What’s in My Camera Bag: A Photographer’s Guide
One of the most common questions I get as a photographer is: “How did you shoot this?” It makes sense. Settings and gear choices say a lot about how someone shoots, and it’s natural to be curious about what tools go into creating certain images. This post is designed to be my cornerstone guide, not only showing you the essentials I carry, but also serving as a hub that links to deeper dives into specific types of photography like pet portraits, street photography, and concerts.
Philosophy: The Best Camera Is the One You Have
I firmly believe that the best camera is the one you have with you at the moment. Whether that’s your phone, an old point-and-shoot film camera, or a modern digital body, what matters most is the act of creating. My current primary setup happens to be digital, but I’ve also shot plenty of rolls of film and Google Pixel snapshots that remain some of my favorite images.
My Camera Body
Canon R6 Mark II: This is my workhorse. It balances quality, speed, and versatility beautifully. The low-light performance is stellar, and it keeps up whether I’m at a dimly lit concert or out shooting street scenes at night.
My Lenses
50mm f/1.8: My go-to lens, the one that rarely leaves my camera. I love it because it mimics the natural perspective of the human eye, which makes photos feel authentic and grounded. The fixed focal length forces me to move and engage with the scene instead of just zooming in.
16mm f/2.8: Perfect for wide perspectives, landscapes, or dramatic city shots where I want to pull in more of the environment.
24–105mm f/4: My utility lens. I don’t use it as often because it has variable aperture, but it’s useful for when I need extra reach without swapping lenses constantly.
Vintage film lenses (via adapter): Occasionally I’ll mount older Canon film lenses. They offer unique rendering and character that modern glass doesn’t always replicate.
Accessories I Always Keep Handy
Spare batteries: Because nothing kills momentum faster than running out of juice mid-shoot.
Cleaning kit: Keeping lenses spotless is non-negotiable.
Collapsible carbon fiber tripod: I’ve owned bulkier tripods that were clunky, heavy, and slowed me down. Spending a little more on a carbon fiber tripod has been worth it. It’s lightweight, easy to set up and break down, and perfect when I’m on my feet for hours.
Remote trigger: Essential for long exposures or avoiding camera shake.
Filters: I rotate between UV, polarizing, black mist, anamorphic, and soft white filters depending on the mood or effect I’m after.
My Camera Bags
I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all camera bag. The bag I choose depends entirely on the type of shoot I’m doing.
LowePro Fastpack BP 250 AW II: My go-to travel bag. If I need to cover all my bases for a few days, this is the one. It fits multiple lenses, my laptop, a tripod, cables, rain cover, and still has breathing room. Basically, if I want options, this is the bag I trust.
LowePro Tahoe BP 150: A solid middle-of-the-road option. I use it for street and pet photography when I don’t need to bring everything but still want room for a few lenses and a tripod. It’s practical without feeling like I’m packing for a hike.
Peak Design 6L Sling: My minimalist choice. Perfect for bopping around town, street photography, or concert shoots. It fits the essentials, sits comfortably, and makes it easy to move quickly.
Tailoring My Kit to the Shoot
What’s in my bag always depends on the assignment. For pet photography, I’ll bring flash gear, an umbrella, and a collapsible backdrop. For street work, I keep it light with one or two lenses and a few filters. For concerts, I strip down even further. Just the camera, a fast lens, and extra batteries. Each of these setups will get its own blog post where I break down the details and reasoning behind my choices.
At the end of the day, the point isn’t to be prepared for every situation. It’s to not overthink it. I check my gear, pack what I need, and stay ready for the moment when it strikes. Creativity thrives on momentum, not on lugging around a studio’s worth of equipment.
This post will serve as the foundation for those deeper dives. If you’re curious about specific setups, stay tuned for the linked guides:
Pet Photography Kit
Street Photography Kit
Concert Photography Kit
User-Generated Content Kit
And if you’re looking to start building or upgrading your own kit, I’ve compiled my recommendations in my Gear List where you can find many of the items I use personally.
