Spill the bag!
Do you ever hear people say, “WOW! That camera takes pretty pictures!”. Don’t be that person. Yes, I choose my gear based on quality and durability, but I promise you.. if I handed it off to the neighbor it’s not going to produce the same type of images.
I’ve always said learn with what you have first, then as your needs and demands in equipment grow, then start upgrading. You don’t need the best of the best to be an amazing photographer. Let your own skill, style and expectations determine what gear is in your bag.
I’ve been shooting for around 15 years and here’s what you’ll find in my bag..
Camera Bodies:
Canon R5 (primary body)
Canon 5D Mark iv (back-up)
Canon 5D Mark ii (back-up)
I picked up the Canon R5 in 2023 and while it was a learning curve after using the 5D system for so long, I absolutely LOVE this thing. I love how much lighter it is to carry around during long shoots and weddings. I am still using my EF lenses which means I use the Canon adaptor so they all fit on this body. SO glad I didnt have to invest in new glass to make this transition to mirrorless.
I love the Mark IV for many reasons. Its a full frame DSLR camera body that uses Canon’s EF lens mounts. This camera has the capacity to record to two memory cards simultaneously (one CF Card and one SD card) which makes me feel extra safe in the event of a card failure. If one goes, the other card is already there recording the very same images as a back-up. This feature allows me to use larger memory cards which eliminates me from having to swap cards out at portrait sessions or weddings. The IV performs phenomenally in low light conditions. Not only does it take photos, but this camera has a 4K video feature, as well. Live View allows me more creative angles and easily chose focal points with a mere touch of my finger tip. While I’ll likely never need the power of 30.4 Megapixels, I have it anyway. This camera has a wifi system built in and can easily connect real time images to an app on my iPhone. While so many are switching over to mirrorless bodies, I’m considering buying a second IV to replace my Mark II back-up body. I love it that much.
Moving on to LENSES:
My right-hand lens, hardly ever leaving my camera body is the
Canon 35mm f/1.4L. This lens is my money maker.
I also love using my Canon 50mm f/1.2L (not pictured).
When I’ve got some distance to make up, my Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS is there to the rescue. Yes, it’s heavy.. but its images are worth the weight. It comes equipped with Image Stabilizer, which saves my unsteady hand from motion blur.
When it comes to up-close detail shots (like wedding rings, for example), I switch over to my Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens. While this lens has both auto and manual focus, I prefer to use it on the manual focus option. Here’s some examples of images I photographed using this lens..
I have these lenses in my bag that act as back-ups..
Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM
Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM
My off camera lights consist of the following..
Canon 600ex II-RT Flash
Canon 580ex II Flash
Alienbees B800 Strobe
Alienbees B400 Strobe
Pocket Wizard System - PlusIV, Plus IIIe (2)
*I’ve tried multiple remote systems and the Pocket Wizards have been most reliable, by far. Highly recommend! I’ve been using them for almost 15 years and the first set I sold in 2021 just to upgrade, but they still worked like a charm. In other words, they last forever.
MagMod Light Sphere (place on top of your flash as a diffuser)
MagMod MagBounce (place on top of your flash to bounce light)
All my electronic products are Apple.
Apple iPad Air 10.9
MacBook Pro 16in (2021) 1TB
Apple Pencil
Western Digital (WD) Elements Portable Hard Drives - I immediately back up every session and wedding to multiple external hard drives and each year I buy new ones.
I swear by Woodwe Laptop Skins! They’re pricey but I love them so much - I’ve bought two so far. Great quality and looks beautiful. Here’s the one I use: WALNUT
Lets talk gear storage!
I have used the Think Tank Photo Airport Takeoff V2 Rolling Camera Bag for over 10 years now and its still in amazing shape and protects my gear when traveling and at weddings. This thing is a BEAST. Highly recommend!
I use the Think Tank Retrospective 30 shoulder bag, also.
And, before the Retrospective, I used ShootSac for many years. I switched because I needed more space. The Retrospective holds a camera and my 35mm lens, my 70-200mm lens and either an additional lens OR my Canon Speedlite (flash), plus batteries, memory cards and a folder (and more). Its big and can get pretty heavy, but I need all those things nearby when I’m shooting.
I’ve built in links to all the products I use so they’re easily accessible to you if you’re in the market for them. I hope this helps! If you have any questions, always feel free to email me at
jenbirchmeier@gmail.com