Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or an aspiring one, let’s bust this myth up front: you have to have the latest, greatest, and most expensive camera equipment to produce amazing images. IT’S NOT THE TRUTH! While quality of your equipment plays a small role in the final images you’ll produce, it’s not everything. After years of being a photographer, trying out different brands of equipment and investing money, I can let you know my line up of misfit toys works wonderfully for me!

Today, I’m sharing what’s in my camera bag & what I use each item for.

*this post contains affiliate links meaning if you click on them & make a purchase, I will make a small profit

Camera Bodies:

Canon 5D Mark IV

Canon 5D Mark III

Both bodies listed above are my primary shooting bodies!

Canon 6D

My 6D serves as my backup body on wedding days. It’s an amazing camera for someone who may be getting a little more serious in photography and is looking for something close to the 5D Mark III, but doesn’t want the price tag of the Mark.

Canon 1V (film camera)

This is my 35mm format film camera. On wedding days this is on one side of my shooting harness (The Moneymaker, listed later on) and is a great film camera for a Canon user like myself, because it works with ALL of my lenses I already have!

Lenses:

Canon 50mm f/1.2L

My go to portrait lens! You’ll notice I also have a Sigma 50 (listed below) and I had the Sigma first. I was going to sell when I purchased the Canon, but now it comes in handy when I’m shooting film to have both lenses. I do find that my Sigma is a tad sharper than my Canon!

Canon 85mm f/1.8

I love to use this lens on my high school seniors and for wedding portraits, but I’ve found it works best when I have LOTS of sunshine. It makes for an oh so dreamy butter like background!

Canon 100mm f/2.8

Used for all of my ring shots and occasionally, up close portraits.

Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4

This lens blows the Canon 35mm out of the water in my opinion. This may be my favorite lens I have, next to my nifty fifty. 😉

Sigma Art 50mm f/1.4

Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8

I purchased this lens before my first trip to Africa in 2018. I use it mainly for travel, but have found it’s amazing for extra wide venue shots and event photography.

Misc:

Sekonic L-358 Light Meter

This is how I read the light for my film work!

Holdfast Money Maker

Literally my favorite investment as far as accessories go. The quality is unbeatable and the convenience is a life saver. I’ll never photograph a wedding without this!

Fuji 400H Pro

My choice of film stock. I love the colors it produces and the way it works with light! Beautiful, classic tones. YUM!

Beeway Memory Card Carrying Case

I absolutely love these cases for the durability. I don’t have to worry about my cards slipping out and getting lost!

Extra Batteries

Obviously 😉

There you have it! That’s what’s in my bag on wedding days and most sessions I go on. I will note I started photographing weddings with only a crop-sensor camera and 50mm lens. You do not have to have the latest and greatest equipment to produce amazing work and run a business. Over time, investing in your equipment is wise for the obvious reasons and variety it can provide for your week. Don’t get caught up in thinking having it all will make you the best. Become an expert shooting in manual mode and practice, practice, practice.

Have questions about my gear or anything else photo related? Drop your questions in the comments!

xo

Holly