried up stairs with little effort, even with a camera bag slung over my shoulder. I only bring what I need, and it takes up very little space.

Should I be caught in the rain, a cheap, single large plastic trash bag quickly protects it all.

While I could patent this, I know you folks would simply build your own with easy work around's. If you do, just please give me proper recognition.

Room for improvement. After use, I've determined that something with bigger wheels for rolling over rough terrain is in need. While the current design it's great for cut grass and sidewalks. It's another for loose gravel, sand and mud. As a consequence, I have my eye on a beach cart we use for vacation, or possibly taking the wheel assembly off one of those jogging strollers.

I'm also considering a longer platform to allow me to use a heavy wall canvas bag, instead of the laptop bag, and to both accommodate more gear and prevent tip-over (which hasn't happened, yet). It's also possible to consider a small camera bag for a true all-in-one cart.

Time to hit the yard sales. I need materials.

-Keep Shooting.