Meet the team
The Team at Cotton Camera Carrying Systems, from L to R: Andrew Cotton Chamberlayne, Warehouse Guru; Andy Cotton Chamberlayne, President; Stephanie Parker (niece-in-law), Trade Show Diva; Jackson Parker, employee-in-training; Kennedy Parker, Junior photographer-in-training; Brook Parker (nephew), Second-in-Command; Sam Cotton Chamberlayne, Shipping Specialist.
We're eco-friendly
We know environmental responsibility requires much more than a simple claim of being “green”. While we’re far from perfect, we’re making ongoing strides to reduce waste and lessen our environmental impact.
- We give one percent of our total sales to environmental non-profits.
- Our packaging is made from an average of 53% post-consumer recycled materials.
- At the warehouse, we reuse packing paper, boxes, and plastic bags.
Our products are built with high-quality materials and designed to last a lifetime. Many of our first 500 customers continue to rely on their original harnesses. Unlike cheap gear or fast fashion, Cotton products aren’t destined for the landfill in a year or two.
All direct orders come in plain packaging
To help reduce our environmental impact all direct-to-consumer orders come without branded retail packaging. If your order is a gift please contact us for special shipping that includes a branded package.
Andy's story
I worked as a Special Effects Supervisor in the film industry for over 26 years. My specialty was designing physical effects: cars crashing, people hanging off buildings, that type of stuff. The rules were simple, and the only constant was functionality and 100% reliability. The KISS Principle (Keep it simple, stupid) ruled. People's lives were on the line; there was no room for error.
Later, as a professional landscape photographer, I found no product to meet my need for a camera-carrying solution that was comfortable, secure, and accessible. Sure, there were bags, sling straps, belt clips, and all manner of shiny things. But all were "toys" designed by designers, not photographers. Nothing allowed me to carry my camera comfortably, securely, and with quick accessibility.
My years of design experience in the film industry came into play as I set out to design the system I needed. It had to be simple, without springs or moving parts. Nothing that could fail, jam, or break. Made of top-quality materials, it had to function and be absolutely reliable in all situations. It had to provide comfort and accessibility in order to improve my photographic experience. Five years later, according to enthusiastic feedback from satisfied customers from around the world, I believe I got it right. Simple, functional, high quality: Cotton Camera Carrying Systems.
Praise from one of our first customers
Paul H. Stuetze on Jan 02, 2019
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There are very few companies in the world today, from whom you can purchase innovative, durable products, and stay effective and relevent in photography, even if you own their earliest Generation1 Model. This is the true story with me and with Cotton Carrier Systems and my original black harness, with the white script lettering, "cotton," just below the torso hub plate.
There were NO surprises for me over the years, as I evolved through my favorite newer/used Nikon camera bodies, lenses and related gear. Always .., ALWAYS.., my original CCS Harness System, met and served me, completely and well! How do you top something like that kind of an original investment?
Family heritage
The one who started it all, Audrey Cotton. Mother of Andy Cotton, founder and inventor of Cotton Carrier. The name "Cotton" comes from the Latin term "At The Cottage." Living around lakes, hills, and trees. We live by this code, especially being from one of the most naturally beautiful places on the planet, British Columbia. Thanks Grandma!
1% For the Planet
We are proud to donate 1% of our sales towards environmental non-profits.