Lots of good information!!! But ya don't need anything at all to go check out a shoot!!!! If you already have some toys or a hat, by all means, take'em, but DO NOT wait till ya got all yer stuff. You can go in your swim suit, flip-flops, and a nose covered in zink oxide and these people would te tickeled to see ya! (Take that either way ya want. :-D ) I really believe if ya go to a shoot, it will explain more of the feelings and attitudes of the people in the sport than any thing we can say here, if have as an enjoyable time as I think you will, it will make choosing your new gear much easier. You'll have a better understanding of the basic "get-up", and looking for yours to suit your new personna will be more fun as well.
Just my smelly opinion