Photography Tips for Mommies | What’s In My Bag

New cameras are popular Christmas gifts each year, especially SLRs, and I know some of you are just scratching the surface and getting to know your new toy obsession. If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering what equipment should come next (and if you’re really like me, you’re probably practicing batting your lashes in the mirror and thinking of ways to butter up your husband for when the time comes to tell him). First of all, I’m so excited for you! You’re on your way to capturing family memories that will look and feel exactly the way you want to remember them!

One of the most frequently asked questions I’ve received from photographers and friends is “What’s in your bag?”.  I’ve never really put it all out there, so here goes. To be honest with you, I travel light compared to most wedding and portrait photographers, but as it’s been said a million times before… it’s not about the equipment. When it comes to one-on-one client sessions or pictures of my own kiddos, I rarely change lenses or even open my camera bag. It’s typically just me, my camera, one lens, and some comfy running shoes.

Below is a snap-shot visual of what I have in my bag (for candid portraits only… not including all the crazy stuff I use at weddings):

Camera:
1. Canon 5D

Lenses:
2. Canon 70-200 f/2.8L
3. Canon 50mm f1.4 <—my favorite and most frequently used lens
4. Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L

Miscellaneous:
5. Extra batteries
6. Canon Speedlite 580EX II
7. 42″ Gold/White reflector
8. Egg shaker baby rattles
9. sustenance
10. LensPen cleaner
11. a soft blanket
12. sunblock, hand sanitizer and chapstick
13. SanDisk Extreme III Compact Flash cards (16GB,  8GB, and 4GB)

That’s pretty much it! Since I’ve owned an SLR I’ve been very nosily curious about what equipment other photographers use to do what they do. I’m just a little fish in the pond, so to speak, but there it is– the equipment I use to do what I do. I hope this helps even just one SLR mama out there. Thanks for letting me share about my bag of goodies! Many hugs and happy shooting!

Love, Kimberly Bee

Kimberly Jarman Studios is a team of creative photographers and thinkers specializing in family portraits, weddings, and photography workshops. Visit the blog for recent work and updates.