We know, we know. It’s 2019 now, nobody cares about what’s in other people’s bags anymore… or do you? We’re not trying to bring lost trends back, but we’ve wanted to do one of these posts for a very, very, very long time. So here it is, our spin on “what’s in my bag – the photography edition”.
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Unlike some true professional photographers and bloggers out there, we’ve always settled for the bare minimum, the affordable stuff, but quality nonetheless. And moving around a lot helped us keep our gear as minimalistic as possible.
Personally, I’ve “danced” with photography for most of my adult life – going from beginner to average to professional, to hobby, to freelancer, juggling the last two for the past 5 years.
Andy, on the other hand, knows only some basics – and that’s just because he knows a lot of stuff about everything. Lately, though, I’ve been trying to teach him more about photography, just because we started traveling more and I would love if he was more involved in the photography part of the experience.
I tend to get lost in the moment and spend a few good minutes photographing something I like and that can get boring for him, as a non-photographer, but when I share my wisdom, we have an experience that we both can enjoy.
He loves learning new skills and I love helping, so it’s a win-win.
Related:
Top 5 Free Essential Photography Courses that will make you Shoot like a Genius
This actually inspired me to put together this post, and maybe help some of you in the process. Another reason is that we want to start our travel section on the blog, and this is helpful for all you fellow beginner photographers, curious about our “tools of the trade” and go-to gear.
Now, this post is not by any means a “look at me, I have a lot of stuff” kind of article, it’s not for bragging purposes, but for helping.
But enough with the chit-chatting! Let’s get to it!
What’s in my bag – photography edition
1. The Camera
When it comes to my camera preferences, I’m with Nikon and have always been with Nikon. It’s just the one that “sparks joy!”
So for now, both my fiance and I use my Nikon D7000 for photos, when we travel and since he got his new 3D printer, for filming (because we have more surprises coming in 2019, yay!).
I remember when I first saw the D7000, I was absolutely obsessed! I dreamt about it for 6 months, while working two jobs and saving up, and with a little help from my lovely mom, I got it!
And now, even though it’s a bit old and outdated, it still gives us some great memories! Just check our Instagram!
2. The Mandatory Goodies
The Lens
Now, the camera came as a kit, with this beautiful 18-105mm VR Lens, that became literally my best friend and go-to lens for traveling. It’s perfect for close-ups, portrait, landscape, and the zoom helps in various situations, including reading some damn sign that is either very far, or very high, lol.
Currently, in my bag, you can also find a Nikkor Lens AF-S DX 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6G VR, and a Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens, for when I’m in the mood for “shooting” animals or butterflies.
The Memory card
As for the memory card, the camera itself has two card slots, for my pleasure, and either for backup or copy, depending on how you want to use it.
Over the years, I’ve upgraded from 8GB to 16GB cards, tested various brands, but for some reason, I settled for SanDisk. I found that their cards are reliable and kept functioning after many many years and thousands of uses.
Currently, I only have one slot busy with the SanDisk Ultra SDHC Memory Card of 16 GB, but will be getting an upgrade soon.
The bag
This particular backpack I have now is only a 2018 addition, bought from a local store in Scotland because I used my old Nikon bag until the poor thing fell apart and I really needed a new one.
Unfortunately, because it is a backpack with an older design, I couldn’t find it anywhere to save my life, but I got the next best thing that is very similar! Check out Lowepro Tahoe 150 Backpack for Camera – it’s super affordable!
3. The Extra
The flash & tripod
Because I was, and still am a freelance photographer, of course, I am obliged to have in my bag, and attached to it, at least one flash and a tripod. I went for Nikon SB-700 Speedlight Flash Unit and with AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag.
Even if they are not used as often as they deserve to be lately, they are a great plus and will come in handy when we’ll make our home studio.
4. The next addition
Soon enough we’ll want to get into the vlogging game, not because we’re tired of writing (that’s never going to happen!), but because we want to spread our wings and explore other territories as well.
For that, and for our new 2019 photography goal ( aka Learn how to take better selfies), we will need a better-suited lens for our needs. After long research, personal testing and reading and watching reviews, a new personal favorite emerged: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR f/1.8G Lens – 50 mm.
And also, because our needs have changed, we will buy at least one Memory Card of 32 GB, and new tripods, like this beauty.
There are a lot of new memories on their way to Instagram and our photo albums, that’s for sure!
Aaaaand, that’s all for today, lovely dreamers! We hope you enjoyed this new post, and if you did, make sure to share it, pin it, tweet it!
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