If you own a DSRL camera or AKA “my big girl camera!” you are going to need a good camera bag! You have already invested a lot of money into gear now you need to keep that gear safe! Photographers tend to carry A LOT of gear! I often get asked the question “What is in your bag”. I figured it was time to write a blog post to let you know what I am carrying in my camera bag along with what kind of bag I would recommend!
THE BAG
ShutterbagUSA is where I purchased my bag! I absolutely love it! The bag is called the Heirloom! It is such a versatile bag as you can carry it over your shoulder or wear it like a back pack! Specializing in leather camera bags for women, SHUTTERbag provides female photographers with the option of a bag with style, function, and durability without compromise.
WHAT IT HOLDS
This bag will hold a TON! These are just some of the items in my bag I carry with me on a daily basis.
- Two Camera lens (Nikon 24-70 2.8 and 35mm are in my bag 90% of the time)
- Flash
- Camera body
- Camera grip
- laptop
- wallet
- water bottle
- business cards
- keys
- cell phone
- + MORE
My Camera- Nikon D850
My first DSLR was an entry level Nikon D90. This is a great mid-level camera if you are searching for one a beginners camera. After two years of owning the Nikon D90, I decided to upgrade to the Nikon D750. How do you know when you are ready to upgrade? I believe it is when you know what the new camera can do that your current camera can’t. If you are unable to answer that question or are only upgrading because so-and-so has that camera. Don’t waste your money upgrading until you need to.
The Nikon D750 is an awesome camera. It is heavy, durable and easy to control my settings for white balance and ISO. Until you know how to shoot in manual I don’t recommend buying this full-frame camera as there are so many functions you could get overwhelmed. I had this camera for two years and loved it! It wasn’t until the Nikon D850 came out and I realized that I needed a camera with even more low light capabilities that I decided to upgrade. Keep in mind that I still use my Nikon D750 and keep it in my bag as my backup camera.
Lenses
I’m one of those people who collects lenses like people collect shoes. I went through a few years where I was buying lenses left and right. I love a new toy. My lenses in no particular order.
24-70mm 2.8G
This is my go-to lens for family sessions and if I am going out and need something that is versatile. The 24-70 2.8G is also a great lens if you are going on vacation and can only take one lens with you.
35mm 1.4G
If you love lifestyle photography like I do and take a lot of photos indoor the 35mm 1.4G was made for you. This lens is tack sharp and a fantastic prime lens. I love the focal length at 35mm which allows me to include a lot of the environment in my photo while shooting indoors.
50mm 1.4G
If you are looking for your first lens I highly recommend the 50mm 1.4. I like to use my 50mm 1.4 when I plan on shooting portrait type images. It doesn’t distort the image like the 35mm 1.4 can.
105mm 2.8G
My 105mm 2.8 is my go to lens for macro photography. It is also a lens that I use as therapy when I am stuck in a rut and need to rediscover my creative side. Plus it was a great excuse to buy myself flowers!
Macro lenses don’t have to be restricted to just close ups of flowers. I will sometimes and I mean only a hand full of times use it on my kids. It too is a sharp lens but something to keep in mind is the aperture. You need to stop down (larger number) a lot to get more of your photo in detail. I also found that it was easier to manually focus with this lens.
85mm 1.8G
My 85mm 1.8 is a great portrait lens that I mainly use for taking headshot photos and working with high school seniors. The 1.8 aperture gives me a nice creamy blurry background which makes the subject tac sharp.
Have questions?? Just ask! I am here to help!
