This is a fun one you guys! So, I get asked often about what I use to shoot, or what I bring on locations for sessions. So I’ve made one simple blog to tell you just that!
I did forget to photograph a couple things - I usually always have a pack of gum on hand, along with some business cards. And obviously, I will throw my keys & wallet in my bag before heading out the door.
Please keep in mind, I do use different lenses for my studio sessions. My favorite outdoor lens (70-200mm) would be WAY to large to shoot inside with.
Let’s get started! First and foremost - my amazing bag! {DROOL}
Camera Bag: House of Flynn (Mini Evermore)
This camera bag is totally drool worthy! I’m obsessed with this pink, glittery goodness! I know this is not for everyone, but they do offer a variety of cute prints and colors to fit everyones style. The bag is made so well and is very sturdy. It perfectly fits my 2 lenses, my camera body, and all my extras.
https://www.thehouseofflynn.com
My Camera Body: Nikon D810
This is my second Nikon camera body. I haven’t been disappointed yet! This is a great body and I would recommend this body to anyone wanting to start professionally. I will be upgrading soon to the Nikon D5 because it’s a workhorse!
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/nikon-d810-dslr-camera-body-only-black/7521025.p?skuId=7521025
LENSES:
My favorite Outdoor Lens - 70-200mm f/2.8
Backup Outdoor Lens - 24-70mm f/2.8
I will typically keep the 70-200mm in my lens when shooting outdoors. There are benefits and downfalls with this lens. I obviously love this lens because it’s tack sharp and I love the creamy bokeh it gives me. The downfalls are that this lens is very heavy and you will need to up that shutter speed to make sure your images stay sharp. Also, you will have to stand back pretty far in order to get that compression and achieve that bokeh you want. My lens stays at 200mm always!
You might ask; why don’t you just get the 200mm prime, if you keep your 70-200mm @ 200? Well, friends, the 200mm is definitely on my list, but it’s really pricey and my husband might divorce me if I drop over $6,000 on a new lens. I am saving for this lens though and I will be the happiest girl in the entire world when I do get to purchase this lens.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/nikon-af-s-nikkor-70-200mm-f-2-8e-fl-ed-vr-telephoto-zoom-lens-for-nikon-dslr-cameras-black/5681600.p?skuId=5681600
The 24-70mm is also used quite often in my studio for props, family and sibling shots. It’s wide angle is the best for those overhead shots and wide shots.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/nikon-af-s-nikkor-24-70mm-f-2-8e-ed-vr-wide-angle-zoom-lens-black/4375000.p?skuId=4375000
Other Lenses:
35mm f/1.4
105mm f/1.4
50mm f/1.4
So these lenses never leave the studio, but thought I would go ahead and list them for you.
The 35mm is my main love. This is usually what stays on my camera body 99% of the time. Its so sharp and fast!
The 105mm micro lens is what I use to get those amazing detail newborn images. This is an amazing lens to add to any photographers collection! It’s so fun to play with.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/nikon-af-s-nikkor-105mm-f-1-4e-ed-telephoto-lens-for-nikon-f-black/5580116.p?skuId=5580116
The 50mm is rarely used anymore, but it’s a great starter lens if you’re new to photography! It’s an amazing prime lens and a staple for most photographers.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/nikon-af-s-nikkor-50mm-f-1-4g-standard-lens-black/3479267.p?skuId=3479267
My wish list: 85mm f/1.4 & 200mm f/2
85mm:
200mm:
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/nikon-af-s-nikkor-200mm-f-2g-ed-vr-ii-telephoto-lens-for-select-nikon-cameras-black/4227136.p?skuId=4227136
OTHER CAMERA BAG MUST HAVE’S
Lens Microfiber Cleaning Cloth: Because dust is not your friend.
https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-8072-Microfiber-Cleaning-Cloth/dp/B0007M6GI6/ref=sr_1_8?crid=23FAC8Y4Y04WV&keywords=camera+lens+wipes+microfiber&qid=1553004707&s=gateway&sprefix=camera+lens++wipe%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-8
Extra Batteries: Never leave home with at least 2 extra batteries! Always, always, always have backups of everything! I can’t stress this enough!
