Equipment
All the things to give you g.a.s.
My gear changes often due to the ever changing technology and the needs I have for shoots. I update this list often.
Cameras
Cameras
Lenses
Lenses
Accessories
Accessories
Lighting
Lighting
Software
Software
gear
To inquire about wedding/portrait process and pricing please fill out the contact form below!
If you want to chat all things gear and how to use them feel free to DM me on Instagram or send me an email! I'd love to geek out with you or answer questions.
contact me
Cameras
Love this camera. I have been using this version for 3 years or so. My favorite feature is the dual memory card slots. It gives me peace of mind to know I have a backup in case a card corrupts.
Canon EOS R
Sony RX 100
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Canon 5D MkIII
The low light quality, light weight, and touch screen are pretty amazing. I do wish it had dual card slot.
I got this point and shoot camera for travel. It is pocket sized but packs a punch in quality.
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Lenses
This lens is on my camera the majority of the time. I find 50mm to be a reasonable length for most getting ready areas and portraits. If I need to be wider then I slap on the lens below.
Sigma 35mm ART
Sigma 85mm ART
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Sigma 50mm ART
This used to be my go-to lens. I coveted this lens. Then it started acting like a rebellious teenager and I lost a bit of trust in it so it doesn’t get put on my camera as much as it used to. The focal length is lovely if you don’t mind getting close to people (which I don’t) and allows you a pretty wide view without too much distortion.
Had heard wonders of the 85mm focal length and opted for the Sigma ART version. It doesn’t disappoint. It’s physically heavy and big but the quality of the image you get is worth it.
Canon 100mm MACRO
Purchased this used last year because I wanted a true macro lens for detail photos and ring shots. I rarely use it outside of that and product photography. Anytime I have to get close on something super small I use this lens.
Canon 24-70mm f2.8L Vs ii
This was the first lens I ever purchased (version one, I now have version 2.) It’s super versatile with the focal lengths and the ability to go down to F2.8 is lovely. This is now my go-to reception/dancing lens. The 70mm comes in handy when I am on the outside of the dance floor and the 24mm works wonders when I am inside the dance floor. If you could only afford one lens this would be a good one.
Canon 135 f2
I purchased this from my wedding photographer (when he switched to Nikon) and have to say it is beautiful. It’s primary purpose is ceremony but if I have the physical space I will use it for portraits. The compression makes it super flattering on people. This was one of those semi-impulse purchases that I definitely glad I did.
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Lighting
These speedlights are new to me (purchased 2017) and I am so annoyed I didn’t buy them sooner! These have been a game changer in the amount of trust I have in my flash. The lithium-ion battery is amazing: lasts forever, recycles faster, and no more 100’s of AA batteries lying around in my camera bag. These also allow me to use one flash as a master and set the OCF as slaves. Basically I have all the power and I don’t have to move my feet or lower my stands to change the flash power.
Godox XC-Pro
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Godox V860
Sometimes I just want OCF so you need something to trigger it: ta-da. Looking back I would have purchased this one:
I thought it would be awesome to have my hotshoe still be an option to put a flash or something else on it. More often than not I just use a v860 as the master and don’t use this trigger. The only time I do need a trigger and an open hotshoe is during the exit. Typically, I will backlight the couple with a flash and have my video light on my hotshoe.
This is a lovely thing for exit photos. It’s constant, consistent, and can be gelled to match the ambient color. It also comes in handy during night portraits.
Yongnuo YN300 (Video Light)
Magmod
I originally got a basic kit at a workshop and it revolutionized how I used flash. It gave me permission, control, and ease to simply play with flash and lighting. I am ever grateful to this product. If you are even remotely interested in learning flash this is a great tool to help you learn how to control your light. #fangirl
Umbrella
Having a basic shoot through umbrella is a cheap way to modify your speedlight. This one also has a cover so you can bounce instead of shoot through.
Reflector- 5-in-1 collapsible reflector
This is a must have for any photographer. It's portable, relatively cheap, and super versatile!
