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Making Everyday Beautiful

My Photography Essentials

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

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What's in my camera bag? A list of photography essentials.

I get asked a lot about what camera equipment I use, so today I thought it would be fun to share a little peek at what I carry inside my camera bag. Whether it’s out and about taking photos of the kids or on location for a photoshoot, these are some of my most used photography tools, along with a few of my everyday essentials.

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1. I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark II and I couldn’t live without my full-framed baby. I love this camera, although I hope to upgrade to the 5D Mark III soon.

2. Canon 24-70mm 2.8 lens. This is my most used lenses, in fact, it’s on my camera 99% of the time these days. I love that it’s so versatile! It’s good in low light situations, has a bit of zoom as well as a wider angle for those tight spots. I bought this lens to take with me on my trip to Australia and I haven’t looked back! You can read more about why I love this lens so much here.

3. Canon 50mm 1.2 lens. This is my most favourite lenses hands down. Before I go the 1.2 I had the Canon 50mm 1.4 which was my go-to lens for years. I like to carry my 50mm around when I’m out with the family because its small and easy to manage with all the kids in tow. It’s not ideal in ALL situations but more times than not, if I’m running out the door, this is the lens I grab.

4. I don’t use it often, but when I need flash my Canon Speedlight 430 EX flash is what I use.

5. My Bath and Body Works Pink Mint mentha lip tint is always with me wherever I go.

6. I carry my iPad with me all the time on photoshoots. I keep past client photos stored on it that I can flip through for quick inspiration for poses, etc. if needed during a session.

7. I love my Fossil wallet SO much. It’s just the right size – I can even tuck the iPhone in the front pocket.  It’s got lot’s of room and the soft blue grey color goes well with almost any bag.

8. I love my little camera strap buddy! I’ve been using it for a couple of years now and can’t imagine carrying my camera without it.

I carry all of these must-haves inside my darling Rose Jo Totes bag in coral. Jo Totes is my favourite place to shop for gorgeous camera bags made especially for women. The quality, colours and versatility of their bags is amazing and I love being able to fit so much inside my Jo Tote while still looking stylish. I’m so attached to my Jo Tote that if I’m heading out without my camera, I take out the removeable padded inserts and just use it as a handbag. I could go on and on {and on} about how much I love my these bags!

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So there you have it. A quick peek at some of the my photography must haves. For a comprehensive list of my photography equipment, including the cameras and lenses I started out with, please visit my FAQ section here. You might also be interested in what I edit with. I use:

Adobe Photoshop CS5
Addy Lane Actions
Wacom Pen Tablet

Have any photography related questions? Shoot away in the comments. I’d be happy to answer!

I’d also love to hear, what’s in YOUR camera bag!?

This post contains affiliate links. See full disclosure policy here.

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Rebecca

Rebecca

Rebecca Cooper is a 42-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.
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Filed Under: Photography Tagged With: Jo Totes, photo tips, photography, Photography Equipment

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Beatriz López Lumbreras says

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 10:07 am

    the most beautiful camera bag ever!

    =)
    dailylivingingeneva.blogspot.com

    Reply
  2. Lena B, Actually says

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 11:44 am

    Jealous! Your bag (& it’s content) are gorgeous!!
    I posted about my camera bag a little while back: http://www.lenabphotography.com/2012/10/whats-in-your-camera-bag.html
    Have a great day!

    Reply
  3. LeiShell says

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 4:09 pm

    Love your stuff! Wish I could afford the lens you love. Sigh, maybe someday.

    Reply
  4. rebecca says

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    Everyone starts somewhere and I definitely didn’t start out in photography using L series lenses. 🙂 My very first favourite lens was the 50mm 1.8, then I graduated to a 50mm 1.4 – both great lenses that I used all the time prior to getting my 50mm 1.2. 🙂 You can see a full list of the photography equipment I’ve used through the years here: https://www.simpleasthatblog.com/p/faq.html

    Reply
  5. rebecca says

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    Everyone starts somewhere and I definitely didn’t start out in photography using L series lenses. 🙂 My very first favourite lens was the 50mm 1.8, then I graduated to a 50mm 1.4 – both great lenses that I used all the time prior to getting my 50mm 1.2. 🙂 You can see a full list of the photography equipment I’ve used through the years here: https://www.simpleasthatblog.com/p/faq.html

    Reply
  6. rebecca says

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    Everyone starts somewhere and I definitely didn’t start out in photography using L series lenses. 🙂 My very first favourite lens was the 50mm 1.8, then I graduated to a 50mm 1.4 – both great lenses that I used all the time prior to getting my 50mm 1.2. 🙂 You can see a full list of the photography equipment I’ve used through the years here: https://www.simpleasthatblog.com/p/faq.html

    Reply
  7. Chelsea {whatcha makin' now?} says

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 5:34 pm

    LOVE that camera bag, not to mention your camera. Jealous. I’m ready to ‘pull the trigger’ and buy a new camera and this post just makes me want to do it right now!

    Reply
  8. lisacng @ expandng.com says

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 6:23 pm

    “Comments, shoot away” — love the pun! I never even knew there was a 50 mm 1.2 lens! I have the 1.8. Been shooting since Jan and am ready to purchase a 2nd lens. Considering the EFS 15-85 f/3.5 recommended by my brother in law who shoots wedding photography. What do you think? I have a Canon T1i and wanted a zoom lens for versatility. And cool Camera Buddy product! I’d love not having my camera hit me in the belly, or J’s head, while walking around!

