HERE ARE A FEW THINGS THAT HAVE MADE THEIR WAY ONTO MY LIST OF FAVORITE GEAR! I WANT TO GIVE YOU A PEAK INTO MY BAG AND SEE WHAT’S ON MY DESK!

I get a lot of questions about what camera I use, what my favorite lenses are, and overall what gear I would recommend for different things! So, I figured I would compile a list of my faves and share it with you all! Here is a peak into what I keep in my camera bag as well as some must-have desk items!

WHAT I KEEP IN MY CAMERA BAG… THE ESSENTIALS —

I. CAMERA BODIES

I have two Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Camera Bodies. I LOVE these cameras! The quality and tones have been my favorite of any camera I’ve owned. Fun bonus, they even have a cool touch screen to make navigating around easier! I get asked what other cameras I would recommend if you’re just getting started - I would say these are two levels of camera bodies that are also equally great for starting out: 1. the Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera Bundle (comes with a lot of extra goodies) and 2. the Canon EOS 60D is also a great camera to start with!

II. LENSES

These are my favorite lenses in order of what I use most:

Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II - The wide angle on this is AMAZING for epic landscape locations!
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II - I could shoot a WHOLE wedding on the 35! It’s so versatile!
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 - this is a beautiful lens for ceremonies and toasts, it allows you to get that soft up close focus without “feeling in the way.” I love it!

III. FLASHES

I have two flashes -

MAIN: Canon Speedlite 430EX II

BACK-UP: ESDDI Camera Flash for Canon (so affordable and still AMAZING)

IV. CAMERA BAG

I LOVE my camera bag! I got it here on Amazon, and have had it now for 3+ years - it has adjustable cushioned spaces, a laptop slot for travel, and lots of fun pockets! It comes in Olive Green and Black. It also comes with a waterproof cover!

V. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

CAMERA BATTERIES - I always try to get name brand, knock-off ones are risky! Be sure to get the right type for your camera (this one is for Canon EOS 5D Mark IV / 5D Mark III / 5DS / 5DS R / 5D Mark II / 6D / 7D Mark II / 7D / 80D / 70D / 60D / 60Da and BG-E16, BG-E14, BG-E13, BG-E11, BG-E9, BG-E7, BG-E6 Grips)
LEATHER HARNESS STRAP - for when I shoot with two camera bodies
WRIST STRAP - I get asked about this ANY time I post a pic of my camera. This wrist strap gives me so much movement and flexibility when I’m shooting with one body! 10000000 % recommend! Even though it says for Sony, it works perfectly with my Canon.
CF CARDS + SD CARDS - These are my favorite brand and size, I stock up on them!
DURABLE CARD HOLDER - I have 3 of these, it helps me stay organized and protect back ups!
CHARGER - I always keep 2 extra battery chargers in my bag jussssst in case.
PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER - I like keeping one of these in my bag just incase I need one during a long wedding day.
MY FAVE MUST-HAVE SNACK - Peanut Butter protein bars… YUM. Freakin’ yum. I always try to keep a pack of these in the house to grab one and put in my bag for any shoot!
WATER BOTTLE - Hydrate up!!! I take my Camelbak water bottle with me always, it’s easy to grab a quick sip at a shoot and not to clunky to carry around with me.

CHECK OUT THE GEAR…

MY DESK GEAR MUST HAVES —

I. HARD DRIVES

WD HARD DRIVES - These have been my FAVORITE hard drives I’ve ever used! I have never (knock on wood) had a problem with them! They run so well and are incredibly affordable! I get a new 2 TB one each year and label them with masking tape and sharpies for organization.

II. CARD READER

MULTI-CARD-TYPE READER - If you use CF cards or any other type of card than an SD card, then you know the struggle of downloading your images. This reader has been a life saver! It can read all of these: CF, CFI, TF, SDXC, SDHC, SD, MMC, Micro SDXC, Micro SD, Micro SDHC, MS, UHS-I.

III. PHONE STAND

BAMBOO PHONE HOLDER - No, this isn’t technically gear, but it has to do with gear - my phone! I get WAY too distracted if my phone is just laying on the table next to me. This holder, as dumb as it may sound, allows me to put my phone in it and set it aside - physically and mentally! It’s been helpful for me, maybe it’ll help you too…??? Haha!