This week’s Tuesday Tips is for photographers! I’m giving you a peek inside my camera bag!

For starters, I am a Canon girl through and through. I started with a Canon Rebel in 2008 for my high school yearbook class and have trusted the brand ever since. I actually only use Canon lenses, but I know there are some fantastic brands like Tamron and Sigma who create Canon-friendly lenses.

Camera Bodies
I use two Canon 6Ds. They are the perfect full-frame camera for me! I use two cameras for wedding days so that I do not have to switch lenses during key moments. I wear my main camera on my Spider Camera Holster and then have my second camera strapped across my body with a cross body strap I found on Amazon!

Lenses and what I use them for!
1. Canon 50mm f/1.4 – This was my first baby! My dad gifted this to me for my birthday and I’ve loved it ever since. People often call it the “nifty fifty” because it handles almost every situation beautifully! I use this on a wedding day for getting ready shots, bridal party shots, and bride and groom portraits. I like that it goes down to f/1.4 for creamy bokeh!

2. Canon 85mm f/1.8 – This is my new go-to lens. I bought this used from another photographer and I am SO GLAD I DID. It is super light to carry, compresses beautifully, and is tack sharp. I basically use this any chance I can! Since it’s a longer focal length, I need to put more distance between myself and the subject, so I do need a little bit of room to move… but this lens rarely leaves my camera! I will use this for bride and groom shots, bridal party, details, anything!!

3. Canon 100mm macro f/2.8 – I purchased this lens refurbished from Canon when they were having a sale! I feel like this lens is a MUST if you are a wedding photographer. I use my macro lens for up close detail shots like rings and jewelry. I will occasionally use it for portraits because it compresses beautifully as well! It’s a little slow to focus when I’m working with human subjects so I mainly use it at the beginning of a wedding day and then store it in my bag.

4. Canon 24-70 f/2.8 – I bought this lens used from another photographer friend! I had the f/4.0 version but because this lens is SO versatile, I knew I wanted the lower aperture version! Because it offers a wide angle and a medium length focal length in one, this lens is perfect for a wedding day. I use it in tight getting ready locations, for wide venue shots, for the occasional portrait, and for the reception. In order to get the compression I like, I have to be pretty cognizant to take some steps back and zoom IN instead of not moving, zooming OUT, and taking a wide shot. Sometimes wide angle shots can distort proportions so that’s why I am hyper-vigilant about what focal length I’m on during a wedding day! The only downside to this lens is that it is pretty heavy. Adding a flash to it makes my hand cramp by the end of the night! But it gets some amazing shots!

5. Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 – Oh the heaviest but creamiest lens. I love my 70-200 but don’t love how darn heavy it is! I did buy this lens new after a surprise bonus that I received from my school district. I use this lens for the first look, the ceremony, and portraits. I need to start using it MORE since it’s a pretty penny but it’s hard to compete with the lighter 85. The compression on this lens at 200mm is INSANE though. My subjects are tack sharp and my background is oh-so blurry (which is a good thing).

Camera Bag
I use a Zecti canvas backpack to hold all of my camera gear. My mom bought it for me for Christmas from Amazon. It was such a great purchase because somehow I can fit ALL of my lenses and cameras in there! The bag is super comfortable against my back and I love it.

And there you have it! Stick around for next week’s Tuesday Tip where I chat about what software this busy photographer can’t live without!

Missed the previous Tuesday Tips? Check them out below!
Why We Had a First Look on Our Wedding Day
5 Things You Need to Know About Your Engagement Session
What Details to Include for Your Photographer
How to Preserve Your Wedding Day with Albums