For Photographers Melissa Batzer For Photographers Melissa Batzer

WHAT'S IN MY CAMERA BAG + Q&A

What's In My Camera Bag

I have been wanting to put together a post about what's in my camera for a while now.  After two wedding seasons (& the beginnings of the third) and countless family sessions I'd love to share with you what I find useful, & not so useful, to have in my bag.  I've had so many people ask me what I shoot with and what I find the most useful.  There are definitely lenses I use more than others and for specific purposes especially while photographing weddings and families.  Also some things I carry around aren't the most conventional of items but I have found them so useful to have! So here's a little sneak peek into what I lug around with me to sessions...

Kamarette Camera Bag

So... What's in my camera bag?

Cutest Camera Bag Ever: Kamarette

  • Canon EOS 5d Mark iii
  • Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
  • Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
  • Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG
  • Lint Roller
  • SNACKS (of course)
  • Hydroflask
  • Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT (2)
  • extra AA batteries for speedlite
  • fully charged extra camera batteries + charger
  • Tac N' stick - for getting rings to stand up
  • Extra SD cards
  • CF card for backing up photos
  • Business Cards
  • Lens Cleaning Kit
  • Attractive hook + extra command strips so you can hang the dress anywhere!
  • Mini reflector for ring shots/details
  • Expodisk 2.0 to help with white balance <-- though still learning this
  • Session Emergency Kit: scissors, tweezers, bobby pins, safety pins, tissues, tide pen, Advil

Not Pictured (because I'm using it to take the photo!): 

  • Canon T3i Rebel
  • Canon 50mm f/1.8
  • cute wooden hanger for dress
  • flat lay boards

Okay, no this doesn't all fit into my Kamarette backpack but everything I need to have on had that I use during sessions (lenses, batteries, emergency kit, snacks, extra cards) it fits! So that is perfect for me right now.  I'm sure once I need to use my flash more readily that will change and I'll have to come up with a better option. 

Here's a Q&A I put together for you about my gear:

Which lens do you use most for family sessions?

My Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM was basically permanently fixed on my camera for portraits until I purchased the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG.  Now that is on my camera body for almost all portrait sessions and for family portraits during weddings.  Although if I want even more bokeh (that creamy background in my photos) I'll slip the 50mm back on because the aperture gets even lower than the 50mm. The 35mm has come in quite handy with indoor sessions (which is really why I got it).  I'm able to get into tighter spaces more easily because of the wider angle view.

Which lens do you use most during weddings?

Since most of the wedding day is ceremony and reception I usually have on my Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM.  I love how I can get a wide angle of the ceremony and reception while also being able to get tight shots of important moments between the bride & groom.  Although I feel like I might be adding a 70-200mm lens soon so I can get even tighter shots.  

How are you able to get those detailed photos of rings and small details?

Ah, I'm able to capture those beauties because of my Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM.  You really can't get close up shots of small details without this lens or an extender for another lens. If you try getting really detailed shots with a wider angle than a 100mm your camera will not be able to get the item into focus.  Your best bet for these is to get an extender or purchase a MACRO lens.

What about your food photography? What lenses do you use for that?

I mostly use my Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM and Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM.  The 100mm produces crisp, tight detailed shots while the 50mm allows me to get a wider shot without having to stand on my roof. 

What will you add next?

Next I will add another full-frame DSLR body to have as a better back up.  I can use my T3i just fine as a back up but I'd love to have another camera body with the best low light capabilities.  So if it comes soon it will probably the Canon 5d mark IV. 

Inside my Camera bag

Do you have any other questions you would like me to answer about my gear?

I would love to answer any more questions you do have! Where to rent?  What I like/don't like about each lens? What I recommend for beginners?  Best bang for you buck? Anything! Let me know.  Comment below and I'll do my best to answer them!  

 

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