What's In My Camera Bag? | 2023 | The Ultimate Guide For Portrait Photographers
Ever wanted to know what’s in my Camera Bag? Let’s dive in!
As a Portrait Photographer, I’ve gone through my fair share of struggles when it comes to choosing the best camera bags, settling on my favorite lenses & gear, etc. I am always discovering new little gadgets to add to my kit that will make the photoshoot experience easier (& more fun) for both me & my clients, & it’s a constant process of adding, removing, & replacing items! I get a lot of “What’s that?” from fellow photographers & clients when I open up what I like to refer to as my “Mary Poppins” camera bags - I definitely have some must-have items that I can’t live without during photoshoots, & I’m excited to share this list of recommendations with you!
Let’s take a look at what’s in my basic camera bag kit for 2023! My camera bodies, lenses, accessories, & more…
For my complete Studio Gear list, click here: Recommended Gear & Products For Photographers
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My Top 3 Camera Backpacks | Best Camera Bags For Portrait Photographers
Here are my top three picks for a comfortable, practical camera bag! I personally prefer to use a backpack or a rolling bag over a heavy shoulder bag - I find shoulder bags to be uncomfortable & not terribly practical for most photoshoots. Depending on the project, I have three main bags I alternate between:
#1. Wandrd Hexad 45 L Camera Duffle Backpack: This bag is my personal favorite for larger shoots & shoots requiring air travel. All of my main equipment fits easily in their customizable gear cubes, there is a space for my laptop, & it fits in most overhead airplane bins. These bags have the option for all sorts of customizable add-ons including waist straps, a rain fly, extra gear straps, etc. This is my go-to bag for most projects, & is pretty comfortable for shoots that require hiking as well!
#2. Lowepro Pro Trekker Camera Backpack: When the Wandrd Bag feels like a bit too much, I reach for this Lowepro backpack - it’s the perfect medium size. This is the bag I use for most shoots that require travel to a local studio or to a quick outdoor location - it’s just enough room for a couple of bodies, lenses, my Ipad, etc.
#3. Lowepro Slingshot Camera Backpack: The smallest, lightest choice! If I’m going on a quick hike or walk & only need the bare minimum, this is my go-to. The unique slingshot side access design is comfortable, & makes it super quick & easy to whip out your camera for quick wildlife shots, etc. I can even squish a mostly-full water bladder in the top portion, which is helpful for short hikes!
Wandrd Hexad Access 45L Duffel Camera Bag
My Favorite Camera Bodies & Lenses
#1. Nikon Z7II Mirrorless Camera: My Camera body of choice! I’ve shot Nikon for years & am personally very happy with their mirrorless system - this body delivers amazing results & is a perfect fit for me & the types of portrait shoots I do.
#2. Nikon Z6II Mirrorless Camera: This Camera used to be my main body, but now functions as my backup now that I’ve switched to the Z7II. Still a great camera, but the overall image quality of the Z7II is noticeably better in my opinion.
#3. Nikon 85MM Lens: This is my go-to portrait lens for 99% of my photoshoots! Every now & then I pull out a 50mm, 35mm, or my 18-200mm, but the 85mm is my current fav.
#4. Tiffen Protection Filter: I have a few of these for each lens in my collection - they serve mostly as a protective cover for the front of my lens. I don’t always shoot with them on to avoid ghosting, etc., but I do use these as an extra layer of protection for my lenses.
#5. Tiffen Neutral Density Filter: This filter helps keep the exposure balanced in those super bright, sunny conditions - I don’t use it much, but it’s handy to have!
My Most-Used Camera Essentials & Accessories
#1. Memory Card Case: Love this customizable memory card case! It has different inserts that allow for all different types of camera cards - don’t know how I ever survived without this. So nice to keep everything in one organized spot!
#2. Memory Cards: Can never have too many of these! My Z7II has two card slots & I write to both, so that way we always have an image backup if one card were to fail.
#3. Memory Card Reader: This reader is super fast, I always have a few of them lying around at home, in the studio, & in my bag for imports.
#4. Calibrite Color Checker: This little card is great for getting your white balance perfect for in-studio shots - I don’t use it for every shoot, but it does come in handy!
#5. Spyder Camera Holster: I use this belt for most studio shoots - I am not a fan of straps, & this holster is a great way to keep track of your camera as you demonstrate posing, switch up props, etc. I am the worst about setting my camera down in between shots & then immediately forgetting where I set it - this belt is a life saver.
#6. Camera Cleaning Kit: This kit comes with all the basic essentials for cleaning the outside of your camera & for cleaning the sensor. Another must-have!
#7. Bluetooth Speaker: I always have a playlist of fun music going during shoots! This speaker sounds great, is waterproof, and has a little clip that allows you to attach it to the outside of your camera bag if you are shooting outdoors.
#8. Camera Batteries & Charger: Obviously - another item you can never have too many of. Extra batteries & a charger in your camera bag are a must. I usually have a handful of AA & AAA batteries in my bag as well to use for my flash, flash triggers, etc.
Nikon MH-25a Quick Charger for EN-EL15 Battery
Nikon EN-EL15c 7V 2280mAh Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
My On-The-Go Portrait Photographer’s Touch-Up Kit
Trust me when I say this - if you are a Portrait Photographer, this list will change your life!
Step #1: Get yourself a small toiletry bag, preferably one of those hanging ones that unfolds & has different compartments.
Step #2: Go shopping. Check out the list below & see what you can find at your local drugstore - or you can check out my Amazon list to order items in bulk!
Step #3: Pack your toiletry bag with all of the below essentials & bring it along with you to all of your photoshoots. Props if you can fit it into your camera bag! It’s saved me many a time - I bring this touchup emergency kit with me everywhere so that I never have to worry about the little details!
Makeup Wipes
Eyelash Glue
Mini Deodorant
Eye Drops
Mascara Wands
Small First Aid Kit
Aleve & Tylenol
Feminine Hygiene Products
Hair Clips, Bobby Pins, & Hair Elastics
Hair Brush or Comb
Mini Hairspray
Hair Gel
Mini Dry Shampoo
Gum
Disposable Makeup Sponges
Hand Lotion
Oil Blotting Sheets
Scissors
QTips
Cotton Pads
Tide Pen
Mini Lint Roller
Mini Toothbrush & Toothpaste Kit
Wardrobe Tape
Nipple Covers or Nude Pasties
Tweezers
Dental Floss
Loose Translucent Powder
Kleenex Tissues
Mini Chapsticks
Nail File
Business Cards
For more photography gear & product recommendations, check out the links below:
Meet miranda
Hello! I’m a Portrait, Headshot, & Personal Branding Photographer based in Bend, Oregon.