What's In My Camera Bag? A Peek At My Favorite Gear
I often get asked about the gear I use for my photography (and I mean, a lot), so I thought I'd give you a little peek inside my camera bag. Knowing what's in your bag and why you chose those specific items is crucial for any photographer, whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro. So, let's dive in!
The Heart of the Matter: My Camera Body
My main workhorse is the Nikon Z7II. This full-frame mirrorless camera is an absolute dream. The image quality is stunning, the autofocus is lightning fast, and it handles low-light situations like a champ. My favorite feature is the 45 megapixel sensor. A dream! It's a significant investment, but for me, it's worth every penny. I did buy my camera body slightly used to save a little money!
Now, I understand that not everyone is ready to drop that kind of cash on a camera body. If you're looking for a fantastic entry point into the mirrorless world (and something a little more budget-friendly), I highly recommend the Nikon Z50II. It boasts many of the features of its more expensive sibling, including excellent image quality and a user-friendly interface, but at a much more accessible price point. It's a great option for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Lens Lineup: My Holy Trinity
Lenses are just as important, if not more so, than the camera body itself. I only have three, but several that still live on my wishlist!
85mm f/1.8: This is my go-to lens for portraits. The compression it provides is gorgeous, and the shallow depth of field creates beautiful, creamy bokeh. It really isolates your subject and makes them pop. I use this lens for 1-2 people.
50mm f/1.8: A classic focal length, the 50mm is incredibly versatile. It's great for everything from street photography to environmental portraits. It's also usually a very affordable lens, making it a must-have in any photographer's bag. I use it for literally everything!
35mm f/1.8: This lens is perfect for storytelling. It captures more of the scene, allowing you to show the context of your subject. I love it for lifestyle shoots and travel photography. I always use it for my families when I want to showcase the surroundings of the session (the beach, a forested area, or historical sites).
These three lenses offer a fantastic range of perspectives and cover most of my shooting needs.
Keeping it Safe and Sound: Memory and Storage
When it comes to memory cards, speed is key! I rely on fast UHS-II SD cards. These cards allow me to shoot continuously without worrying about buffering, which is essential, especially when shooting in burst mode. Don't skimp on memory cards – they're crucial for a smooth workflow. And all together not too expensive these days!
And speaking of workflow, backing up your images is absolutely vital. I always carry a portable external hard drive. I prefer SSD drives for their speed and durability. Regularly backing up your work is non-negoti – you don't want to risk losing precious photos!
Adding a Little Light: My Speedlight & Diffuser
While I prefer to shoot with natural light whenever possible, sometimes you need a little extra oomph. That's where my speedlight comes in. It's a lifesaver for filling in shadows, creating dramatic lighting effects, and shooting in low-light situations. Learning to use off-camera flash is a game-changer for any photographer.
Miscellaneous but Mighty: The Supporting Cast
Beyond the core essentials, there are a few other items that frequently find their way into my bag:
Tripod: These are mainly used for landscapes or long exposures, but I use them most for taking self portraits or family photos.
White Balance Tools: Getting accurate colors is crucial. When I have the opportunity, I use either a gray card or an ExpoDisc to ensure my white balance is spot-on, especially in challenging lighting conditions. A gray card is exponentially less expensive than an ExpoDisc!
Reflector: A simple, collapsible reflector can be a lifesaver for bouncing light and filling in shadows, especially when working with portraits or product photography.
Camera Strap: A comfortable and reliable camera strap is a must-have for carrying my gear.
Content Creation (but on the go):
If you want to stay relevant as a photographer, consider filming while you’re shooting for content creation on social media. To make this easier, I use a phone mount that attaches to the top of my camera. This allows me to film behind-the-scenes footage, tutorials, or even just share my perspective while I'm working. You can also keep your pose inspiration up on Pinterest right there in your face, or play music!
The Bag Itself:
Of course, all this gear needs a home! I use a backpack because it fits everything and is no-fuss. This one is inexpensive. Camera bags can easily be in the hundreds of dollars and I’m just not interested in spending that much!
So, there you have it – a glimpse into my photography bag! Remember, the specific gear you choose will depend on your individual needs and style. The most important thing is to find the tools that work best for you and allow you to bring your creative vision to life. Happy shooting!
So, there you have it – a glimpse into my photography bag and gear! Remember, the specific gear you choose will depend on your individual needs and style. The most important thing is to find the tools that work best for you and allow you to bring your creative vision to life.
Happy shooting!
Nancy
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue creating content like this. Rest assured, I only recommend products I genuinely believe in and use myself.
