What’s in My Camera Bag? – Must Have Gear a Full Time Photographer
Who am I?
Aloha, my name is Rae Marshall and I’m a full time photographer living on the island of Oahu in Hawaii! I have been doing photography for a whopping 15 years, that’s before instagram came out, so RESPECT YOUR ELDERS and whatnot.
I have done most of my learning the hard way, from buying lenses when I didn’t know what all the numbers meant, to equipment that didn’t work for me, to trying out camera bags and accessories that got in my way instead of helped.
You could also do it the hard way, OR you could take it from an experienced photographer who’s got it figured out
and find out what I think are the BEST photography products right now. These are all products I own and use every single time I go out and photograph, and I feel confident in recommending them to you as well.
So enough of the blabbing, let’s jump right into my MUST HAVE GEAR for full time photographers below!
Disclosure: There are some affiliate links below, but these are all products I highly recommend. Everything on this page I own and have used every photoshoot.
What’s In My Camera Bag
- My Incase DSLR Camera Backpack
There are a lot of cute fashionable camera bags out there, and I love fashion. So WHY did I choose such a basic camera bag? Because I don’t need cute, I need extremely useful for the 100+ sessions I do a year. I bought this bag in 2013, had it stolen, and then bought the same bag again because I only have heart eyes for this one.
Why a Backpack and not a Bag?
I choose a backpack style because it is easier to hold any weight for any period of time. If I have a bag that goes over one shoulder, I’m putting all the weight there and that’s not good for me. I also take this up mountains, jumping over rocks near the ocean, running from one place to the other at weddings. I want something that doesn’t have the risk of falling or slamming into anything by my side.
How much does it fit?
This fits my two camera bodies, up to all 5 of my lenses (including the giant 70-200mm), a flash, batteries, and a few additional accessories. I can also put a laptop in the front zip pocket. WITH all the other stuff.
HUGE BONUS: This fits under any airplane seat. No wrestling with attendants who want to try and put it under the airplane (over my dead body), because even if the entire upper compartment is full, I have this under my feet.
So I mentioned that I got robbed when talking about my camera bag, yeah about that. I was photographing a wedding ceremony on the beach when someone ran up to my bag and purse (that were very close to the guests, it was gutsy), grabbed it and ran away into a getaway car. If you’re wondering he only got 1 lens that insurance covered and I had every memory card already backed up. But he also got my purse, which meant I lost my iphone, keys (had to get the locks replaced) and wallet.
So NOW I wear fanny packs on every single shoot. I can put my phone, wallet, memory cards, batteries, and other things on me.
I really like this Herschel one because it’s a trendy brand in Hawaii, and offers a lot of different colors.
3.Nikon D750 FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body
Oh I love youuuuu Nikon D750. I have had these camera bodies (I have two) for at least 5 years now. Other Nikon bodies have come out but they just didn’t make sense for the money when this one is so damn good.
What makes the Nikon D750 so good?
First, it takes great images. It’s a full frame camera, has two memory card slots (an absolute MUST for a wedding photographer), and does well in low light (ISO capability). Some of the more expensive bodies have higher megapixels, I just find that takes up even more space on my computer and isn’t necessary unless you’re wanting to blow images up to billboard size.
The price is also great. I’ve ruined 2 Nikon bodies now doing sessions in Hawaii (it’s all this ocean hovering and mountain climbing) and it’s really nice that I’m able to afford the replacement when I have to. I’m assuming you won’t be as wild as me, but since we are bringing our cameras all over with us it’s just nice to not have SO much money on the line.
4. Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera
So yes I just sang a love song to the Nikon D750, why do I have another camera body on the list?
I had my family photos taken by another photographer with the Sony a7iii and was basically freaking out when I saw the image quality. I still think the Nikon D750 is an amazing body even now, but if you’re going to really go to the next level, I think Sony is at the top of the game right now.
