I'm also a photographer, and travel with a carry-on backpack of gear. I'm A-List, so I am generally in the first 30 or so boarding, but the Early Bird will almost certainly get you what you need. If you ever end up in the C group, that's when it's risky and your bag may be checked. But most flight attendants are understanding, and will try to find a way. They're very good about moving coats out of the bins and putting bags up, then putting the coats back on top afterward. Keep paying for Early Bird, and you'll be fine.
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