Hi there, fellow pet lovers and family enthusiasts! Today, I thought it’d be fun to give you a little behind-the-scenes look at what I carry around in my camera bag when I head out for a photo shoot. You might be surprised at all the goodies I bring along. Not just for capturing those perfect moments with your furry friends, but also to make the whole experience fun and smooth!
THE CAMERA GEAR
Camera Body

This is the heart of my setup! I use a Canon 60D and a Canon 5D, which are great for capturing both the details and those spontaneous moments. These cameras handle different lighting conditions beautifully, ensuring your family and pets look their absolute best.
Lenses

I always have a couple of lenses on hand. My go-to lens on my Canon 60D is a 24-70mm so I can capture some more wider shots and larger groups. On my 5D I like t have the 70-200mm so I can zoom in and get some nice portraits as well. If I want to capture some action shots of your dog running around, I use my zoom lens (on the fast sports setting) to get closer without interrupting the fun.
Flashes

While I love shooting in natural lighting, I always bring a couple flashes in case we’re working in the shade or when the time of day doesn’t give us enough sunlight to work with. I usually put a softbox on the flash to defuse the light. When inside and lighting up a certain space, I put one flash up on a stand and have the other one on the camera.
Extra Batteries and Memory Cards

The last thing I want is to run out of battery or memory space while capturing your family’s precious moments. I always bring spares, so we can keep shooting without any hiccups.
EXTRAS FOR COMFORT AND FUN
Snacks and Water

Whether it's for the humans or the pups, I always come prepared with treats! For the kids, some healthy snacks keep their energy up, and for the dogs, a few tasty bites can help them stay focused and happy during the shoot.
Toys

Speaking of keeping pups engaged, I have a small bag of toys to bring out their playful side. A squeaky toy or a ball can work wonders to grab their attention and elicit those adorable, candid shots!
Blankets and/or props

If we’re shooting outside, I love having a cozy blanket to sit on. It gives a nice touch to the photos and makes everyone feel a little more comfortable. During certain seasons we use pumpkins or Christmas props to get some photos for holiday cards for example. Usually I also have some wipes and a hand towel with me as well. Great for quick cleanups and wiping those muddy paw prints off your clothes!
So there you have it! My camera bag isn’t just filled with equipment—it’s packed with everything needed to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere during our photo session. Whether it’s making sure your kids and pets are happy or ensuring we get the best shots possible, I’m all about capturing those genuine moments that tell your unique story.
If you have any questions about what to expect during our shoot or want to chat about how to prepare, feel free to reach out! I can’t wait to create some beautiful memories together.
Here's an example of a day when I forgot to bring my big reflective screen. I use it to bring in more light and shine it onto a subject but, also to block unwanted sunlight. Luckily there was somebody to help blocking out the light!
