My Favorite Photography Gear
These are things I use for almost every type of photography work I do, from multi-day weddings to family portraits. I usually carry two or three lenses to individual sessions (families, portraits, engagements). I’ve listed my favorites here, in no particular order. Another discovery I felt was life-changing was the SpiderPro hand strap. And if you’re into landscape photography, be sure to pick up a CP filter for each of your lenses.
For family portrait sessions with toddlers, I’ll bring my adorable shutter huggers to pull out if the child is fussy or shy. It usually makes a huge difference and we come away with even more great photos!
For headshots and portraits, I carry a lightweight yet sturdy, folding stool. It actually fits right in my lights bag.
My Go-to Travel Equipment for Personal Photos
I am completely in love with my Sony Nex 5n mirrorless camera and my Lumix Lx100 point-and-shoot. They both have raw file capabilities, and the lens quality on each is fantastic for such a little camera. The Sony Nex linked below isn’t the same model as mine (I don’t think they make it any more), but I highly recommend this size mirrorless camera. The Lumix doesn’t have much of a zoom, so it’s best for strolling around a city or town where you’d want a wider angle lens. It does, however, have a fantastic aperture range and macro focusing and has been my favorite travel camera lately.
All of my camera screens have a protective cover.
Part of my island or seaside travel bag is an underwater case for my Sony. I’ve gone diving in Hawaii on multiple trips and have some great shots of sea life and the ocean floor.
No travel camera bag would be complete without backup batteries, sd cards, and a camera-to-phone transfer wire.
My Favorite Books for Creative Inspiration
From technical photography reading to victorian romantic poetry, I’ve included a wide range of my favorite books.
My Home Office
In 2018 I donated my desk and chair - and it was the best decision I could have made. Now my computer is entirely wall-mounted and I have a compact, height-adjustable desk. This helps keep me active throughout the day, and when I want to take a break, it allows me to step away from the computer for a few minutes as well.
I also use an ergonomic keyboard to give my wrists a break, and a Wacom tablet for precise editing (also great for helping keep carpel tunnel down). To accompany my standing desk, I’ve been using an anti-fatigue mat, and I switch it out occasionally for the rocker.
Things I can’t live without
Some of my favorite products to use daily - at home, traveling, or out working for a day. My sunscreen, hand cream, and keds are my go-tos for long outdoor sessions, especially in summer. I also take many, many family portraits in winter, and for sessions that can’t be rescheduled because the family is traveling, I bring a few HotHands to have in case the kids get cold.
And for my furbaby, Blossom
When I travel for fun, my 6 lb Yorkipoo Blossom is at my side. She’s been from DC to San Diego, NYC, Key West, and so many places in between. Here are my go-to high-value treats, fun activities for her while I’m out at work, and her travel essentials that have proven themselves many times over (sun hat, life jacket, airplane travel bag, and the wildly popular front-facing backpack).