Hey! I’m Blessing, a Portrait and Lifestyle photographer in Dallas-Fort Worth. Over the course of my photography journey, you can trust that I’ve definitely spent lots of money on unnecessary camera equipment and accessories 🥴 and had to learn the hard way. I’ve recently had a few people ask me what I keep In my camera bag, and I thought i would share with you guys my favorite things I currently own and bring to all of my shoots!
Disclosure: There are some affiliate links below, but these are all products I own and highly recommend.
Camera Backpack
I currently use a AmazonBasics DSLR Camera and Laptop Backpack Bag it may look basic but has proven to be 100% useful. It’s super affordable, and I love that It’s not only able to store all of my camera gear, but also my 15 inch laptop and even has other pockets and pouches to help keep things organized. The bag also has cushion dividers that allow you to customize the inside space to your liking.
*This exact bag is currently sold out, but I have linked one very similar to it.
Camera Body
My main camera at the moment is a Nikon z 6ii paired with an FTZ II adapter that allows me to use my full-frame lens on my mirrorless camera. I absolutely LOOVVEE it!!! It takes stunning pictures! The color this camera produces is out of this world! 😍😍 It has 2 memory card slots and a nice-sized screen with touch functionality that makes navigating around easier with features like “tap to focus.” For my beginners who are looking for camera recommendations, I would suggest the Nikon D7500 or Nikon D5600. Those are great cameras to start off with.
Camera Lenses
You will quickly find out in photography that there are a variety of lenses to choose from. It can often get overwhelming trying to decide on which ones to purchase. Here is a simple formula to follow when building your lens collection. “Portrait lens + Wide-angle lens + Zoom lens = Perfect lens collection.” Here are my favorite lenses that follow me to every shoot. Let me know in the comments below ⬇️ if you would love for me to create another blog post talking about my lenses in more detail (pros..cons etc..)
Flash + Modifiers
The Godox V860iii Is an incredibly easy-to-use, high-powered flash. What I love the most is that it comes with a rechargeable battery, so I don’t have to worry about buying batteries. It also connects wirelessly to my other strobe lights and allows me to control them without needing a trigger. I often pair it with my Magmod grip and Magmod Magsphere or the Magmod Magbounce to help give me evenly distributed diffused lighting.
Reflector
My 32″ inch 5-in-1 Reflector helps to create fill lights for my shadows during my shoots. It’s one of those things I don’t always use often, but I’m so glad to have it on the days that I do! The amazing thing about this reflector is that It comes with a handle making it easy for you to be able to hold it with just one hand.
SD Cards + Memory Card Holder
You can never have too many memory cards or extra batteries! I love using the Sandisk Extreme Proand typically purchase the 64 GB or 128 GB. I usually store all my memory cards in my Memory cardholder to keep them organized and protected.
Camera Phone Mount
Another fave of mine is my Camera phone mount! It allows me to prop my phone on my camera, and I typically use it to record behind-the-scenes footage of my shoots when I don’t have anyone to assist me.
Lens Wipes
Lens Wipes are one of the few things that you will ALWAYS find on me, no matter what bag I’m carrying. Confession time…I get really bothered by seeing dirty screens/lenses. So you’ll probably catch me wiping my screens down 50 million times a day 🙈 (don’t judge me).
I hope this helps anyone wondering where to begin or what to include in their bag. I would love to hear what you keep in your bag. Feel free to share in the comments below, along with any questions you may have. To all my beginners, understand that there’s absolutely no pressure! I definitely did not purchase everything in one day. It’s taken me about 2 years to get to where I am now. Take your time, and enjoy the journey. I also suggest that you rent equipment before you purchase it. I have rented a couple from places like Aperturent.com and BorrowLenses.com. So relax! You’ve got this! I’m wishing you all the best!
