In My Camera Bag

Yesterday, I gave you some tips for how to choose the right camera. Today, I thought it would be fun to give you a peek inside my camera bag.

I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III and a variety of lenses. The one that you’ll find on my camera most of the time is the 35 1.4L. It’s a wide angle lens so I can bring it into client’s homes and not worry about shooting in tight spaces. Plus, the wider aperture allows me to shoot in low light situations. My next favorite is the 85 1.2L. This is a great lens for shooting outdoors. You get beautiful bokeh! The one drawback is that it doesn’t focus as fast as some of my other lenses. I like to use this lens when I start a family session outside. I’ll get the family all snuggled on a blanket and shoot away. If I wanted some action shots; a little girl twirling or a toddler running towards me, I’d switch to my 35. I might even move to my 24-70 2.8L so that I could stay where I am and zoom in and out for a variety of shots.

I also have two 50mm lenses. It’s been a struggle for me to find a 50mm lens that I like. I bought the Canon 50 1.2L thinking it would be the perfect addition to my collection, but it’s not as sharp as I was hoping. Then, I purchased the Sigma ART 50 1.4 because I read great things about Sigma ART line and how sharp their lenses are. I even went to Unique Photo (my fave local camera store!) to ask about it and the salesperson told me it’s much sharper than the Canon. I really want to love it. I really do, but it’s just so hit or miss. I am going to practice more with both lenses and see if I can find a sweet spot.

I also throw in some memory cards and a few toys in my camera bag just in case I run into a cranky toddler. My actual camera bag is a Kelly Moore bag I found on sale. I love the color, but I must admit it’s a little bulky to carry. I think I’d like something with longer straps to throw over my shoulder.

So there you have it! No fancy lighting equipment. Just me and my camera. Every now and then I’ll bring along a reflector, but it’s so hard to use when I’m photographing kids.

What kind of camera do you have?