One question that I get asked a lot is “What kind of camera do you use?”. I seriously can’t count on my hands how many times I’ve been either asked in person or over direct messages. So, what better way to address this question by writing a “What’s in my Camera Bag” blog? For starters, I carry the Kamrette Avana Handbag. I got it for my nineteenth birthday, and I have been obsessed with it since. It has the ability to carry my main camera, a backup, at least two lenses of my choice, (sometimes I fit three) my laptop, a flash, and many other accessories/essentials.

So today, I am going over what is in my bag at this very moment. It’s currently packed to be ready for any portrait session I might need it for since it’s not wedding season. Maybe when wedding season gets kicked back up, I will do a “What’s in my Camera Bag(s): Wedding Edition.”

My main camera body is the Canon 5D Mark iii(discontinued). I chose this as my main body because it is a full frame and has the dual memory slot option (which is ESSENTIAL for wedding photography). I am able to back up my images to two cards in case of a card malfunction. My backup body is a Canon 6D. This was my first big purchase in my business, and it’s still my baby… but the dual memory slot of the mark iii was enough to have me replace the 6D as the main body. I always keep at least 2 extra batteries along with a battery charger in my bag.

As for lenses, I have two staple lenses in my collection. The Canon 85mm f/1.8 is my ride or die. All of my portraits are taken on this (with some exceptions). It was actually sold to me by my senior photographer for a really good deal… and might be the main reason I’m in the photography business in the first place. I use this lens hood with the 85. My second lens is the Canon 35mm f/2 with this lens hood. Can you tell I love prime lenses? I use the 35mm for instances when the 85mm just can’t pull through (mainly for wide angle shots and closed in spaces). To get macro shots, (details and ring shots are my favorite!!!) I have the HOYA Close-Up Filters until I save up for a macro lens, and I love how they work! It’s always good to have a lens cleaning cloth stashed in your bag too. I plan for my next big lens purchases to be the Canon 50mm f/1.2 and the Canon 100mm f/2.8.

My memory cards are by SanDisk. I use the Extreme Pro SD and CF cards in my Mark iii, and the Ultra SD card in my 6D. My memory card case holds both SD and CF cards.

My laptop also fits perfectly in the side slot on the Kamrette if I need it to along with the Lexar card reader. I keep two external hard drives to back up my photos as many times as possible.

I think that covers it all. Just remember, it takes time to build up your equipment. You don’t have to have the best of the best to produce beautiful images that you can be proud of! Learn to use what you have to the best of its ability, and go from there… that’s what I’m doing!