What's in my Camera Bag?

I get asked what kind of camera I use, quiet a lot, so I thought it would be fun to do a “What’s in my bag?” post.

Let’s start with my camera bag. I am in love with my bag. For years I used a cheap one I found on Ebay and once my business became more successful, I decided I earned myself a pretty (but functional) bag. I have the Scout Bag from Kelly Moore. I love the leather and that it’s the perfect size for what I need. It fits my camera, a lens and a speed light. It’s not to big or to small. I have a feeling I will have this bag for many, many years which makes the investment justifiable.

Next up my camera. I used to shoot with a Pentax camera and I loved it but Pentax didn’t really bring out a newer model, so I decided to switch to Canon. I have the Canon 5d Mark iii. This camera is workhorse. The shutter count (kind of like mileage on a car) is HIGH but it still performs perfect. I’ll be honest here… I am not easy on my equipment. I mostly forget to put a lens cap on, I use it on the beach with all the sand or even in the rain. To me my camera is just a tool. A tool to capture memories. If that is on a beach or in a creek. I bought it to use it.

My favorite go to lens is the Canon 50mm 1.4 and this lens is on my camera pretty much 90% of the time. This lens is also called the “nifty fifty” because it is so versatile and can be used in most situations. This is a prime lens, which means no zoom but the beautiful bokeh (when the background is blurry) it creates makes up for that flaw.

My zoom lens is my Canon 24-70mm 2.8. I use this lens when it’s not easy to move around, such as births and weddings. This lens is tack sharp and just good to have. I like using this camera lens for some of my trips with the family.

I also use the YN560 IV speed light (flash). It is cheap and easy to use. I used to leave it mostly at home but now carry it with me anywhere I go. It has come in handy many times during in home newborn sessions when the natural light wasn’t ideal.

Of course my bag has a few memory cards and batteries as well. I once showed up to a shoot with a empty battery and I can tell you, I won’t make that mistake twice. I will always have backups with me.

I carry a few pens, some change, a lens cleaning cloth and some business card in my bag as well.

I also get asked what camera I use for my personal use. I have the Canon G7x for more adventurous trips. This camera has been with us to Vietnam, kayaking across a lake and climbing a mountain. It’s small but mighty. I love that the screen can flip around, which makes making YouTube videos super easy. I can also use it manually which is something I really was looking for in a point and shoot camera.

So there you have it. Are you a photographer? Amateur or Professional? What’s in YOUR bag?