What's in My Bag: The Essential Gear I Carry as a Photographer
As a photographer, having the right gear is essential to capturing stunning images and ensuring a smooth workflow. Over the years, I’ve refined my kit to include the tools that best support my style and needs. I used to carry WAY too much gear with me on the daily bases, but I’ve slowly scaled back to essentials.
Camera Bodies
I carry two Canon R6 camera bodies. Having a backup is crucial—whether for peace of mind in case of technical issues or for the flexibility of switching between lenses without missing a moment. The R6 is a powerhouse with excellent low-light performance, fast autofocus, and fantastic image quality, making it my go-to choice.
Lenses
Lenses are the heart of my photography, and I’ve carefully selected a few that suit my shooting style:
50mm Lens – This prime lens is a classic. It’s lightweight, sharp, and fantastic for portraits with beautiful background blur. It’s my go-to for capturing natural expressions and detail shots. I love this lens for newborns and high school seniors.
24-70mm Lens – This versatile zoom lens is a workhorse. It covers a broad focal range, making it ideal for group shots, environmental portraits, and dynamic compositions. It’s my most-used lens for school photo sessions since it allows me to adjust framing quickly without changing lenses. This lens is my favorite for photographing families with small kids because it’s fast and I can get some of those sweet moments.
135mm Lens – This telephoto lens is a dream for portraits. It produces stunning compression, isolates subjects beautifully, and creates a creamy bokeh that makes images stand out. I love using it for more traditional family photos for a nice classic look.
Sigma 100mm Macro Lens (with an adapter)– This macro lens is perfect for capturing fine details, especially in newborn photography. It allows me to focus on tiny fingers, delicate eyelashes, and other intricate features with incredible sharpness and clarity.
Accessories & Essentials
Beyond cameras and lenses, there are a few must-have accessories I always keep in my bag:
Extra Batteries & Memory Cards – Running out of power or storage is never an option, so I always carry backups.
Lens Cleaning Kit – Dust and smudges happen, and a clean lens is key to sharp images.
Camera Straps & Harness – Comfort is important when shooting for long hours, so I use a harness system to distribute weight and keep my cameras easily accessible.
Flash & Reflectors – While I prefer natural light, having a flash for fill light or a reflector to bounce light helps maintain consistent exposure.
