Ever wondered what might be in your photographer’s bag for a photoshoot? Look no further! Today I am sharing the essentials I take with me on nearly every photoshoot. These are items that I will need on me no matter what the style of shoot is. I can be a nosy person, so I love finding out what other creatives carry in their day-to-day kit, which means it is only fair if I share mine too! If you have ever had a session with me, and have had a sneak peak into my photography bag while I have been changing lenses, here is your chance to find out more about what is in there.
The Camera
Beginning with the obvious, my camera comes on every shoot. I currently shoot with a Canon 6D Mark II, a full frame camera (in basic terms, this means that the image sensor doesn’t crop the image) which I have grown fond of now that we get along. As with most new equipment, it can take a while to get used to, so I had a love-hate relationship with this camera for a long while. Nevertheless, I couldn’t live without it now! It is so versatile, weather-resistant and is great for shooting in lowlight with its ISO range. If you are wondering what I mean by ISO, check out my blog here!
Camera Lenses
I carry two camera lenses with me on all of my sessions. Most of the time I only use one, but I like to have the option there if I need it. My go-to lens is the Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens, which works in perfect harmony with the 6D mark II. This lens is my favourite to use, purely for its versatility. I can shoot wide angle, portraiture and close-up all with this one lens! I love using this lens for mini sessions, or on locations where it might be impractical to be changing lenses because it saves so much time, and I can get a great variety of images with just one lens.
A new edition to my lens family is the Canon 50mm f/1.4, also known as the ‘nifty fifty’. This lens gained its nickname because it really is nifty! The 50mm is extremely versatile, it can be used for pretty much every genre of photography. The aperture range is also ideal for capturing that creamy bokeh in portraits. I love carrying this as an addition to my 24-105mm lens. I typically use it if I have more time to change lenses, or for actors' headshots which require a blurred background.
Spare SD Cards
Carrying spare SD cards in my camera bag is a MUST not just for myself, but for every photographer. I always check my SD cards before a session but you never know what might happen on the journey or during the shoot. If I know my SD card is nearly full, I need to have spares on hand, as there is nothing worse than having to finish a session because your card is full! I like to carry a range of storage options, from 128GB to 32GB, so I am ready for any mishaps such as damage, corruption, or the card simply being full.
A Flash
The fourth and final item that I always keep to hand, is a flash. I always keep a flash on hand in case it is too dark to shoot without one. Using a flash allows me to keep the ISO low, which prevents your images from looking grainy. For performance events, it is industry standard to not use flash photography. However, if it is safe to use flash photography at indoor events such as product launches or engagement parties, it makes photographing in low light much easier. Flash can also be helpful as a fill light for location photography, and while I am yet to use my flash outdoors, I like to carry it to be prepared for the scenario.
There we have it! My four, everyday essentials that I carry in my camera bag. I will link my camera bag below for anyone interested. Switching to a back-pack camera bag has saved my back and shoulders from falling apart. The weight of just this equipment alone can really take a toll on your back, so spreading the weight evenly has relieved the pressure on my back. If you have any questions regarding my equipment, let me know! If you’re a photographer, is there anything I’ve missed? What essentials do you carry with you on every shoot?
For me, the products above are my non-negotiable equipment, meaning it has to come with me no matter what. I think every photographer should carry their camera, a lens or two, spare SD cards and a flash with them. These four items ensure I am prepared for every potential scenario and I can continue my sessions with little issues.
Shop my camera bag here!