I’m a Canon girl through + through, so if you prefer Nikon, don’t hold it against me. It all comes down to preference and I just happened to start with a Canon 35mm film camera back when I was a kid. Anyway, in this post I will be breaking down all the things that I have in my gear bag with me at all times.

To start off, I prefer a really durable, sturdy backpack for my camera bag of choice. It’s padded so I can rest assured that my gear is safe. It’s also super easy to travel with. I have had several LowePro bags + this is the size I like best to prevent it from being too heavy for me. This bag is linked here!

The flash diffuser (and grip) that I use + love are MagMod brand. The diffuser is linked here + the grip is linked here! I never use my flash on a wedding day without using the MagMod as well. The grip just stretches and slides down over the flash. The two magnets on each side keep the MagMod attached to it on top. Speaking of flash, I use (and love) the Canon 600EXII-RT

I have three camera bodies. A Canon 5d Mark IV + two Canon 5d Mark iii. I prefer the 3’s quite honestly because I believe the colors are deeper and richer but I love the wifi capabilities of the 4, as well as how compatible it is with my flash. As far as I know, the mark 3 isn’t being made anymore so I bought my second body used from another photographer + I keep it as a backup. I use the 3 at almost every session + the 4 primarily at weddings.

I have three lenses, which isn’t a lot for most photographers, but I prefer to keep my gear simple + diverse so it’s easy to use in a lot of different scenarios + sessions. I LOVE love love my Canon 70-200 2.8. It’s big and heavy but I just love the way it makes my images look and it’s perfect for rodeos and wedding ceremonies. My Canon 16-35 2.8 is my GO-TO for getting ready shots as well as dancing at receptions. It’s super versatile + creates a feel of being in the moment with the images it creates. Lastly, I have a Sigma 50 1.4. I use this for family formals, some of the getting ready part of a wedding day + a lot at portrait sessions. It’s the only prime lens (lens that doesn’t zoom) that I own + I have to say it is my least favorite, but it’s a great, simple tool to have in my bag for anytime I need it or my wrists need a break from the 70-200.

A few other random goodies that I LOVE are the rechargeable batteries + charger that I have. The AA batteries are for the flash + it is super handy to be able to rotate through batteries and always have some charged + ready to go. You can find them here. I also have four chargers + six batteries for my cameras that I keep charged and ready to go at all times and I always bring them in my bag in case of emergency. I also really love the little memory card wallet that I have. It’s small and fits right inside the zipper pocket on the flap of my backpack. You can find it here.

I hope you found some useful info here or maybe some new gear or goodies that you want (NEED) to add to your bag. If you have any questions, shoot them below in the comments!

- BC