What's in my bag

have received a few e-mails wondering "whats in my bag"... well.... this is it! The lenses at least. What lens do I LOVE to shoot with? The 50 mm. 1.2. I swear, it is a phenomenal lens that makes everything look a little bit better :) I shoot with the "L" series lenses and I have been building my bag up slowly. I first started with the 24-105 lens. If you are a beginner photographer, this is a lens that is a must. I highly suggest purchasing this lens (if you don't mind spending the money) because its a great wide angle lens that you can also use to zoom with. After feeling confident I could become a photographer, I then purchased the 70-200 lens for those distance shots I need to take during the ceremony. It really pays to shoot up close and steal those gorgeous expressions the bride and groom give to each other. After shooting with those two lenses for a bit of time, I wanted something to jazz up my work. I bought the 15mm (fish eye lens). At the time, I LOVED the lens and used it a little bit at almost every shoot. After a while, I begin to realize, I don't hardly ever use the fish eye because my style has just simply changed. I do though enjoy the funky photos it creates every once in a while but I wouldn't say this is a necessary lens to buy in the beginning of your business. After really feeling confident I could shoot more weddings, I purchased the macro 100mm and the 50mm. The macro is a lens I mostly use for ring shots. Its also a great zoom lens that a second shooter could use on the side. The 50mm of course is my little baby I use almost all the time. I just LOVE the prime lenses. I love the focus and the sharpness of all the images. There is just something different about them. These aren't lenses you NEED because the prices are quite expensive but they are a lens I suggest adding to your bag down the road. Im finding that my style is going more towards all prime lenses. After thinking about whether to buy a new camera or a new lens, I decided to buy a lens since my cameras are still in great shape. What did I just HAVE to buy? .....

The 24 mm of course! Its right up there next the 50mm. The 50mm and the 24mm will now be my two hand in hand lenses I shoot with at every wedding and engagement. If I could give any suggestion to a new photographer or any fellow photographer that is enjoying photography, it would be to remain patient. It definitely takes time to grow your business and by growing I mean, clients, portfolio, and equipment. Its taken me a few years to gain these lenses and a lot of money but in the end it pays off! You have to spend money to make money right? Another tip? Have fun! Take your friends out and do some fun shoots with them. I have found that branding is another important aspect of any photography business that costs money. I hired Infinet Design to design my blog and it was DEFINITELY worth every penny. I had to really decide if it was worth the cost but after working with them and viewing my design, I definitely don't regret spending the money. I branded my blog based on my "style" of photography. I felt that by doing so, I would attract those brides that loved my design and style. And THOSE are the brides I really want to work with. It's best to show off your personality before the clients actually meet you. I know this all seems like a lot but it definitely takes time to become a better photographer. It takes a lot of learning to become a better photographer, so don't go weary! I read other photographer's blogs, compare them to mine, and always feel like my photos could definitely be better. In this instance, I'm not quite being fair to myself because I'm a totally different photographer and am constantly growing. Be proud of your work because I'm sure other people are.  
 
The last thing I want to talk about are cameras and flash equipment. I did not take any photos of my cameras and flashes but my bag consists of four cameras. Two 5ds, a 30d and a 40d. I actually have hardly touched the 30d and the 40d (im selling them) because they just don't quite fit in with my style of photography. I have them as backups, but until I can afford to buy another 5d, they are not getting much use. It's REALLY important to always have a back up camera in case one fails on you. How embarrassing would it be to have your camera fail on you at a wedding with no backup? SCARY! If you have to rent an extra... I definitely suggest to do so or bring a second camera, even if it is not as nice as your first. If you needed another one it would be worth it. Invest in a camera body... in my opinion it will enhance your work more than a lens will. Flash equipment is definitely necessary when the lights go down. I just recently invested in off camera lighting equipment that adds a flare to my photos. The off camera equipment is definitely not necessary but is something that enhances what you already have. I use three 580 II flashes with pocket wizards. You can read more about my off camera lighting HERE. 
Sorry for babbling! I just want to encourage all those photographers that feel they are in a rut to get out and do some challenging things. Make your own photoshoots and have fun!! The only way you will learn is by trying new things and experimenting with what you have.