Pros and Cons
The pros, the image quality in the a7iii is insane. Especially paired with some of their prime lenses. The cons are that most Sony equipment (lenses, etc) seems to be more expensive than Nikon, so it’s a pretty hefty investment if you’re newer or trying to switch over.
FE 35mm F1.8 Large Aperture Prime Lens
I’m going to go ahead and talk about the Sony lens I like best and then go back to Nikon lenses. The Sony FE 35mm F1.8 is. the. best. I could only shoot all of my portrait and family sessions with this and I’d be good to go. I actually bought the expensive 50mm 1.4 Z/A lens to go with my Sony and I don’t really need it. I’d rather just use this one.
5.Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G Fixed Focal Length Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
So we are back to Nikon lenses. I have 5 lenses I currently use for my wedding and portrait work. I don’t think ALL of them are necessary, but for what I’m doing right now I use them all for different reasons.
This one is the most important. Like the Sony F/E 35mm I love if you’re using Sony, the Nikon 35mm f1.4G is a must have for weddings and for families. I think you can just do a 50mm if you’re doing more portraits and couples, but this focal length for me is the sweet spot for most of what I do.
This gets landscape as well as great group photos (must have for Hawaii clients), and is fast enough to capture kids trying to escape the frame.
Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Nikon
So… the Nikon 35mm 1.4 lens is pretty expensive. The Sigma version is half the price and a lot of people love this lens too!
6. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus
Buying your first non kit lens? This is the one you’ve been looking for. It’s the BEST priced lens on this list and gives you a lot of bang for your buck. The f/stop (1.8) means that this lens will give you a nice blurred background for you to get that desired portrait look and practice using manual on your camera.
For the more advanced? I’m still recommending the 50mm 1.8 lens instead of the 1.4 because I think this one does a freaking great job. Yes, I’ve used both of them. The 1.4 is built a little better, but I don’t really care and my 1.8 images really don’t look any different than the 1.4 in my opinion. I just would rather throw all my money into the 35mm 1.4 and get a cheaper 50mm 1.8 and that makes me happy.
7. Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
So I’m recommending a lot of prime lenses. I’m assuming people of all photography levels will be reading this so I’ll explain what prime lenses are now.
What is a prime lens?
A prime lens means that it does not zoom. It only stays at one focal length. You know it’s a prime lens by the numbers in the lens name. For example, the 85mm 1.8 is a prime lens (only one number 85mm) and 1.8 means how low the f/stop will go, or how wide open it gets. (in basic terms, the lower the f stop number, the blurrier the background will get, or more bokeh)
Why would I want to buy a prime lens?
Because they tend to be sharper than zoom lenses. They give a clearer image, and take away the ease of just standing there and zooming back and forth from the photographer, so you move where you want to go for the correct composition. This actually makes me personally a much better photographer, otherwise I am too lazy.
Back to the 85mm 1.8
This is one of the best portrait lenses on the market. It takes absolutely beautiful headshots and portraits. I also use it a lot at weddings, like first dances and speeches, guests in the audience, and bride and groom portraits.
The con to this lens is you have to be standing farther back than the two lenses above, and sometimes can’t back up far enough if you’re inside and this is your only lens.
The solution to that? I shoot two cameras at the same time, so I have this lens on one camera and a wider lens on the other camera.
8. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens
The only zoom lens I have
So yes, here we are with the famous Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 lens. I want to first say that I don’t think this should be a starter lens by any means. The only time I use this lens is during ceremonies at weddings. But it’s pretty hard to beat this kind of reach when you need to stay back and not be a distraction. It’s a pretty solid event lens because of this reason, but the price is pretty hefty so I would only recommend it if you are photographing something where you can’t get closer. That being said, it is great quality, and gets me amazing photos of my couples in some of the most personal moments during their vows.
9. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Lens
This is the last lens that I added to my kit, after using the first ones listed reliably for many years.
So what about this lens is so special?
