I get questions almost daily about what gear I shoot with and how I shoot. So today I’m happy to give you a peek inside my camera bag! But before I tell you what’s inside, let’s talk about the bag itself.

The Bag

I am a confessed, non-reformed purse-a-holic. Specifically Coach purses. I have stacks of them in my closet all packed neatly in their original boxes for safekeeping. I have one to match everything, which is ironic because I am SO not a fashionista. I can’t put an outfit together to save my life, unless it’s already put together on a mannequin in the store. But bags speak to me. Probably because I like to be prepared and have random things with me at ALL times. It’s what moms do, right?! We carry band-aids and bubble gum. Tweezers and tampons. Snacks and drinks. So when it was time to shop for my camera bag (which I use even more than my actual purse) I knew I had to look for something both stylish and functional. I chose a Kelly Moore 2 Sues Bag in gray with a purple lining (because purple is my favorite color).

I purchased my bag several years ago, so they no longer carry this exact design. However, they do carry the 2 Sues 2.0! So you too, can get your very own Kelly Moore 2 Sues Bag

These bags are cute, high quality, durable, and most importantly can be used as camera bag and a purse at the same time (because as much as my kids like to think I am, this mama is no pack mule).

Inside the Bag

Now that you’ve seen the actual bag, let’s take a look inside. My gear isn’t fancy. I enjoy switching up my lenses from time to time, but I don’t have a large arsenal. I have what I need and I work it hard.

I shoot with a Nikon D610 body, and use three main lenses. I also have a vintage lens I use for freelensing and reverse macro shots. The lens I use most is my 85mm. I live on acreage and have lots of room to explore. I like to have distance between myself and my subjects so I can capture more natural moments where they don’t necessarily realize there’s a camera pointed at them. It’s my favorite portrait lens as well because the 85mm is a flattering focal length for portraits. It’s also my favorite lens to freelens with because it’s the lightest of all my lenses and it’s the easiest lens for me to grab a crisp slice of focus.

A close second would be my Sigma Art 35mm. This lens is TACK sharp and allows me to shoot beautiful images indoors where I don’t have enough space to use my 85mm. It’s also a fantastic lens to use for storytelling images. I love my Sigma Art 24 as well, however in images with a lot of lines there is noticeable distortion.

Sigma Art 35: 

Sigma Art 24: 

85mm 1.8: 

50mm: 

Wish List

As I said before, my current gear isn’t fancy, but it does the job. I would love to upgrade my camera body in the near future to a Nikon D850. On my wish list for lenses is the Sigma Art 85mm 1.4, Nikon 15mm fisheye, and a Nikon 105mm Macro.

Fun Stuff

I carry a bunch of fun nonsense with me to help me get creative with my shots. If I’m in a rut, grabbing one of these accessories can help me shake things up and get back in my groove artistically.

My random gear from left to right:

• Triangular Prism

• Fairy Lights

• Copper Pipe

• Circular Prism

• 52mm Reverse Macro Ring Adapter

• Plastic Sandwich Bag

Here are images shot with each of these items to show the effect each can give.

Other Must Haves In My Bag

There are several other things I always carry with me. Most have to do with keeping my camera and lenses clean, which is important because I freelens often.

From left to right:

• Rocket Air Blower

• Lens cleaning pen

• Remote shutter release

• Extra fully charged batteries

• Lens cleaning wipes

That’s the ins & outs of my bag and what I shoot with and use to create my images. If you have any questions, I’d be happy to help!

xoxo, Holly @hollynicoletimekeeper