    Reply
  9. Krista says

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 8:05 pm

    love it! thanks for sharing. i have been looking at getting a purse/camera bag and was actually looking at the exact one you have… i think you just convinced me! my only problem is how to get it overseas (we live in europe…)

    Reply
  10. 2busy says

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 8:35 pm

    I need one of those bags. They look amazing. Sometimes I just toss my camera into my purse, but that’s not really the best way to care for it. I hate that ugly old black bag.

    Reply
  11. Laurel's Quill says

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    Love that bag…love the photo treatment.

    Reply
  12. Anonymous says

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 9:32 pm

    I love your blog, but the color you use for dates, blog titles and various links is so light and difficult to read. It really detracts from the overall aesthetic appeal of your blog.

    Reply
  13. Emma says

    Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 11:30 pm

    I love the pictures. The coral pink and the vintage turquoise look great together. I love the vintage camera.

    Emma
    http://emmavogelsang.blogspot.com

    Reply
  14. Ciera says

    Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 1:43 pm

    The Pictures.. The Bag :).. so nice!

    Reply
  15. Tanya says

    Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 7:12 pm

    I love that bag! And the color is so lovely

    Reply
  16. 2littlehooligans says

    Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 7:31 pm

    thank you so much! after i read your post i finally purchased the 50mm 1.4 and LOVE it!! i just got it today and cannot wait to take it on vaca with us. thanks! one weird question i do have is do you have a strap on your camera? i do, but never seem to use it other then holding it by. i was thinking a small strap would work just as good and wouldnt take up so much room in my bag. silly question but i was just curious:) thanks!

    Reply
  17. Daina @ New York State of Mind says

    Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    Thanks for such an informative post! I still use only the basic Rebel model and iPhoto, but hope to invest in more for my photography soon. It is so hard to know what to save up for on my teacher salary; everything is so expensive! Your post gave me a lot of great ideas.

    I have been eyeing the J Totes bags for over a year now, and think I just need to take the plunge and buy one for myself! I love them!

    Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

    Daina

    Reply
  18. Kara says

    Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 1:41 pm

    LOVE that bag. so so pretty. i just upgraded to the mark ii and i’m trying really hard not to have mark iii envy. i love my 24-70 mm lens too. i’m glad you included your speed lite. that’s one of the things on my christmas wish list and i wasn’t sure which one to get.

    Reply
  19. Sarah says

    Friday, November 16, 2012 at 4:28 am

    Love your photos! If I may ask…why Canon and why over day Nikon?

    I’m shopping for a new camera I’ve needed to upgrade for a while now but have a very tight budget. Plus trying to decide what I need is hard & confusing I mostly take pictures of the kids, travel & the normal stuff. My kids are gymnast so at meets I do need the ability to get several shots quickly, but not like at say a football game.

    Please any suggestions?
    Thanks!

    Reply
  20. Donna says

    Thursday, November 22, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    Not a pink kind of female but that Rose bag in Coral is calling my name for some reason! May have to save up my pennies for one Unless I get lucky here! Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  21. Ronda says

    Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at 12:08 am

    Do you think this bag will this bag fit a macbook air 11″? Thanks for such a beautiful post!

    Reply
  22. Ashley Z. says

    Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 10:12 pm

    I love your camera bag!! How cute! 🙂 This is definitely a fun post and I’m gonna do one of all my stuff too!

    Reply
  23. Emily says

    Monday, February 9, 2015 at 7:15 pm

    Absolutely love this bag – beats the beaten up backpack that we’re having to use on our travels!

    Reply
  24. kuki says

    Saturday, March 14, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    Super! Which program do you use for writing on the pictures like in the photo above? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      Sunday, March 15, 2015 at 4:46 pm

      I use photoshop Kuki! 🙂

      Reply
  25. Giorgia says

    Friday, November 13, 2015 at 8:53 pm

    I’m a huge fan of your pictures, and I like taking pictures myself, can I ask you what kind of product you use to clean your camera? Thank you!

    Reply
  26. Grace Darling says

    Friday, December 4, 2015 at 6:48 am

    Hi there! In the original post did you have a tan leather camera bag? I have it pinned with the image of the brown leather bag and I loooove it, honestly pinned it maybe a year ago and just finally purchased a new camera and went searching through my boards to find it 🙂 If you could tell me the brand/model I would be sooooo grateful! Also I adore your blog and love following along! Keep the inspiration coming!

    Reply
    • Rebecca says

      Friday, December 4, 2015 at 3:02 pm

      I think you’re talking about the Jo Totes Somerset bag — http://www.jototes.com/collections/all/products/somerset

      Reply
      • Grace Darling says

        Friday, December 4, 2015 at 5:47 pm

        Thank you!! That is the one, I appreciate your response! So often you never hear back from people when you ask a question, thank you!

        Reply
  27. Kayla says

    Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 10:16 pm

    Where did you get that bag?

    Reply
  28. Jeannine says

    Thursday, April 4, 2019 at 3:55 pm

    LOVE your article, by chance have you done a recent article about what you carry?

    Reply
  29. Bianca Rodrigues says

    Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 3:36 am

    Didn’t realize you could also stick the cell phone into the Fossil wallet. I might give that a go in the near future. Thanks for the post!

    Reply

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