I have had a few people reach out recently who are getting started with their cameras and that makes me so excited!! I remember when I was first starting feeling really overwhelmed and so my goal is to be a resource for those of you with an interest.

If you already have your gear and you’re wondering how to use it, check out this post here. But if you’re just beginning or maybe looking to take your equipment to the next step I put together some recommendations! I tried to put recommendations for each phase of your photography journey and each item with an * is what is in my bag!

Camera

Just starting or upgrading, I would always recommend just buying the camera body without the stock lens. Save those dollars for a lens that will last you longer in your photography career. The stock lenses are limiting and you’ll get frustrated quick. I only own one body for now and always rent a second for weddings!

Pro: Canon 5D Mark IV*

Mid: Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Beginner: Canon EOS REBEL T7i Lenses

There are endless websites on the best lens to use per situation but I believe that the 50mm is the most versatile. The f/1.8 is really affordable and a great first lens. The mid 1.4 is just a couple hundred dollars more and a great upgrade!

Pro: Canon 50mm 1.2/l*

Mid: Canon Canon 50mm 1.4

Beginner: Canon 50mm 1.8

I also regularly use the Canon 24-70 f/2.8L* lens. This is a very versatile lens and if I’m in tighter quarters or in a situation that things may change quickly (ceremonies) I like to have this lens!

Other favorites:

Canon 70-200 f/2.8L. Honestly, I just rent this one if I need it for larger weddings or church weddings. It’s a super zoom with great quality which is nice when you’re required to stand far away!

Canon 85mm f1.4. This will likely be my next lens purchase! It’s a fun focal length for getting closer up and using my macro tubes! I like that I can stay in one place and get closer up if using both my 50mm and 85mm at the same time. Also, since I don’t know how much use I will get out of it, I will buy the mid-range f/1.4 instead of the f/1.2. If I end up using it a lot I will upgrade in the future.

Flashes

Flash was something I really had to work hard to absorb and learn. I do think it’s important to understand how to use a flash, especially if you’re going to be photographing weddings! It get’s dark at night and the lighting in reception spaces is often dark.

I have two of these bad boys: Canon Speedlite 580ex II*. If I really need extra light during a reception I’ll pop one up on a light stand and have the other on my camera. For dancing, I just like having one on my camera.

I use MagMod* flash modifiers to keep my flash nice and soft!

Other Accessories

I love my Hold Fast Money Maker* camera harness. I tried quite a few solutions but this is just the best. It distributes the weight evenly so my shoulders and lower back don’t kill like some other systems I tried before which was extra important to me when I was pregnant. I got the skinny version which is great for me and I haven’t experienced any strap digging! Oh and finally, I just think it looks really cool.

Macro Tubes*. I love these! I only use macro to get a close up of the rings and this is an affordable and lightweight way to do that!