What's In My Bag

Sometimes people ask me what kind of camera I use for my photos, and I love it! It’s good to know what others are successful with and I hope my sharing what I have in my camera bag will help some of you.

First and foremost is my camera. I shoot with a Canon 80D digital SLR camera.

I capture memories with three lenses: a 18-55mm lens, with manual and automatic focusing ability and an image stabilizer, and right now that's the primary one that I use. For some projects,, I also a stable portrait 50mm lens, or a telephoto 55-250mm zoom lens which has both manual and automatic focusing ability. If you're comfortable with manually focusing and it's not a high speed event, than I'd recommend using as many personalized settings as you're comfortable with! Macro techniques or lenses are great for close details like the rings at an engagement or wedding, insect-perspective, or the sprinkles on a cupcake! These two basic lenses have worked more than well for me, and I haven't any problems using either. What is most important to succeed is to learn the "ins and outs" of your own camera!

I also use my external flash, a high power Canon 430x Speedlite external flash, and it does wonders for nighttime photography and indoor photography. I love to use it when I can! Lastly, I carry my Gorilla Tripod (it's poseable and flexible!), an extra SD or memory card, multiple extra batteries (for the flash and the camera), and battery charger if it's a rechargeable battery. Additional accessories include a pen/marker, a plastic bag or two to protect gear from humidity/rain, and a lens cleaning cloth.

What I like to recommend to any photographer friends is to get to know your camera, whatever kind it may be. There is so much that can be done with your camera when you take the time to learn the ins and outs, you will be surprised with your results! Learn how to manipulate your camera like the back of your hand, and you'll see what amazing things can come from it! There's so much life to capture... remember, It’s not the camera that makes a photographer great; it’s the photographer!

Have fun! The artist is you- your camera is but your tool to create! Let's get creating! =)

My camera: