What’s in my camera bag?

As a professional photographer, I often get asked the same questions by those interested in photography. “What camera should I get?”. “What’s your favorite camera bag?” “What gear do you use?” So, in this blog I’ve put everything together just for you!

In this blog I cover: 

• Camera Bodies
• Lenses
• Adapters and Flash
• Film Cameras & Film
• Movie Camera
• Drone
• Storage Cases
• Accessories

Before you dive into this list or immediately head to shop for any of the following, make sure you read this first.  Often photographers spend lots of money in order to become a better photographer. Although, often it isn’t the camera or gear that you are using that makes you an excellent photographer.  It is usually the work you put in to understanding light, posing, camera settings, and how to be creative with your camera. 

When I initially started out, I rented all my photography equipment because I didn’t have the full amount of money to invest into their purchase. I also didn’t know if I wanted photography to be my full time career at the time, so that choice was appropriate. 

Over time, I did research and watched trends and fell in love with the suggestions below. Now, I use this equipment for capturing couples, weddings, etc.  I adore how this equipment works together to create an easy workflow for me. Also, I want to point out that I have chosen to work with Canon for my photography equipment. There are other incredible options out there such as Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, etc. but I personally made the choice for Canon, as you will see below!

For what I pack on trips for domestic and international weddings, read more HERE!

Let’s dive into my full gear list!

CAMERA BODIES

CANON EOS R6

I currently use the Canon EOS R6 as my main camera, but I am looking into purchasing the R6 Mark II as my backup camera.  Both cameras are incredible options and both are mirrorless.   Let me give you a quick explanation of what a mirrorless camera is.  Mirrorless cameras have real-time previews of exposure and contrast.  The battery life is shorter than a DSLR because the optical viewfinder requires battery power.  

A mirrorless camera shoots faster than most DLSR’s particularly when shooting continuous shots or a burst of images.  They also offer more image stabilization.  I started out with a Canon 5D Mark IV, which was an incredible starter camera, before I made the switch to mirrorless when it came out.  

When Canon produced the R6, it managed to exceed some of the best cameras on the market. The addition of the 5-axis IBIS (image stabilization) made it very competitive with the other brands on the market.  The R6 has a dual SD card slot too.  It produces high-quality images with high dynamic range and very little noise when compared with other camera brands.  The R6 either matches or outclasses its competition, and I highly recommend it.

CANON R6 MARK II

I also use the Canon R6 mark ii. I love using it!

CAMERA LENSES

CANON RF 28-70 f2

This lens makes the top of the list! It is one of my favorites. I just purchased this lens after trying it several times prior.

CANON EF 35MM F/1.4

This lens is versatile for landscapes, wide shots of couples, as well as getting in nice and close for more intimate shots and delivers a beautiful background blur.  This lens is designed to go the distance with challenging shooting environments in all conditions. 

CANON EF 85MM F/1.4

Fantastic portrait lens and what I use for extra “reach” when I’m shooting from further back.  Again, this lens produces beautiful background blur for those perfect portrait photos.  It’s also great for those low light situations and indoors.  You can shoot with confidence into the light too with no flare, ghosting or reduced contrast.

CANON EF 24-70 F/2.8

This lens is my absolute favorite lens and my go to for every single photo shoot. It features a lightweight body and the image quality is superb.  The colour and contrast are excellent especially for portrait shots in wedding photography. I used to only use prime lenses, but I have now shifted my style into a filmy, vintage, and nostalgic look.   

I love having a zoom lens that allows me to have more variety when I am shooting, without me having to move as much.  I now don’t have to have a couple recreate a moment just for me to get closer in or further away. 

I use all 3 of these lenses with an adapter to fit my R body camera, this helps to keep expenses down. I bought my 35mm from a local camera store and then my 85 mm online at Canon.com. When I made the choice to invest in a zoom lens, I actually discovered that canon has refurbished lens options.  

This allows you to buy a brand new lens/camera body at a lower price.  Generally, it is because someone unboxed it and then decided to return it. They check it over before reselling it, so it’s basically a brand new piece of gear for much less.

ADAPTERS & FLASH

EF-EOS R LENS ADAPTER

This adapter allows me to use EF lenses on my canon R6 body.  Actual aperture of the lens can be controlled directly from the camera side, and it has a built-in image stabilizer.

CANON SPEEDLITE 430EX II FLASH

This flash features 20% faster and silent recycle time, quick release and locking mechanism, manual mode settings in 1/3 increments and when used with compatible EOS cameras, the settings can be controlled through the camera menu system.

CANON SPEEDLITE EL-1 FLASH

The EL-1 flash is very versatile, has excellent battery power and ultra-fast recycling speeds.  It has a weather-sealed construction and overall is an excellent choice of flash.

FILM CAMERAS & FILM

CONTAX G2 35MM

I use this point and shoot film camera as it has manual control, and I can add an off camera flash. This is an autofocus rangefinder.

CONTAX T2 35MM

This is a fixed lens point and shoot 35mm film camera.

OLUMPUS MJU-II

Also, a fixed lens point and shoot 35mm film camera.

I always purchase my film cameras from eBay or Etsy and ensure that they are in top mint or mint condition. Make sure you review the seller’s profile and make sure they are a solid seller.  I also read all of the information about the gear and return policy. 

FILM

As far as film, I mostly use Portra 400 35 mm. It has great skin coloring and beautiful hues but tends more towards warm.  If you like the cooler tones, Fujifilm is great for that! 

Super 8 Movie Cameras

I use the Canon 814 Auto zoom Super 8 camera.  I would suggest purchasing this on eBay or Etsy. I also use the Canon 514XL.

DRONE

The Drone I use is the DJI Mini 2.  This is an ultralight, foldable Drone which is compact yet has excellent anti-interference capabilities.  It has 4X zoom and a powerful performance. 

STORAGE CASES

I recommend the following 3 storage cases

1. Pelican Air Case 1535 – This is a perfect carry on storage case. I personally use the trekpak dividers instead of the foam inside. The case is crushproof, dustproof, and waterproof.
2. Pelican Case for SD Cards – This storage case is water resistant and can store 12 SD cards, 6 mini SD cards and 6 micro SD cards
3. Battery case for LP-E6 and LP-E6NH batteries – This case is able to hold most standard body camera battery sizes. It’s design makes it quick and easy to get the batteries out.

ACCESSORIES

1. Sandisk Extreme Pro 64 GB and 128 GB SD cards. The Canon R6 takes dual SD cards, so I use 2 SD cards every time I shoot.

2. Canon LP-E6NH batteries for Canon R6.These have a longer battery life and hold longer charge than the regular canon batteries for your camera.

3. This is a peak design camera strap and I use this while wearing one camera body on wedding days. I love the way you can place the hooks on several different areas of your camera body.  This enables you to be comfortable in carrying and shooting while you are wearing it. 

Finding the right gear for you

So, be encouraged that you will find your own favorite photography gear. Whether you rent and try for yourself before you buy. Or dive straight into opening up your purse/wallet for the next best equipment on the market. There is something for everyone’s skill set and budget.

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