Reflector-Huge Aluminum Frame Reflector
Best part of this reflector is that it can basically act as a giant softbox without having to learn flash. If you are a “natural light” photographer then you should snag one of these. It’s a bit tricky to find online. I learned of it through a friend and searched the exact model they have and found one cheap on Ebay. You could try searching Interfit INT304 and hope you get lucky online like I did. Otherwise I've also found it on Amazon.
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Software
This is the software I use to edit all my images. I predominately use Lightroom but will open in Photoshop if I need to do extensive editing.
Blog Stomp
Adobe Creative Cloud
It's amazing for resizing images for your website. I am also able to draft the blog post (Wordpress platform) in the program. It has saved me hours, literally.
This CRM is the G.O.A.T. The ability to customize it and yield it to my will and needs is astounding.
Dubsado
Fundy
I design all my albums via this software. The newest update is pretty fabulous!
Disk Drill
If you are like me and have had the unfortunate problem of a memory card corrupting I have found this software to work for me.
Later
This social planning/posting platform is easy to use and has a good free option if you just need something simple. I batch alot of my social posts to reduce the amount of time it takes.
Trello
Love this to-do list manager. I keep the backend of my client workflows in here so I can easily check off that I have done things.
Quickbooks
I use the Self-Employed version. It's effective for tracking expenses and miles.
Showit
For 9 years I used Wordpress for my website. After switching to Showit it is night and day for the better. I can finally make changes to my website without having a computer science degree.
PhotoMechanic
If you are a photographer you need photomechanic. It speeds up culling because it doesn't have to render the full image like Lightroom does.
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Bags
I Previously owned the smaller version: Lowepro Nova Sport 17L and loved it for about a year and then I bought too much gear for it to hold anymore. Everything is placed standing up so it is easy for me to open the bag and nab exactly what I want and quickly. The strap is well padded, comes with a rain fly, and is fairly inconspicuous on a wedding day.
House of Flynn - Roam and Rise
Think Tank - Airport Accelerator
Lowepro Nova Sport 35L
This bag has been my go to engagement and portrait session bag. I will often shoot out of this bag during weddings. It's comfortable on my shoulder. I don't use the cross body strap as I feel the bag is too big for it.
LOVE this bag. I opted for the backpack vs the rolling version due to knowing I will be flying for weddings more often and don't like checking bags. I have also noted that most of the wedding venues I have been shooting at don't have paved or solid paths and have lots of stairs. It makes rolling bags more cumbersome. I like that all of my gear minus light stands fit in this bag. Best feature is my flashes can be stored standing up. Super big space saver! The straps are solid and having 50 pounds of gear on my back is well distributed and easy once it's on my back.
As I get older *read, more lazy* I will switch this out for the rolling Think Tank.
Vanguard xcenior
(purchased in 2013- might be discontinued now): Unfortunately I believe this bag is no longer sold. I think the design of this bag is super smart. In a perfect world I would have bought one bag size bigger than this one. It is smaller than a normal carry on luggage, has handles all around and has a tripod holder (which I don’t use because I have a whole bag for that)
Light Stand Bag
Due to my large light stand needs it’s hard to find stand bags long enough to fit them. Thankfully I got creative and went outside of the photography section on Amazon. This is technically a speaker stand bag but it works swimmingly for my needs. It fits 2 13ft lightstands, 1 10ft stand, nano stand, umbrella, and my reflector. It impressed me.
Bags
Stands
Styling
Miscellaneous
Bags
Stands
Styling
Misc.
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Stands
Bags
Stands
Styling
Miscellaneous
13 ft Lightstand
I used to use 10ft lightstands and loved them but then I accidentally broke it slightly after 5 years so I increased my stand height. I prefer to have my flashes above the crowd so that I can decrease the amount of weird shadows on faces. The height also allows my flashes to be fully out of camera frame if I were to be shooting towards them and reduces the amount of flare or haze that usually produces. This stand is very sturdy and slightly heavy. It has a strong wide base. I also have this 13ft light stand that is similar to the Cheetah stand in regards to it’s base. I didn’t feel I needed two of these since they rarely move once I put them in place. Plus I like saving some money so I opted for the cheaper one that suited my needs fine.
