My Camera Bag Confessions: Gear, Gadgets, and Must-Haves

Ever wondered what a wedding or engagement photographer actually carries around all day? If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What gear do they use to make these beautiful, timeless images?”—this post is for you. I’m giving a little peek into my camera bag and sharing the tools that help me capture moments, emotions, and stories for my couples and clients!

Cameras: My Main Workhorses

At the heart of everything I do are my cameras. I typically work with two main camera bodies (and a backup) during sessions and weddings. This allows me to switch lenses quickly without losing a moment, so I never miss a laugh, a tear, or a candid glance between my couples.

Using two bodies also provides a safety net—if one fails mid-session, the show goes on! Each camera is paired with lenses I love for engagement, wedding, and portrait photography.

1. Canon R6 (OG body)

2. Canon R6 Mark II (My most recent upgrade!)

3. Canon 5D Mark IV (My first DSLR when I started the biz!)

I specifically love my mirrorless cameras because they are so light and have the best quality! I got my first mirrorless (Canon R6) back in 2022 and I haven't looked back since. At the end of 2025, I purchased a Mark II to keep as my own! For the longest time I was renting a Mark II from LensRental (love using them by the way!) and I was lucky to get a model on sale from my local camera store before the holidays. (Pixel Connection).

Lenses: The Eyes Behind the Shot

Lenses are where the magic happens. I carry a few favorites that cover every scenario:

• Wide-angle lens for capturing large groups and details - I use a Canon 16-24 mm.

• Prime lens for intimate portraits and dreamy goodness- my go-to is a Canon 50 mm.

• Zoom lens for flexibility in a wedding day or lots of movement during a couples or grad session. The lens I use the most and for everything is my Canon 24-70 mm- this is lens you'll see me using the most!

• An honorable mention is my Canon 70-200mm lens that I use for dramatic or ultra-zoom photos during a wedding ceremony- this lens typically comes out if I am shooting a wedding ceremony in a church or place of worship where I can't get in as closely or move as freely during a ceremony that isn't in a place of worship.

  
  

Having a variety of lenses ensures that no matter the light, the location, or the moment, I can create images that feel natural, authentic, and editorial.

Lighting- Because Every Wedding or Indoor Session Needs a little Something

I mostly shoot natural light, but sometimes situations call for a little extra help. I carry a Speedlight to give a little something to my indoor and reception photos! Learning flash photography was one of my greatest challenges when I first started but now I got it down to a science! I use a Westcott FJ8- II M Universal Touchscreen 80Ws Speedlight.

When I first started using flash, my favorite lens was the Canon 470EX-AI Speedlight. I also use the Canon EL-10 as needed too!

Accessories That Keep Me Prepared

A great photo is more than just a camera and lens. Here are a few other essentials I always keep in my bag!

• Extra Batteries

• Extra Memory Cards- my go tos are the 128gb, 256gb, and when things are really busy- 512gb.

• My backup system that keeps your images safe on my trusty hard drive.

• Lens Cleaning Cloth

• Phone Tri-pod for Content + Behind-the-Scenes

• A Brush + Other Toiletries- so I can look my best for your big day even after running around and working hard all day!

• Ring Boxes + Extra Detail Must-Haves: My two main items at the moment are two neutral-colored ring boxes and vow books to add a little flare to my couple's detail photos. This is a list I want to expand on to maximize the flat lays I create this wedding season and beyond. Additionally, some extra must-haves to have in case like a sewing hook to help the bride get into her dress with all those fussy buttons, and some extra bobby pins for when your bridesmaid has a fly-away hair long after the hair and makeup team packed up. Attached is my Amazon wishlist so you can see what I'm looking for!

Personal Touches + Other Essentials

Some might call it “extra,” but I also keep a few small personal items handy: snacks, water, and sometimes a favorite coffee thermos. Long sessions can be tiring, and staying fueled helps me bring my best energy to the day.

My go to's for longer shoots and weddings include:

1. RedBull- specifically the sugar free original tangerine flavor

2. Iced Coffee- if I don't want a RedBull

3. Snacks: I love pretzels or granola bars

Wishlist: Gear I’m Dreaming About

Even with everything in my bag, there are a few things I hope to invest in down the road to make my photography even more seamless and creative:

• Upgrading to a Canon R6 Mark III to replace my original R6- from my research, the quality of the new mark body and the images it can produce are unbelievable.

• A drone and some film- I'd love to start learning more about drone and film photography so I can later incorporate it into my packages in the future.

• Extra backup storage solutions for ultimate peace of mind- I'm getting better at establishing a system that is perfect and fully secure.

These are items I’m excited to grow into as my business evolves and my photography style continues to expand.

Why This Matters for Couples + Clients

You might wonder, “Why does gear matter to me?” Here’s the simple truth: having the right tools allows me to focus on capturing your story in real time. Every lens, battery, and accessory in my bag is chosen to help me see your connection, anticipate moments, and create images that feel both natural and timeless.

Your memories deserve care, intention, and attention to detail—and my bag is designed to support that every step of the way.

Check Out My Gear

Curious about the exact gear I use? I’ve compiled all of my current tools into one Amazon store so you can see what’s in my bag.

And if you want to peek at the items I’m dreaming of adding to my kit, check out my Amazon wishlist!

Final Thoughts

A camera bag might look intimidating from the outside, but inside, it’s carefully curated for storytelling. From outdoor adventures at parks and city streets to intimate engagement sessions, the right tools let me focus on the moments that matter most—so you can relive them forever through your photos.