What’s In My Camera Bag – Lighting

I don’t like flash, but it’s necessary for weddings.  I haven’t used a flash for a family shoot in probably three years.  For weddings, here’s what’s in my bag:

3 Speedlites (2 580EX and 1 580EXII) – I use one camera flash and two off cameras.  If you want to know how to use off camera flash I suggest you take the same workshop that I did this past Spring – Off Camera Flash workshop with JVS.  I went specifically for the wedding lighting, which was a very small part of the workshop.  But, it really helped me understand my Speedlites much better.

Lots and lots of rechargeable batteries – I think they recycle faster than normal batteries.  And it’s also environmentally friendly and more cost efficient in the long run.  Make sure you label the batteries with the date you bought them so you know when it’s time to eventually retire them.

3 Quantum Turbo Batteries (one for each flash) – Do you ever have that problem when using your flash where it will take one picture and then it won’t fire again for 10, 15, 30 seconds?  You end up missing the shot!  And that stinks.  With the Quantum Turbo batteries your flash will have extra power and will recycle much faster.  It’s a bit cumbersome and you have to wear it on your pants, but the new version is much lighter and it’s totally worth it to not miss the shot.

I love the natural look when using 3 Speedlites for the dancing shots

I don’t usually do a lot of off camera flash for portraits, but when you’re stuck in a dark casino you have to do what you have to do.  These were taken at the Wynn Las Vegas last year.

Off camera flash is also great for ring and detail shots

What’s In My Camera Bag – The Bag

For my everyday shoots (engagement, family sessions, etc.) I carry my Shootsac.  The Shootsac is great, but it only carries 3 lenses and maybe your keys and chapstick.  For weddings I need something more substantial.  In addition to my Shootsac (which I carry the lenses that I know I will need right then and there, plus my phone and extra batteries) I also use the Airport Airstream Roller from Think Tank.  I love this bag for some many reasons.  Let me count the ways:

1)  It fits in the overhead compartment on airplanes.

2)  It has a lock.

3)  Not only does it lock, but you can also lock it to something.  That’s rad when you’re shooting a wedding and you need to leave it for a few minutes.  As someone who is super paranoid about getting her gear stolen, that’s cool.

4)  It has a special compartment for my laptop that can also be locked.

5)  The dividers inside the bag can be rearranged.

I’ve just about outgrown this bag, but will be upgrading to the Airport International next.

And if you order through this link to Think Tank, you get a free gift with your order over $50.  How rad is that!  You can get an awesome gift like the Pixel Pocket Rocket, which is my fav!

What’s In My Camera Bag – 100mm Macro

This week (and maybe next) I will be doing a feature on all the equipment I carry in my camera bag (and Shootsac) with explanations of why I use it and examples.

First up, the 100mm Macro.  The Macro lens isn’t a necessity, but it sure is a lot of fun! If you’re shooting weddings it is the lens for shooting ring shots and details.  I have used it on some newborn sessions, but honestly, it gets so close it kind of scares me.  Too much detail in a person isn’t always a good thing!  I use the Macro for ring shots, jewelry, and detail shots at the reception.  Here is a shot from my wedding yesterday of the Bride’s Grandmother’s crystals that she wore.

I love ring shots.  Always something fun to do if a reception is dragging a bit.  Here’s one of my favorite

It’s just a great lens for capturing the really small details that you really want to focus on and isolate.  At weddings it’s sometimes the small details that mean the most.  Here is a ring that was the Bride’s Grandmother’s engagement ring tied to her bouquet.

There is a newer version of this lens that I’m dying to get my hands on!  Looks beautiful!  But, really for as often as I use this lens (not very often) it’s just not worth the money at this point to buy the new one.