I live in Hawaii, where the mountains are breath taking and the oceans are sapphire blue. This is an AMAZING lens for wide photos, especially when you still have people in the photo. The low depth of field capabilities and sharpness for a wide angle lens are beautiful additions to my clients galleries. I usually put this on for a few bridal party photos with a luscious scene in the back, or bride and groom photos to really showcase where we are.
10. Memory Card Carrying Case Holder
You need a memory card holder to hold all those cards. This is the one I use. I like it. It has not failed me. I think it’s pretty sweet. Don’t let your SD cards just flail around in your bags, they are the most precious things in that camera bag when memories are on them.
11. Rechargeable Battery Charger
Guys I’ve saved a lot of money now over the years with my rechargeable batteries for my reception flash. No more buying packs before every wedding, I just charge them at the same time I charge my camera batteries and it’s like no additional effort at all.
ORGANIZING TIP: I put my charged batteries in my top zipper pocket, then put the used ones in the lowest pocket. Every time. So no confusion.
Eneloop Rechargeable Batteries
12. Velvet Ring Box
I used to go to weddings without ring boxes and would just be standing around trying to figure out where to put the rings for great photos. Now I’ve solved my own problem by bringing multiple ring boxes in different colors to use as part of my styling kit. I’ve loved these, they elevate your images and make things easier as well.
13. Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive
Every photographer needs an external hard drive (or multiple) for storage when you are dealing with the amount of files that we are. I have used multiple brands and personally think my Seagate hard drives have held up the best. This is a 2TB one, and I also have a 5TB one linked below depending on how much space you need.
Seagate Backup Plus 5TB External Hard Drive
14. HoldFast Gear MoneyMaker Two-Camera Harness, Bridle Leather
I’ve been using my HoldFast leather camera harness for at least 5 years now. Yes it’s more expensive than many other strap options. Would I buy it again if this one fell apart tomorrow? YES.
Why spend the money on this strap?
I found out about this harness when I was living in Nashville, where it was definitely the trendy item to get for professional photographers there. First of all, it’s still in amazing shape after 5 years of usage. It is very comfortable and doesn’t cause me any discomfort at all, and my cameras are secure. So the functionality of it is great, and I am always shooting double camera. But the best reason of all? It’s fly as hell. I get compliments on this thing all the time. I look professional and cool.
- you can also look at this Off Brand Dual Shoulder Leather Harness
15. OLUKAI Women Gladiator Sandal
Comfort is King
I’m including my shoes of choice because wedding photographers know it is very difficult to find a shoe that looks good and also can handle 8 or more hours of standing, running, kneeling, whatever you’re doing on a wedding day and keep your feet in tact.
These Olukai sandals are a Hawaii brand and I love repping the island, but they are also my favorite sandals I’ve ever bought. I have actually bought the same ones 3 times. The first time I wore them so much I finally wore them out, the second time they were stolen on the beach. And I couldn’t find anything better any of those times.
10/10 would recommend!
16. 52MM Lens Filter and Close-Up Macro Accessory Kit
I have this in my bag for a “macro” (closeup) lens, and it has saved me SO MUCH money. Instead of buying an expensive macro lens for wedding ring photos, I pop one of these on my 35mm Nikon lens and get amazing macro photos for $20!!!! This is one of my favorite photography equipment hacks for adding that extra beauty in your photos.
17. ZEISS Camera Cleaning Lens Wipes, 220 ct.
Ever dealt with HAZE or FOG on your lens making your images look like crap? This can happen in the morning, or near water (Hawaii has it bad), and these are what I always keep in my fanny pack to wipe the lens when it needs. I can use 2-3 per shoot if it’s really humid. These are priceless when it comes to saving your images from looking really foggy and unfixable.
Let’s wrap it up
Thanks for sticking around to hear all of my top favorite photography items! I’ve been in the business for 15 years now so I’ve really honed in on the equipment that works for me, looks good, and does exactly what it’s supposed to. If you have any additional questions you can always send me a message on instagram and see if I can give you any additional feedback!
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