Let’s talk camera gear.  While I have some expensive gear to take the images you see, it is not what creates a truly remarkable image.  The camera and lens are only as good as the photographer that uses it.  I think good gear is important for creating images, but please remember that if you do not know how to use the camera, it will not give you the results you want.  If you want to learn more, let me know (more about mentoring sessions later).

So, what camera do I use?  Well, I have been a Canon girl from the start.  This doesn’t mean I dislike Nikon.  It just means I found Canon more user friendly when transitioning from film to the digital world.  Both offer a great line up of camera bodies and lenses, you need to test out your options and decide what works best for you!  My first digital camera was the Canon 20D with the EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.  That was back in 2005 and in 2009, as a fabulous mother’s day gift, I got upgraded to the Canon 5D Mark ii.  This camera has been my baby.  I grew so much as a photographer with this camera and really pushed myself technically. 

I just started a new camera adventure with the Canon 5D Mark iii.  Of course I bought it and then bam, Canon releases the new 5Ds and 5Dsr within weeks, but I am still pumped that I got my new Mark iii.  I am still learning everything about this camera, but so far, I am loving the tracking and 64 focal points!  My images are already a bit sharper and I cannot wait to take advantage of all the other features this camera has to offer.  And yes, I do actually read, re-read and read the manual again and again. 

Thank you Kyleen Olson Photography for this image taken of me in Nashville!  I am sporting my camera strap, 5D Markiii, 24-70mm lens and my Kelly Moore Bag.

On to the fun part, the glass!  While I think having a good camera body is important, it pales compared to knowing how to use it and the lens you use.  I have several lenses, but I will be the first to always want more.  Some people are obsessed with shoes, or cars, motorcyles, purses,etc.  Me?  I drool over lenses and wish I had limitless funds for them, but I have to feed and clothe my children. 

So, here is my line up.  They are all Canon EF lenses.  They all have a specific use for me, depending on my situation.  Landscapes vs portraits, location proximity, etc.

50mm 1.4

17-40mm 1:4 L

 24-70mm 1:2.8 L

28-135mm f/3.5-5.6

100mm 1:2.8 L macro

70-200mm 1:2.8 L

The biggest recommendation I can give someone purchasing new camera gear is to get a nice filter for your lens.  I have B+W filters on all of my lenses.  I would never go without a great filter.  It has saved me thousands of dollars on lens repairs or replacements (literally).  I would rather replace a $100 filter than a $2500 lens.

This was my most recent lens misadventure in December.  Luckily that is the filter that was damaged and not the lens!

Accessories, Accessories, Accessories!  You should be laughing now.  If you know me personally, you have probably never seen me wear any accessories (aside from my wedding ring, a scarf and a headband).  I do like to have handy accessories for my camera equipment.  Here are some of my favorite things!

Kelly Moore Camera Bag.  I love this thing.  It is the perfect size for my on location shoots.  It fits a camera body plus 3-4 lenses, my personal items(wallet, keys, biz cards, cell phone, bobby pins, pens, lens cleaning items, etc. etc.).  It is comfortable and fits my personality!

I have several lowe pro bags as well.  One for hiking and weddings.  It holds a ton of gear, is comfortable and has a rain poncho and tripod holder.  I also have 2 others that are smaller, that I use right now to store accessories in.  Maybe I should sell them, I really don’t use them.

A comfortable camera strap.  I have a padded neck strap that I purchased from Camera Straps~Made with Love.  It is beautiful and comfortable.  It was more expensive, but worth the investment due to the relief on my neck and shoulders.

Another image of me toting my gear around by the awesome Kyleen Olson Photography

So, that is my camera gear! Well, most of it. 

**A huge Thank You to Kyleen Olson Photography for the images of me (a rarity) and allowing me to use them in my blog post.  She Rocks!