My Must-Have Gear and Tools as a Photographer (Tried, True, and New!)
Your search is over. this is a complete list with links of everything i use to run a successful photography business!
Let’s talk gear! If there’s one thing I’ve learned since starting my photography journey, it’s that having the right tools can make all the difference. Over the years, I’ve found some absolute favorites—those trusty pieces of gear and go-to software I couldn’t imagine running my business without.
I know how it feels to download every freebie you come across, spend hours searching on YouTube and stalking other photographer’s highlights on Instagram. I don’t want that for you! So I’m spilling it all: the gear I’ve had since day one (and still love), some newer purchases that have totally leveled up my shoots, and the software that keeps my business organized, my clients happy, and my sanity intact.
If you’re a photographer (or just curious about what it takes to run a brand photography biz here in Southwest Michigan), grab a coffee, and let’s chat about the essentials that keep me going behind the scenes. Who knows—you might find a new favorite to add to your own toolkit!
Home Office: What I Work On
Laptop - I am an apple user to my core! I purchased this laptop new in 2024 and have LOVED working with it! https://amzn.to/4fOo9DC
The BEST Office Chair - If you are a criss cross applesauce sitter, or enjoy having your legs up like me, this chair is a must!! I thought the back would be too short for true support but it is so comfortable and functional! https://amzn.to/40D7U8e
Phone tripod - My right hand man for capturing all of the best behind the scenes at photoshoots and recording content from my office! I love that it stands on my desk but also gets tall for photoshoot bts! https://amzn.to/3PzGmtZ
Red light therapy lamp - I use this baby every single day. I couldn’t tell you if it’s making my skin look younger or healing me from the inside out but there’s definitely a feel good placebo (or real) effect happening.. and she does bring the best vibes for editing. https://amzn.to/4hhvBID
Camera Gear: The Old Faithful
My First (and only) Camera - I did SO MUCH RESEARCH when I was trying to pick out a camera body. This was before mirrorless was a thing and I am sort of glad about that. This camera has been such a foundation for me. I have learned everything I know with it and it has truly held up for over four years! When I do upgrade my camera - this will be an amazing back up to always have on hand! The Canon 6D Mark II <3 https://amzn.to/3PxsmRh
What I shoot at my church with and what I’ll be upgrading to - there is no doubt this will be my next camera. She performs SO WELL in low light, she is fast and just works so efficiently! The Canon R6 Mark II https://amzn.to/3DTRb7u
Camera Bag - I absolutely LOVE this bag, I tried so many canvas bags that got so dirty in all of the field family shoots and ended up looking so unprofessional. This bag is sleeeeek. https://amzn.to/3WfYJYy
85mm lens - If you are looking for dreamy portraits, tons of bokeh (that blurry background) wanting to do senior portraits or just elevated family sessions - this is a great lens for you! I started with a 35mm lens (and worked two years of weddings with it and it served me just fine, but this lens made me feel like a real photographer and it just worked better with the style that I was looking for!) https://amzn.to/40ipRYf
35mm lens - If you have a style that is more story telling and capturing the scenes/locations this lens is perfect for you! (If you plan to shoot weddings, I would absolutely have this one in your bag!) https://amzn.to/3WnKBMO
28-70mm lens - This zoom lens may have become my new favorite. I just love having the variety of capturing the scene and zooming in for that portrait look with so much ease! https://amzn.to/40zM8SQ
SD Cards - I always try to purchase 64 and 128GB. I would hate to fill up a card that holds MORE than those and for something to happen to it.. (getting lost or corrupt) I like to switch cards often and I format them every single time I use them! https://amzn.to/4amdEGq
Flash - Using artificial lighting should be an entire blog on its own! I have learned so much and it really is such a helpful tool. If you are just starting out and want to dip your toes into flash, I would recommend using this and the diffuser listed below and get comfortable with on camera flash! https://amzn.to/3WjdM3H
Mag Mod Diffuser - I love this little guy! Such a great diffuser whether you are using on camera flash or off! https://amzn.to/4g13ZWU
Mag Mod Soft Box - An excellent piece for portrait sessions https://amzn.to/3BXDrZ0
Fractals - Feeling artsy? These can add such a cool element to your photos! I will show examples below! https://amzn.to/40w0DH1
Savage Seamless Backdrop Paper - This is the backdrop paper! It truly captures so seamlessly. White is my most used color, I did purchase a small role of the color ‘bone’ for my house to capture portraits and products at home. https://amzn.to/4gTn1Qp
Backdrop Stand - Sturdy and gets the job done for a decent price! Don’t be like me and try flimsy off brand stands - I have literally had my backdrop blow over on multiple occasions before actually doing my research and getting a quality stand. https://amzn.to/4fXHToz
Camera Tripod - Capture self portraits, landscape, timer portraits and so much more with a gooood quality tripod! https://amzn.to/3PzGmtZ
Editing: Where The Magic Happens
Adobe Photographer Plan - I use this plan that includes Lightroom Classic (a MUST) and Photoshop (has recently become more and more of a must). If I am being completely honest, I might have went two years as a photographer without ever opening Photoshop or attempting to learn it. BOY WAS I MISSING OUT! There are so many amazing and simple tutorials on YouTube - just start! You will be so glad you got comfortable in Photoshop! https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/compare-plans.html
Hard Drives - This is where all of your photos will live! I highly recommend purchasing two - one will be the main one that you work off from and the other will be your back up. When you come home from a photoshoot you will download all of your images to BOTH hard drives (just in case one crashes). I have used this brand for four years and never had a single issue with them (knocking on so much wood now). https://amzn.to/4akRWCQ
Business Side Of Things: Email Marketing, Website Hosts, Client Management
Website Host - I recently switched to Squarespace for my website and I gotta say, I love it my website finally feels so professional, manageable, and I can use Google Analytics to see what is working for me. I love these blog posts and all of the other features that come with Squarespace! (Like courses, online sales and more). https://www.squarespace.com/
Email Marketing - I have also converted all emails to Squarespace! I get so many compliments on how pretty my emails are and compared to other email softwares (like FloDesk and Covertkit), you can’t beat this price! https://www.squarespace.com/
Client Management - This is things like Invoices, Contracts, Questionnaires, Gallery Delivery (this truly does it all, and this is where I had my website for the first three years of business)! Use this link for $20 off your first bill! https://pixieset.com/ref/GLwqGH1ZoE
Being a photographer changed my life, I truly hope this list gives you the confidence and tools you need to take the leap.
Ready to go chase your dreams of being a photographer? I am right here, cheering you on! Be sure to follow me and let me know if this list was helpful!
Want to dive a little deeper? Stay tuned for my exclusive BEHIND THE SCENES mini course, where you get to be a fly on the wall at a real session, learning exactly how I plan and execute a brand session! I hope to see you there!
