🖤 The One With My Must-Have Photo Gear
These are my ride-or-die tools—the gear I reach for at every shoot, whether I’m in the studio or out on location.
Happy scrolling, friend! 🖤
Canon R Camera
This is my newest camera that I purchased last year. I am loving the light weight body even though it was hard to get used to at first. I actually shoot looking at the back of the LED screen more than using the viewfinder. I find I am able to get more angles this way. I also love that what I see on the screen is what I will get as a final image. There are two other versions of this body with the Canon R5 and R6.
Canon 5D Mark 4
I have had this body for about 4 years now and I still love it and use it. I had only bought the newer camera as I knew that I had been hard on this one and needed to make sure to have a reliable camera. I keep this one in the studio and use it for headshot sessions when using my studio strobes. When I travel this still goes with me as a backup camera.
Youngnuo Ice Light
These handheld lights give out amazing light and are very easy to have on location. If I am alone I can hold one and still shoot. If I have an assistant with me I will have them hold them or I will even have a parent become an assistant. They love being part of the senior session!
V Flats
Foldable V Flat that can be used in your studio or on location indoors. I use these with my large window in studio as a reflector plus a wall for a backdrop. I also use the black side to deflect light for more of a dramatic picture with studio lights.
Canon 24-70 Lens
My new favorite lens! It is a hefty lens without being too heavy to handle. I usually shoot with primes as I like they way the glass looks plus I like being a little closer to my clients so it is easier to direct them. I decided on to upgrade to the 24-70 zoom to have more options without having to change out lenses on location. I am loving the the pictures that I have taken with the 24-70mm so far!
Canon 85mm Prime
Hands down my favorite glass! It just produces beautiful portraits. I use this lens with my high school senior portraits and head shot sessions. It compresses the background so that my subject is what is focus and center in the picture.
Canon 50mm Prime
If you are looking for an inexpensive lens that also gives good images this is it. I was a little hesitant to buy this but since the price was low I decided to check it out. I wasn't sure at the time if prime lenses were what I wanted to change to. This is a really good lens if money is tight and you are wanting a prime lens in your bag. I still use this lens on location and in studio. They key is to have great lighting.
Younguo 35mm Prime
If you are looking to get different angles with your high school seniors the sis the lens to get. I use this lens for the angles when I am have the seniors shoe in the foreground out of focus and the senior in the background in focus.
Sandisk Extreme Pro
Shooting for hours? Sandisk is camera card in my camera body.
Black Rapid Camera Strap
I have had this strap for YEARS! I seriously think I have had this same strap for 10 years at least. It is heavy duty and screws in the bottom of my camera. I am never worried that it will come unscrewed and it is very comfortable.
White Balance Gray Card
I use this white balance gray card when shooting in studio to custom my white balance for easy editing.
Camera Hotshoe Phone Holder
Get those behind the scenes videos for your social media posts!
Seamless Paper White
Thick seamless paper that I use with the backdrop stand and studio lighting.
Seamless Paper Black
Thick seamless photography backdrop paper for studio portraits.
Savage Seamless Paper Thunder Gray
Thick and easy to work with seamless photography backdrop paper.
Canon Speedlite Flash
When you are in a situation that you cannot have lights but need some fill. Easy to throw in your photography bag and take with you at anytime.
Large Reflector
This is not the exact reflector that I have but it is very similar. Actually, I might like this one better since it has handles. Mine is just the reflector without handles. I use this many with the silver side and on location with my high school seniors. My assistant is always in charge of finding the light to reflect back on my senior for a beautiful pop of light.
Westcott Beauty Dish Switch
This is the beauty dish I use with the EVOLV Flashpoints. It gives out the most beautiful light!
Flashpoint eVOLV 200
These are the best to bring with when I am shooting on location. Light and easy to travel with. Gives out a lot of power. I use 2 units together.
eVOLV Dual Power Twin Head
I put the two Flashpoints on this so I have double the power when on location.
Changing Tent
I do not have this exact changing tent. The one I have is very old and I couldn't find it anymore. But this one is very similar. I use it on location for my seniors to change in. Sometimes it is easier to change in this pop up tent than in their car. It folds up and I have it in the back of my car on all high school senior shoots.
Sketcher Women's Sneaker
It is so important to be wearing shoes that you can move in during a photoshoot. Some session are 3 hours on my feet. I can go from a downtown alley to a tall grassy field. I want to make sure I go from one place to the other and not worry about what is on my feet!