What’s In My Bag? | Architectural Photography Edition!
As a professional photographer, my job involves a lot of moving parts. Whether it be to a residential home or the newest California restaurant, I find it quite freeing to have the subject at hand change from day to day. Although the one thing that remains constant is my photoshoot bag!
Over the years (and with much trial and error) my must-haves for each shoot down are to a science. Without them, my creative eye can only get so far. Today, I want to take you on a journey inside my trusty camera bag—the one that never leaves my side during any session. So, let's dive right in and I’ll share exactly what I carry in my camera bag!
Essential Camera Gear
First things first, let's talk about the heart of a photographer's gear—the camera body. There are various camera models out there, and each has its unique set of features and advantages. After trying almost every camera out there, here is the master list for gear I must bring to any shoot.
Best Cameras For Professional Photographers:
Canon tilt shift 24mm f3.5
Canon tilt shift 17mm f4
Canon 6D Mark II
Fuji xt2 + 18-55mm 2.8 lens - this is the perfect detail shot camera
Photo-Enhancing Must Haves
To really enter the professional photography realm, stability is a must. No matter how steady your hands are, there will be times when you need some extra support to eliminate any unwanted shake in your shots. That's where tripods come in handy! A sturdy tripod is perfect for those long exposure shots, landscapes, and especially architecture photography. Here is a list of my favorite tripods:
Best Tripods For Professional Photographers:
Benro Mach 3 Tripod - sturdy but light enough to travel with and carry
Benro GD3WH geared head - amazing for ensuring vertical and horizontal straight lines
Once you’ve taken the plunge on a top-notch camera, make sure the lighting looks good too! Although natural light is beautiful, it's not always reliable. As a professional, I always have an external flash in my bag for full control over the lighting, especially in challenging or dimly lit environments. I carry some light modifiers with me, like soft boxes and reflectors, to shape and soften the light for more flattering results.
Best Lighting Equipment For Professional Photographer:
Godox Ad300 - the perfect lightweight, easy-to-move solution that actually puts out great light
Flashpoint Xplor 600 - I have two of these and they are beasts, put out a ton of light but are really heavy so kind of cumbersome if you have to move quickly
Godox Ad200 and AD100 pocket flash - I use these less, but great for fill lights or putting in rooms or small places
Westcott 43” deep umbrella - great to bounce lights when white walls aren’t available inside
Godox 32” umbrella - smaller than my Westcott but great for details and small areas
Accessories I Always Reach For
Once you have the camera, lens, lighting, and tripod equipment, there are a few other accessories I recommend for professional photographers. Although not absolutely necessary, they are absolute lifesavers that make my shoots go by quickly, efficiently, and professionally.
Best Accessories For Professional Photographers:
iPad Pro - the Pro is not an absolute necessity, but an iPad is the perfect addition to show clients your work during the shoot
CamRanger2 - perfect connection to my iPad that allows wireless control
Tenba Transport 38inch rolling tripod/grip case - this thing is a lifesaver, I can fit almost all of my lighting, tripods, umbrellas and stands in it
How To Keep It All Organized
All this equipment is fantastic for a photoshoot, but without safe-keeping it’s worth nothing. Above all else, finding the right camera bag is essential to any on-the-go photoshoot. It’s easier said than done and I've gone through my fair share of bags until I found the perfect one that suits my needs.
Look for a bag with adjustable compartments to organize all your lenses and cameras. Weather resistance is also a plus, especially when shooting outdoors. Even though it’s sunny almost all the time in California, I never risk water near my equipment. Most of all, find a camera bag or backpack that’s comfortable! Depending on what project you’re working on, you may have to carry it for the majority of the shoot.
So there you have it—the inside scoop on what a professional photographer carries in their photoshoot bag. Remember, the right gear can enhance your photography skills and open up new creative avenues. Invest wisely, stay organized, and let your creativity shine through your lens! Happy shooting!
Not sure how to start with creating your professional photographer’s photoshoot bag? I’m here to help! Schedule a 1-on-1 consulting call with me to work through every step of the process together.
