Photography makes me jump for joy! It has been passion of mine since I was a kid. Seriously, like 30+ years!! I’ve had many cameras over the years and really am loving the little collection of equipment I currently have to work with. I’ve been shooting with DSLRs since 2006 and absolutely love it! When looking at other photographers work, I often wonder, “what are they using?” or “I want to get shots like that” which often leads to “what equipment should I buy next?”  So I thought I’d share what’s in my bag in case any if you are curious what I shoot with and are interested in building up your bag of arsenal goodness : )

But before I spill the beans, I just have to say that what’s in the bag doesn’t define a photographer. It’s your passion, your vision, your creativity, YOU that makes your photography amazing! There are fantastic photographers who take phenomenal photos in the iPhoneography world – something I seriously can’t do! Some photographers have tens of thousands of dollars invested in their bag – something I only wish I could afford to have! What I can do, is use what I have and push myself to keep learning. So, whatever you’re working with, whatever is in your pocket or in your bag, my advice to you is to learn to use it to it’s full extent and always keep learning : )

Cameras:

• Canon 60D – LOVE this body!
• Canon Rebel XTi (my 1st DSLR and I’ve kept it in case I’m in a pinch!)

Lenses:

• Canon 50mm f/1.4 – amazing, dreamy bokeh!
• Canon 50mm f/1.8 (before I upgraded to f/1.4) – for ~$100, it’s a must! You’ll be totally turned on to prime lenses with this baby!
• Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 – this is usually on my camera and I love it! Great for portraits, even on a crop sensor like the 60D.
• Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 – I love this for outdoor photos, but not at all for indoor shots! Great when I’m working with lots of people, and need quick / easy versatility in focal lengths

Books and classes I recommend:

• Elevate the Everyday by Tracey Clark
• Lightroom 4 for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby
• Scott Kelby’s Digital Photography Boxed Set
• The Art of the Everyday with Katrina Kennedy (True Scrap 5)
• Low Light Photography with Katrina Kennedy (True Scrap 3)
• Photo Composition with Katrina Kennedy (True Scrap 2)
• Finding Your Photo Style (Big Picture Classes)
• Capture Your 365 (Free Photo Community)
• Flickr (Free Photo Community)

Other goodies that make my photography journey enjoyable:

• Lightroom 4 – all of my editing takes place here, unless heavy editing is needed in CS6
• Photoshop (CS6)
• My Four Hens Presets for Lightroom – I LOVE Sarah’s presets! Worth every penny when editing photos!
• Canon Speedlite 430EX II
• Gary Fong Collapsible Diffuser
• Targus Tripod – inexpensive but light and easy to use
• Westcott 40-inch 5-in-1 Reflector – big enough for groups, but small enough to be manageable
• Canon Wireless Remote – must have for selfies and group shots to get you in the shot!
• Epiphanie Shoulder Bag – Lola, Teal – looks like a purse, acts like a camera bag!

So there you have it, all my photo goodies that rock my world! There are still lots on my “wants” and “needs” lists, but I’m a happy camper and will keep snapping those shots, working and rocking what I have! Hope these links* are helpful to you on your photographic journey!

As always, thanks for stopping by. Have a joyful, creative, blessing filled day!
Live creatively!
xoxo,
/c

*The links I create to products and classes may include an affiliate link which pays me a small percentage for purchases made. Please note that I purchase and use what I love and hope that by sharing these links with you, I am making learning various aspects of photography, recreating images and your photography journey simpler for you. I figure if I love it, then you might too!

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