Ona Camera Bags

The style-conscious and visually-inclined can breathe a sigh of relief—there is no longer a need to choose function over form for the sake of fewer camera scratches. Fine camera bags and accessories retailer Ona, which was founded in 2010 by New York-based photographer Tracy Foster, offers style-savvy photographers well-made bags and accessories to complement their lifestyle. Foster was frustrated by the clunky nature of typical camera bags, as well as the inability to safely house her equipment in more stylish totes, so she created Ona to offer like-minded shutterbugs handcrafted, premium-quality totes, which were a clear departure from the travel bags saturating the market.

Ona, which means “to feel,” “to believe,” and “to experience with the eyes” in Swahili, features a range of shoulder bags, messengers, backpacks, and smaller goods. The bags are composed of quality materials including full-grain cowhide leather, waxed cotton canvas, solid brass fine detailing, and closed-cell protective foam. If that weren’t enough to lure in avid snappers, the totes also allow room for personal items such as wallets, iPads and e-readers, journals, and laptops, often with removable and customizable dividers. Standout bags include the 1940’s schoolbag-inspired Brooklyn satchel, the classic bowler-style Chelsea tote, and the functional Brixton messenger.

Foster’s consideration for everyday adventure—the founder admits to carrying her SLR camera on a variety of visual ventures, from dreamy vacations to family gatherings and park excursions—is clear, and her ongoing commitment to premium quality in every sense makes choosing a bag from Ona a snap.

Photos courtesy of Ona.