What’s In My Camera Bag

One of the questions I get most often is: what’s in my camera bag? 

And while I have a very specific philosophy on gear (wait for it), I get it. We all want to peek behind the curtain and see how “the magic” really happens. I feel the same way! 

Which is why I’d like to give you a small peek inside my camera bag. To get the complete, 26-piece Gear List, click here to join The Abundance Plan waitlist.

But first—that philosophy… (if you simply cannot wait, snag my Complete Gear List here by joining The Abundance Plan Waitlist.)

The Tools of the Trade

Back when I was a photographer’s assistant, I had the opportunity to work with some pretty amazing photographers. From the best fashion photographers in New York, LA, and Miami to legends like Patrick Demarchelier.

What I found remarkable about working with Patrick was that he used whatever tool was placed in his hands and gave it minimal thought.

Of course, he has great assistants and techs to ensure things are set up how he likes and that he doesn’t have to fuss with many technicalities. 

But without fail, once the images started pouring into the screen, they were consistently what I’ve come to expect from Patrick’s work. Breathtaking. Unre-touched, uncorrected and they were undeniably beautiful. He is simply that good.

I tell you this story to illustrate something that we all get hung up on: the tools of the trade. 

It’s the myth that if we get a fancy camera and the same lens the industry greats use, then, suddenly, our desired results will be achieved. I’m sure you’re thinking that Patrick had some special custom-made Phase One kit or something similar that spits out unfairly beautiful images with every click. 

I did too. But for the record, at that time, Patrick shot a Canon 5D Mark IV with a variety of lenses.

I’m here to tell you that I had the exact same camera (and used it for years), and given the same ingredients, I highly doubt I can match his results. It was the artist and 40 years in the industry that informed the quality of his work.

What I’m saying is: don’t get hung up on these tools. 

Gear is important and will change every year, but what you should ultimately focus on is your craft, your mindset, and your business.

Inside my signature course, The Abundance Plan, that’s exactly what we cultivate: your unique vision, creativity and strategy that will build the photography business of your dreams.

When you join the waitlist today, you’ll be first in line when enrollment opens. 

And—if you’re like me, in spite of telling you that you need to find your own best approach to gear, you still want to know the details of what’s in my camera bag.

So here it is—my essential gear for the photography pro…

Camera Bodies

My Constant Companion: Canon 1V

This is a 35mm film camera that I always use for detail macro shots with a 100mm lens and Fujifilm 400H 35mm color film. Later in the day, I will use the 70-200mm for the first look, ceremony, and toasts. For these shots, I prefer to use Ilford Delta 400 black and white film. I also love this camera with a 50mm or something wider and black and white. It’s the perfect combination for those in-the-moment, photojournalism shots.

My Dependable Digital: Sony A1

We use the Sony A1 bodies as our primary, and only digital bodies. The A1 is Sony’s top-of-the-line mirrorless camera and we have really enjoyed making the transition from Canon to Sony. 

You can find all the lenses I use with each of these cameras—PLUS my list of Contax bodies by joining The Abundance Plan waitlist here.

Lighting Gear

Flashes

(3) Sony HVL-F60RM Flashes
(1) Canon 580 EXII flash for the 1V
(2) Quantum Turbo SC battery packs 
(1) Profoto B2 kit that we mount on a light stand to help add a pop to the dance floor
(2) Profoto B10 heads we only use these for emergency lighting situations where we need a strobe to light our subject. These come in handy in a really dark indoor space when we are forced to shoot family formals inside. 

Tripods, Light Stands, and Modifiers

(2) Manfrotto carbon tripods.
(2) Bogen 410 Geared tripod heads.
(2) 6’ aluminum light stands.
(2) Photoflex LiteDisc modifiers – one translucent, one silver/white reflector.
(2) Photek Softlighter umbrellas for Profoto heads – medium and large.
(2) Westcott Scrim Jim kit – one 4×6 and one 6×6 with scrim and bounce.

Ready to get the missing pieces to the list?
Join The Abundance Plan waitlist and get my complete Gear List.

Want to know *exactly* what we’re shooting with and when? 
Here’s a snapshot.

Detail Shots

Contax 645 with 80mm lens for invitation, shoes, dress, etc. 
Sony A1 with 50mm lens to backup all Contax shots on digital.

Getting Ready

Contax 645 with 80mm lens for couples getting ready portraits.
Sony A1 with 50mm lens to backup all Contax shots on digital. 
Canon 1V with 100mm lens for capturing smaller details like the rings.

First Look/Couple Portraits

Contax 645 with 80mm lens for couples portraits.
Sony A1 with 50mm lens to backup all Contax shots on digital. 
Canon 1V with 50mm lens for capturing couples movement/walking.

Bridal Party Portraits and Family Formals

Contax 645 with 
> 80mm lens for group photos.
> 45mm lens for extra wide group photos.

Sony A1 with 50mm lens to backup all Contax shots on digital. 
Canon 1V with 70-200mm lens for capturing close-ups of group photos and off-camera moments.

Cocktail Hour

Contax 645 with 
> 80mm lens for details and guest shots.
> 45mm lens for extra wide cocktail hour setup shots and scene shots.

Sony A1 with 50mm lens to backup all Contax shots on digital.

Reception

Contax 645 with 
> 80mm lens for details and dancing (with 3200 speed film and video light).
> 45mm lens for extra wide reception setup shots and night shots (on tripod).

Sony A1 with Flash and 50mm lens to backup all Contax shots on digital. 
Canon 1V with flash and 50mm lens to capture b/w of first dance.

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Tour My Camera Bag

The truth is, I am not a purist to any medium or a loyalist to any brand. I am through and through a hybrid shooter. 

On most wedding days, you will find me with at least three cameras strapped around my shoulders (all in the Gear List!) and I look like the world’s shortest Robocop. I love what the different mediums provide and have mastered shooting digital and film in most situations— family formals, ceremony, dances, cake-cutting—all the formalities.

I use the tools that work the best since my situations and needs evolve, and this means that my gear evolves too. 

And since I’ve just updated my list for you, you’ll know exactly which camera and lenses I’m using right now for every possible shot at a wedding.

You’ll get the inside scoop on specific strategies, from which lens I use for close up ring shots and those extra wide cocktail hour setup shots to which flash I use in emergency lighting situations.

I’m even taking you on a video tour of my camera bag, so you can see the equipment with your very own eyes. ?

And once you’re on the list and in the know about The Abundance Plan, you’ll get plenty more guidance based on my proven path of success—so you don’t have to waste any more time guessing and checking the best way forward in your business. 

It’s all waiting for you—access and resources to build an abundant photography business and that Gear List!

Get my complete Gear List and take a video tour inside my camera bag by joining The Abundance Plan waitlist below!

And don’t forget: the tools don’t make the photographer.

As Robert Hughes said:

A determined soul will do more with a rusty monkey wrench than a loafer will accomplish with all the tools in a machine shop.

But the right tools sure can help. Get mine here.

And I’ll see you on the inside…