What's in my Camera Bag? | Pittsburgh Portrait PhotographerToday I’ll share with you a peek inside my camera bag, my camera body and lenses. Photography can be an overwhelming hobby. First, you get a camera body and learn how to use it. But that's only the beginning, you need lenses, filters, batteries, cards, additional gear to improve your photography and a bag to keep it together. In addition you need a computer and editing software.
I remember when I decided to buy my first professional camera in 2001, trying to figure out what camera to buy and handling them every day while I was working at Ritz Camera until I figured out that Nikon was the one for me, it felt like an extension to my hand and I feel like it works wonders for me. Nikon and Canon are both excellent. It’s usually best to choice one and stick with it because it’s expensive to invest in new professional lenses if you change brands. The glass is typically more important than the camera body, invest in fast lenses. I refer people to Ken Rockwell when I’m asked which brand is best. I believe it’s important to try hold and use them before you commit. You can rent cameras and lenses locally or online.
There are two general categories of lenses fixed and zoom. I have several of each type. There really isn't one universal lens that can do everything! I use different lenses depending on what I’m photographing. Fixed lenses do not zoom which means that you are the zoom by walking closer or farther away from your subject! The first number on the lens is the focal length. Your eyes, if measured like lenses, would be 70mm (on 35mm film and full frame digital cameras). A lens lower than 70 mm “sees” a wider view (smaller subject) than your eyes. The opposite is also true, a higher number lens “sees” the subject larger than your eyes naturally do. I use a 20mm 2.8 wide angle for landscapes and real-estate. A 50mm 1.4 is great general lens, I use it for family portraits, and love it’s beautiful bokeh (blurred backgrounds), super sharp focus and that it’s lightweight - great for traveling. An 85mm 1.8 that I use for portraits. It is one of my two favorite lenses. A 105mm 2.8 Macro lens, it is a telephoto and allows for extreme close up shots. The second letter on the lens tells you the speed. The faster, or lower, the number the more light it allows through and the less depth of field. In addition to the fixed lenses are the zoom lenses. My favorite lens is the 24-70mm 2.8 it takes beautiful, sharp portraits of newborns, babies, children and all portraits really. It has quickly become my go to lens but it is large and heavy, a 24-120mm 4, a 28-105mm Micro 3.5-4.5, a 70-200mm 4.5. I have two camera bodies and backup lenses incase I ever run into technical trouble during a shoot.
A nikon SB 910 flash with a diffuser, 3 pocket wizards to wireless control flashes and strobes, depending if I’m in studio or on location. A wireless shutter release so I have the option to jump in to the picture too. A Minolta Light Meter. Since I shoot in manual so it’s helpful to use a light meter. From years of experience I enjoy testing myself by guessing the light then metering to see if I can guess the correct exposure without it. Lens cloth, extra cards, batteries, a spider camera holster, a gray card to set the white balance.
I have two main bags. 3Annies Audrey Lu and Domke F-2 I love them both and decide which one to use based on how many lenses I think I’ll need and how formal the event/location may be. The Audrey Lu is new, gorgeous and functional. The Donke has been my go to bag for over 15 years. It fits everything I could want, hugs my side, is lightweight and waterproof.
Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like your newborn baby photographed, updated child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected]. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
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