Manfrotto NanoStand
I dub this my travel and engagement shoot stand. It’s lightweight and packs small. It fits comfortably in my normal carry on bag. It is very versatile but not incredibly sturdy.
C Stand
This thing is a beast. Not the easiest to transport but super versatile for studio photography. Can hold a camera, strobe, modifier, or just generally be in the way. Super versatile!
Backdrop/roll paper stand
If you plan on backdrops whether they are seamless paper or fabric then you'll need something like this. This one is super portable and easy to put together!
Phocus 7ft compact stand
This is a similar off brand/cheaper version of the Manfrotto NanoStand. You can tell the build quality isn't quite as nice but it will get the job done.
Manfrotto 234RC Quick Release Head
If you want to attach a camera to your C-stand and your tripod does not have a removable head then you'll need something like this.
Manfrotto 014- 14 Rapid Adapter
For adapting the mm of the stud to attach the tripod head.
Dual Speedlight Bracket
This is super helpful and cost effective way for you and your second shooter to put your speedlights on the same stand for both consistency in lighting and reduce the amount of light stand trip hazards. If you use Magmod I recommend getting the Magring to accomplish the same thing.
Bags
Stands
Styling
Misc.
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Styling Props
Bags
Stands
Styling
Miscellaneous
These are super handy little items to keep in your kit. The variety of sizes all you to elevate or prop invitations, bowls, ring boxes, food plates, etc.
Ring boxes
Ribbon
Acrylic Blocks
Having a couple of color options for ring styling is a great idea. These are pretty good quality and a lovely price.
I've found these ribbons to get the job done and come in a variety of colors. There are definitely better quality ribbon companies.
Pretty Scissors
Dental Wax
Sometimes object just won't stay put. This is where dental wax comes in handy. You can use it to secure something in place and it won't leave a mark or residue. If you're like me then it brings you right back to middle school... fun times.
Organizer Case
I found this organizer box to work best for me to fit my ribbons, ring boxes, blocks, scissors, and other little styling trinkets. It's perfect to keep them all protected and together. You can just through it in your bag or car when you are done.
Styling Mats
Having a portable clean styling background is super clutch to have on wedding days! Here are the most popular ones.
*if you are crafty with a sewing machine you could also make your own*
I've also gotten a wonderful double ring box from the Etsy shop: Beloved Fine Jewels
If you really want the top of the line ring box then go with
The Styling Mat
KISS- Rollable Mat
Olive and Oak Mats
If you need something more durable for food or product styling there are wonderful vinyl backdrop makers.
Ink and Elm
Stile and Co.
Bags
Stands
Styling
Misc.
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The Mrs. Box
Miscellaneous
If you have heavy softboxes or anything on your C-stand you need sand bags. I bought the purple ones because duh.
*note: they do not come filled. You'll need to buy sand or river rocks separately*
Seamless Paper
Heavy Duty Clip (for backdrops and reflectors)
Sand Bags
I've gotten a few Savage rolls and have been very pleased at the quality of them both in person and in photos.
I got this to hold foldable backdrops like the one below. It's handy if you need a quick and uber portable setup.
Foldable Backdrops
These are handy if you need a quick studio on the go. Easy for headshots or even use as a reflector.
There a different colors and brands to choose from based on the look you want.
Portable Changing Tent
If you are like me and do sessions in nature where there are not convenient bathrooms then this is a handy thing to bring along on a session for a private changing room.
It also really impresses your clients. #browniepoints
Bags
Stands
Styling
Miscellaneous
Tethering Cable - Tether Tools
If you are going to do any type of photography tethered to your computer then you need to get a solid cable. This is an excellent brand to go with!
Bags
Stands
Styling
Misc.
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Thank you!
we'll be in touch soon!
To inquire about wedding/portrait process and pricing please fill out the contact form below!
If you want to chat all things gear and how to use them feel free to DM me on Instagram or send me an email! I'd love to geek out with you or answer questions.
contact me
