A Working Photographer’s Camera Gear
What’s in my camera bag?
When it comes to cameras, everyone has their favourites.
I’ll preface this by saying, to each to their own. Whether you’re an avid Sony fan, Nikon, Panasonic, Fujifilm, or loyal Canon user (like me!) – everyone has their preferred choice of machine! (Much like cars …)
So I’m not here to tell you what you need to buy, or that if you do get this equipment you’ll have photos that look exactly like mine. (Because a camera is only as good as its photographer, and you can achieve amazing things with whatever you have!) But, I am often asked, '‘what is in your bag'?’, ‘what lenses do you use?’, ‘what lens did you use to take ‘x’ photo’ – etc.
In 2023 I’m very excited to be offering my first round of courses for creatives (big yay!) where I’ll go into depth about my equipment and how I use it. But if you’re a newbie photographer, a hobbyist, an amateur professional looking to upgrade your kit, or just curious to see what I use – this blog post is for you.
Disclaimer: Just so you know, if you click on an item and purchase it through Amazon I’ll get a small commission! These small commissions help support my business and projects like Courageous Creatives Podcast, and it doesn’t cost you anything extra.
CAMERAS
Since 2020, I’ve worked with Nikon and Canon camera bodies – but Canon is my preference. (They’re fabulous for different things, so I still have both.)
I did painstaking research for a few months into this camera, particularly comparisons between it and the Canon 5D IV – and there were a key few things that sold me on it: price point, flip LCD screen, and Bluetooth capabilities. This camera is brilliant, and I love it. My favourite child. Click the link here to shop.
If you have a photography business (even if you have just started) you need a back up camera. For a whole host of reasons: a backup if your main body is damaged on site; if there is some kind of fault with batteries, SD cards or other equipment; or if you don’t have time to change lenses and need variation between shots – and the list goes on. My backup camera, is the second camera I bought for my business. The camera I have linked (the 850D) is the latest version available. It’s a crop-frame sensor, which also has Bluetooth capabilities, and comes with a versatile kit lens. Shop it here.
Videography + Backup no. 2: Sony A7 II
This is our newest addition to our kit – Haavard’s Sony A7 II. This camera is 24.3MP Full Frame, 5-axis sensor-based image stabilization, HD video recording and wifi capabilities. Even though it’s a slightly older model, it’s a little rocket and we love it. Shop the camera here.
DJI Mavic Mini Drone
This is a relatively new addition to my ‘bag’ – and Haavard and I are still learning the ropes, so it’s yet to go on a maiden voyage for work. But we also felt the Mini was a good entry point when it comes to drones, and if we feel the need to upgrade to a full-size drone down the line, then we will. Shop it here.
LENSES
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
This was the first lens I purchased for my business. It has been absolutely brilliant, I can’t fault it. If you’re just starting out and looking to buy one lens – a versatile 50mm lens is it. Shop this one here.
If you’re getting into any kind of portrait photography, you need to get yourself an 85mm lens! This one takes the most beautiful photos.
Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Macro Optical (Zoom) Lens
This was one of my first lenses, but doesn’t often get a day out anymore. Still a fantastic lens if you’re keen to try your hand at different types of photography, with a generous zoom range of 75-300mm. Shop it here, or the Nikon equivalent below:
This was a fantastic lens, until I dropped it on a shoot and damaged the autofocus function. But, if you’re shooting on a cropped-sensor camera (like the 850D) still highly recommend! It’s a great, affordable option comparatively to some of the more expensive lenses. Shop it here.
For videography – you don’t need this if you’re just shooting static photos! It’s fantastic, but you will have sore arms and shoulders after carrying it for a day. Shop here.
This has been the BEST small investment! It’s super handy, easy to transport – and has come in handy for me more times than I ever thought! Buy it here
MICROPHONES
RØDE VMPRRode VideoMic Pro Compact Directional On-Camera Shotgun Microphone
Love this mic! We had one damaged in rain on a videography shoot last month, but otherwise can’t fault it – so we bought another one! You can purchase it here.
Idea for short-range audio capture, where subject is in front of camera. Shop here.
MUST-HAVES!
Canon Wireless Remote Control BR-E1 (Or Nikon/Sony Equivalent!)
Mine is a bit older than this, so looks a bit different! But this is the latest and greatest. You can also buy generic ones which can work relatively well, but wherever comms are concerned between technology – often safest to go branded. Shop this one here.
LOTS AND LOTS OF SD CARDS
The majority of SD cards in my bag are SanDisk – touchwood, they’ve been fantastic. Don’t make the mistake I did for so long, of buying them from your local Harvey Norman or other retailer – they are SO cheap on Amazon. Shop this one here.
JJC 36 Slots Memory Card Case Holder (Water Resistant, Anti-Shock Memory Card Wallet)
This case is a golden nugget! It’s super duper affordable, so do the right thing by your SD cards and keep them well protected! Shop here.
MY BAGS
Canvas DSLR Camera Backpack, (Waterproof, Anti-Shock)
This one is a very close equivalent to my every day camera backpack. Buy it here.
Lowepro Format Shoulder Bag
This bag is fantastic and so versatile, and I’ll very often use it on a shoot if I don’t want to be lugging around my main backpack. It’s not the prettiest, but functionality is key! Lowepro are renown for their bags. Shop it here.
