All photographers have a go-to kit that they have with them for all their photoshoots. Some items are pretty standard (like the camera, duh) but other things can vary greatly from person to person and what the subject matter for their shoot is. As a pet photographer, I wanted to share my camera bag and what I typically have on me at all times.
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My workhorse – the camera body! Some highlights include: 22.3 megapixel full-frame sensor, great low light capabilities, and a super durable body make this fantastic for pet photography sessions. I’ve had this camera since 2013 and it’s still going strong! There is a newer version of this out now, the 5D Mark IV which I am definitely drooling over.
I really love using this lens! It’s macro-capable, too, and that’s probably my favorite part! This is great for getting up close and personal and focusing on those tiny details – noses, eyes, name tags, paws, etc.
This is another favorite, I love using a telephoto lens so I can really blur out the background. It also comes in quite handy when a pet might be a little camera shy… I can keep my distance and zoom in for the perfect shot.
This lens is really great for group shots, whether that is just people, just pets, or both! I don’t use this one a ton, but when you need it, it sure comes in handy!
My first prime lens! Prime lenses are lenses with no zoom, by the way. The 50mm is supposed to be about what everything looks like to the human eye, no distortion. There is a pretty inexpensive version that’s only ~$120 if you’re wanting to try out a prime lens. I highly recommend!
The pancake lens! I love the bokeh this lens creates. Bokeh is that sparkly, blurred out background effect that happens in photos. I aim to create bokeh whenever possible when I’m shooting. This lens is small and inconspicuous, so it’s another great option if the bigger lens are making a pet nervous or if you’re out and about and don’t want a huge lens to carry.
This is another fun and flattering focal length to shoot with. I like using this lens to get a little closer to the subject for the photo but be able to keep my physical distance.
I don’t use my flash too-too much, but I like to have it on me just in case. You never know if we’ll head inside or it gets dark a little too fast. I like to be prepared.
This is a new camera bag! The other ones I were using were old and starting to flake apart on the outside, so it was time. I went with a hard, backpack style this time around.
That is the main equipment I carry with me, but I also have things like extra lens caps, cleaning supplies, memory cards, pens, business cards, and an extra battery. I do have a tripod, but I don’t usually bring that unless I know I need it or plan something specifically that’ll require it. I also have a crop sensor body as a backup, but that doesn’t live in my bag either.
So what’d you think? Is my equipment what you expected? Do you have any questions? I’m always happy to chat or answer any questions! All photos featured in my portfolio was done with the equipment in this post.
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