https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-EN-EL15-Rechargeable-Battery-Packaging/dp/B0045KGZOG/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=nikon+d810+battery&qid=1553004801&s=gateway&sr=8-5
File Storage: CF Cards for my main storage & SD Card for my secondary storage
I always shoot with my CF Cards in RAW, and then I use my SD Card for JPEG backup storage. I don’t really like SD Cards, I much prefer my Lexar CF Cards. They tend to be more relatable and read the files faster than the SD Cards. I buy my CF & SD cards on Amazon. You will also need a CF Card Reader if you don’t have one.
I typically use the 64, but I do keep 3 extra 32’s on hand always.
https://www.amazon.com/Lexar-Professional-LCF64GCRBNA1066-2-Pack-TheImagingWorld/dp/B017HY4M00/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=lexar+cf+cards&qid=1552944225&s=gateway&sr=8-5
Camera Straps: The one pictures was given to me by my daughter for Christmas and I absolutely love it! She purchased it off Etsy. However, if you are looking for a cute, comfy strap, head over to The Original Photo Blocks Props or you can do a quick search on Etsy.
https://theoriginalphotoblocksprops.com/product-category/camera-straps/
EXTRAS:
Hand Sanitizer is a must for me! I work with so many tiny babies and children and I don’t ever want to spread germs. I found this little furry porcupine cutie at Bath & Body Works. I also love the scents their hand sanitizer come in. It’s a bonus that he just happens to match my bag. ;)
https://www.bathandbodyworks.com
Lotion: I love all the amazing scents at Bath & Body Works! You seriously can’t go wrong.
https://www.bathandbodyworks.com
Tide To-Go: Because I’m such a klutz and seem to always spill something on me, having this handy little guy is a must for me!
Chapstick: I’m kinda obsessing over this Coconut Hydration 3 in 1 Lip Balm right now! Its made form the ChapStick brand and it’s pretty amazing.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/ChapStick-Total-Hydration-3-in-1-Lip-Care-with-Omegas-3-6-9-Lip-Balm-Tube-Coconut-Hydration-Flavor-0-12-Ounce/46083098?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-51320962143&wl5=9027712&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=46083098&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInZD5g6-O4QIVBC9pCh3wPASiEAQYAiABEgLal_D_BwE
Mini Deodorant: Native Deodorant is the absolute best all-natural deodorant on the market in my opinion! I love the Coconut & Vanilla Scent.
Hair Ties: I prefer the Goody Ouchless Elastic Hair Bands.
https://www.amazon.com/Goody-Ouchless-Elastic-Bands-No-metal/dp/B009O3I64G
Belvita Breakfast Biscuit: These are the perfect on-the-go snack to throw in your purse or camera bag! My favorite flavor is Blueberry, but I honestly love them all!
Gum: Mint is my fav! ; )
Cards: Moo business cards are the most impressive cards I’ve found. The quality is top-notch and never seems to amaze me.
https://www.moo.com/us/
Well folks, thats everything in my camera bag! I hope you enjoyed this fun blog, cause I enjoyed writing it.
Amber Star Photography is a professional Houston NEWBORN, CAKE SMASH, MATERNITY, AND CHILD Photographer.
Amber specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, cake smash, and family photography.
Serving the Houston and surrounding areas, including Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe, Cypress, Tomball, Kingwood, Pearland, Richmond, Montgomery, Sugar Land, Katy and Atascocita.
Please visit the website for more information on photography; www.AmberStarPhotography.com
The Woodlands Baby Photographer, Cypress Newborn Photographer, Tomball Baby Photographer, Conroe Baby Photographer, Spring Baby Photographer, Houston Baby Photographer
Amber Star Photography is a home studio located in, Spring, Texas 77373, United States (US),
Email: Info@AmberStarPhotography.com
Hours: Monday – Friday: 10am – 3pm