What’s in My Bag | Atlanta Family Photographer

Last year I hosted my first class teaching how to shoot in manual mode. It was so much fun spending time with others who are interested in photography! I’m a bit nerdy and I LOVE talking about the technical side of things and all the gear. So this post is for my fellow photog nerds who love to talk and learn about the behind the scenes side of things!

Let me start by saying this: expensive equipment does not equal high quality photos! Did you hear that? I’ll say it again; expensive equipment does not equal high quality photos! Know what does? KNOWLEDGE!!! As a professional, I do believe it is very important to use top of the line equipment to produce the best possible product for clients. But you must also possess the knowledge of how to work that equipment. I share that because I know many of you who are interested enough to read this, are doing so because you have a love and interest in photography. I do not want you to feel like you can’t achieve beautiful photos because you can’t afford certain equipment. In fact I believe it’s best to learn your current equipment inside and out and max out its capabilities before you invest in the next piece of equipment.

I started with a Canon Rebel t3i and a 50 mm f/1.8, and I achieved some beautiful photos with it! I learned so much on that little camera and worked and saved to purchase each piece of equipment I have. I dreamed of having a lens with that little red ring around the end, signifying the highest quality of glass from Canon. For me it was important to not go into debt just to buy the next best thing. (I will write a whole other blog post one day about contentment…actually I think I could write a whole book on it as the Lord is daily teaching me about the importance of choosing contentment!)

With all that said…here’s what is in my bag! Can you tell I’m a dedicated Canon fan?

Camera Bag:
Kamrette

Camera Bodies:
Canon 5d mark iv (primary body)
Canon 6d (backup body)

Lenses:
Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II
Canon 35mm f/1.4 II
Canon 50mm f/1.2
Canon 100mm f/2.8

Lighting:
Canon 600EX II-RT
Speedlite Transmitter ST-ET-RT
Mag Mod Diffuser
Light Stand
Translucent Umbrella

Extras:
Eneloop Rechargable batteries for flash
SanDisk Extreme Pro CF and SD cards (lots of these, mostly 32 gb)
Burt’s Bees Lip Balm (because I’m addicted)

And last but not least, copious amounts of Smarties! Smarties are for coaxing my little friends back on track, they produce clear drool and don’t stain clothes.

I only use my flash and lighting equipment for indoor sessions. Most often this means newborn sessions. I still utilize window light but I use my off camera lighting to help fill in the light so I can produce my signature style of light, bright images that are sharp.

When it comes to lenses, I mostly use my 24-70 mm, 35 mm, and 50 mm when working with families. The 100 mm is actually a macro lens used to capture fine details. I pull out the 100 mm when getting ring shots, which happens often as one of my clients is a boutique that sells fine china and jewelry. This selection of lenses gives me a great range for working with families and brands. In full family sessions and newborn sessions I have the time to rotate between lenses to produce a variety of final images. In mini sessions, I typically use my 24-70 mm the whole time because time is short. Since this lens is a zoom lens, I can get close up and wide shots very quickly in the short amount of time of a mini. I have an 85 mm on my “one-day” wish list!

I love talking gear, so let me know if you have any questions!