One of the most common questions photographers get is about the gear we use. As I’ve said before, it’s not always about the camera you use, but how you use it that really matters. However, having the proper equipment will certainly make the job easier and it will help you achieve a better overall result.
I am a Canon girl. Always have been. I have nothing against Nikon (or any other camera brand), I’ve just never used them. My first (film!) SLR camera was a Canon EOS Rebel G. When Canon first introduced the Digital Rebel, I made the switch to digital and never looked back. I never enjoyed being in the darkroom, so I was more than happy to give that up in exchange for the “digital darkroom” that is PhotoShop. I am glad, though, that I have the film background because I am able to get my image right “in camera” and spend less time “fixing” the image in post-processing.
My current camera body is the Canon 5D MarkII. I love the wide view of the full frame camera, but I also miss the extra zoom length you can get out of the cropped sensor bodies (7D, 60D [along with previous versions], and the Rebel series). Before I got the 5D, I was not interested in having video built into the camera. I have slowly been working on incorporating video into my sessions, but I was using a real video camera. Now that I have the video option built in, I am finding that I am using it more than I expected.
I have gone back and forth between using zoom lenses and prime (fixed focal length) lenses for years, but I am currently using mainly the 24-70mm f2.8L and the 70-200mm f2.8L lenses. I also have the 28mm f1.8 and 85mm f1.8 lenses. I recently sold several other prime lenses that I just didn’t use very much. As much as I love my prime lenses, I often feel like I am using up too much time during sessions having to switch lenses. This is where the zoom lenses shine; I have my full range in just 2 lenses.
Natural lighting is not always ideal. In order to be more flexible in the locations I use and the time of day that I shoot, I often supplement the existing natural light with off-camera flash. I have several flash units, ranging from the Canon Speedlite 580ex to a fully manual Vivitar flash unit. I also have a full studio light setup for indoor studio sessions and things like school dance portraits. I have a variety of backdrops, flooring options, props and accessories for studio sessions as well.
When I am out shooting, I carry my lenses and most of my accessories (flashes, extra batteries & memory cards) in my Shootsac, which I L-O-V-E! I am thinking about buying a new cover for mine, since the one I have was purchased to match my old branding, but I haven’t seen the perfect one yet. They introduce new covers every month, so I am just waiting for the perfect cover to be announced. I am also on the lookout for the perfect camera bag. I want something small that will hold basically just my camera with a lens attached and a few small accessories. I also want it to look like a purse, and would love for it to be light blue/aqua/turquoise. I have been drooling over Kelly Moore Bags and Epiphanie Bags, but haven’t found just the right one yet. If anyone has any recommendations for me, I’d love to hear them! Please post links in the comments!
So, that’s pretty much what I use on a regular basis. Any questions? Just leave me a comment.