What’s In MY camera Bag As A Fashion Photographer
Here is what I keep in my camera bag as someone who takes fashion, editorial, and commercial photographs. From lenses and gear to things to touch up hair and makeup.
To preface this, I don’t believe an expensive camera will make you a great photographer. Use what you have and you can make great imagery! When I began doing fashion photoshoots I was using a Canon Rebel.
My Photography Gear
Depending on the photoshoot I will bring 1-3 cameras and at at least 2 lenses. My main camera is a Canon 5D Mark IV that has a battery grip attachment. I LOVE using the battery grip not only for the extra battery life but it helps my hand steady when capturing vertical images. Although it can be extra weight, it is worth it. Currently, I use a 50mm lens and a 24-70mm. Some other lenses I love using are the 14mm for wide angles and 100mm macro for product photography! I will also bring along a 35mm film camera or a Polaroid. I have a couple of different film cameras but I mainly use my Pentax K1000 with a 50mm lens attachment. I bounce around with film stocks because, YIKES, the prices are insane! For color I stick to Kodak Portra 160 or 400, and Kodak Gold 200. For black and white I like Kodak Tmax 100, 400, and Ilford HP5. For my Polaroid, I use a Polaroid One-Step.
Cameras- Canon 5D Mark IV, Polaroid One-Step, Pentax K1000
Lenses- 50mm, 240-70mm, 14mm, 100 macro
Film- Kodak Portra 120, 400, Kodak Gold 100, 200, Kodak TMAX 100, 400, Ilford HP5
Image 1. This is what my camera bag looks like for a typical photoshoot. I also use a backpack instead of a camera bag. I find it a lot user to wear as I am taking photos instead of a crossbody camera bag.
Image 2. Some photo shoots require a lot more gear and items! This shoot required a lot of extra clothing and makeup! Enjoy my cat Mochi trying to sneak in with the stuff!
Camera & sd card accessories
If you take away anything from this let it be to purchase an SD card holder/organizer!! It has seriously been the best thing for organizing my SD cards and keeping them all in one place. I’m not sure about any other photographers but I used to have SD cards everywhere and it was always a nightmare keeping track of them. This also helps keep them clean and at the potential for corruption.
I LOVE using the battery grip not only for the extra battery life but it helps my hand steady when capturing vertical images. Although it can be extra weight, it is worth it.
It is also essential to have a few cleaning items in my pack. Depending on if I am shooting outdoors, I might bring a rocket blower to air out any dust from my lens or body. Most of the time I pack a small dual bristle and smudge brush. I have the Hakuba Lenspen and it’s the best! It has a brush on one end and a cleaner on the other. It’s really easy to throw into my bag and doesn’t pick up dirt like a cleaning cloth would.
It’s also important to always bring backup SD cards! It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Products for the model & photographer
It’s always important to have products to touch up and hair or makeup if you don’t have a HMUA on set. When I’m on location I tend to bring more gear incase of an incident.
Usually I carry a small pouch that has hair ties, bobby pins, safety pins, and q-tips in it. I realized I needed this after many hsoots where the wind would be acting up or clothing items were cooperating. I find it most important to bring extra lip products. Lipstick or lipgloss is usually the first to get wiped away and will typically need a touch up during the photoshoot.
Hairspray is also a necessity! I would rather take a minute to spray down any fly-aways than spend hours in Photoshop editing! I recommend always keeping a travel size in your bag.
Along with those items I also always carry a few things I or the model may need, especially on location. This includes a pack of tissues, chapstick, hand sanitizer, and feminine hygiene products. These have definitely saved a few of my photoshoots!!