...to professional and avid amateur photographers.

Hello -

I'm doing research and am interested in finding out a few things about photography equipment and its importance to professional and avid amateur photographers. Any help/info you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Following are a few questions; thanks in advance for your responses.

1) What are the major components a photographer needs in order to run a successful business (not including operational components) or enjoy their hobby to the utmost?


2) What type of equipment is typically transported to and from shoots?


3) How is such equipment typically transported?


4) How much does the entire gamut of frequently transported equipment cost (range would be great)?


5) If critical equipment is damaged, is easier/less expensive to replace the damaged equipment, or have it repaired? What is an approximate difference in cost between both approaches?


I know these questions are broad, but as I said earlier, any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.