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What's in My Camera Bag: A Sneak Peek into My Essential Photographic Gear

  • Writer: shannon edwards
    shannon edwards
  • Nov 5, 2023
  • 3 min read

If you're a photography enthusiast, you know that what's inside your camera bag can make or break a shoot. I guess for me it all depends on what I’m shooting and where. Over the years, I've carefully selected the items I carry with me to ensure I'm always ready to capture that perfect shot, although that doesn’t mean I don’t forget a few things sometimes (especially SD Cards) In this blog post, I'll give you a sneak preview into the essential gear that I choose to take out with me on an average photoshoot.


I would say that my most common set-up is usually quite light and doesn’t consist of any fancy equipment. I like to be able to move freely and explore a location without having to lug around lots of heavy gear. So, what exactly do I pack?


Well, the first piece of equipment I pack is my camera, unless I'm deliberately opting for film or underwater shots, I usually reach for my Canon 70D. It’s a versatile camera that is known for its advanced autofocus and great image quality and for most shoots, especially landscapes it suits me well.


The next thing I usually select is my lenses. I have a variety of different lenses from telephoto to prime, my favourite however is my Tamaron 55-200mm, this lightweight telephoto lens is a fantastic all-rounder, allowing me to capture subjects both near and far with the added bonus of achieving beautiful background blur. The second lens that accompanies me is my reliable 18-55mm kit lens. now I know that will come as a shock especially from the perspective of other photographers because it has been drilled into us that this kit lens that often comes with every entry-level DSLR camera is an amateur’s lens. A lens that as a skilled photographer isn’t worthy of being used anymore. Despite the negative reputation often associated with it, I still find it quite useful. It's excellent for getting up close to subjects without having to zoom in, making it ideal for floral and landscape photography due to its wide-angle perspectives. Occasionally, I'll also throw in a 1.4x converter for a bit of extra reach when needed.


My bag is also filled with various accessories, including filters (polarizing and neutral density) for enhancing shots and trying out techniques like long exposure. I always carry a cleaning cloth to keep my lenses and eyepiece smudge-free, lens hoods to prevent sun flares, a remote shutter release for shake-free long exposures, and, most crucially, extra batteries and SD cards. I must admit that I tend to forget one of these, but without them, a shoot is a non-starter.


That’s usually all the contents of my camera bag unless I have a particular technique in mind or expect unfavourable weather, I might bring along a tripod. Truth be told, I'm not a fan of these bulky contraptions, finding them a bit of a hassle, but they've enabled me to capture some amazing shots that would have been impossible otherwise, like long exposure images.


Of course, all of this kit goes into my camera backpack, I also have a range of different bags too from backpacks to holdalls but I usually tend to go for my small black backpack as it's lightweight and easy to carry.


Along with these camera essentials, you mustn't forget your smartphone. This device can be a great piece of tech for capturing quick references, scouting out locations and transferring your photos on the go.


The contents of my camera bag as constantly evolving as I explore new techniques and styles of photography, but the core essentials remain largely the same. Having the right gear in my bag ensures that I'm always prepared so that I can capture the images I set out to. So, whether you're a fellow photographer looking to build your kit or simply curious about what's in my camera bag, I hope this glimpse into my gear inspires your photographic adventures.












 
 
 

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