When I started this journey a few years ago, I Googled everything from “how to start a business” to “what professional photography gear should I buy”. It was super overwhelming and I really had no idea what the heck I was doing. Whoopsie :) Anyways, I thought I’d share what professional gear I use in case anyone needs a little guidance! Here’s what’s in my camera bag…enjoy, friends!
Camera Bodies
Main: Canon 5D Mark III
Backup: Canon 5D Mark II
I love how the Mark III has a 61-point focusing system. This was a game-changer for me!! I can easily pick a focal point anywhere in the frame and it’s super sharp!! This is also a full-frame camera which means the sensor is 2.5 larger than a crop sensor. Long story short, it’s better quality! TIP: learn how to back-button focus. It helps SO MUCH!
Lenses
I use this lens for large bridal parties and reception shots. It allows me to shoot wide without any distortion. This lens is also great for traveling!
This lens is awesome for bridal details. I also use this for most bridal party portraits, too. If I want to shoot wide to include more of the scene, but still want a slight shallow depth of field… this lens is great for that scenario! Also, this lens come in handy when I’m shooting in small spaces but still want to have that creamy dreamy light!
This is one of my favorite portrait lenses EVER! The bokeh is unreal and it’s extremely sharp! This lens is probably on my camera 60% of a wedding day!
My 85mm is hands down my favorite lens!!! I cannot say enough about this beauty. It’s a bit heavy, but worth the pain ;) When I shoot with this lens, my client’s skin tones look flawless … especially at sunset! It’s a high-compression lens, so no matter where I’m shooting… it always looks amazing.
This is my go-to for all ring shots and other jewelry details!! There is definitely a more expensive version of this lens, but since I don’t use it that much on a wedding day, I couldn’t justify spending more money! Smart, right? Right.
Extras
I keep one flash on my camera and the second on a light stand next to the DJ. This allows me to have all control of my available light. One neat feature in these flashes is the wireless radio transmitter that allows you to sync both (or multiple) flashes at once! It’s so easy.
I credit Amy & Jordan for introducing me to this little gem. The expodisc allows me to get near perfect white balance EVERY SINGLE TIME! I don’t have to worry about shooting in Kelvin… that is way too complicated for me!! I like to keep things as simple as possible :)
The bag that I have is discontinued (ugh, of course!) but I’ve linked a similar bag above! I bring this bag with me to every session and wedding! I can store one camera body and three sense inside! Woo!
Lowepro Photo Classic Backpack
This backpack holds all my flashes and extra equipment. I purchased this after I shot a few weddings in Center City Philadelphia. Picture this: a five-foot-one gal RUNNING and DRAGGING an obnoxious camera bag around the city. NOPENOPENOPE never again! I needed something light and small that I can swing on my bag and GO! Needless to say, this lil guy changed my life!
These are the memory cards I use! Super simple, and cheap! I use one card per section of a wedding day — I’ll share more about why I do that in a later post!!
You guessed it — this holds my memory cards!
PHEW! That’s a ton of info, right?! Keep in mind… I rented every piece of equipment before I purchased it to make 100000% sure I needed it. I hope this list helps any photographers out there looking to invest in their business!!
Xoxo
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