What's in My Camera Bag?

As many of you know...I love photography!  This is a hobby I've begun to take more seriously in the past 5 years.  Just before my oldest son Hudson was born I invested in a fairly decent entry level DSLR camera - the Nikon D3000.  Up to that point I had never spent more than a couple hundred dollars on a camera so my hubby (boyfriend at the time) thought I was breaking the bank when I invested over $500.00 into a camera I barely knew anything about.  That being said, when Hudson made his arrival my husband and I were both very grateful we had invested in the camera we did...our lives had changed in the most wonderful way - we were now parents to a beautiful little boy and it was time to start documenting every aspect of his new life.  From his first trip home from the hospital, to his first bath, first smile...we (ok mostly me -ha!) have literally caught almost every milestone on camera and as a result we've been able to share those moments with friends and family all over the world.  More importantly, we now have those memories to always look back on.

Fast forward 5 years after investing in my first DSLR and I now have a pretty large bag full of camera equipment, including my new camera which was purchased about 3 years ago - that's right...less than 2 years after buying my D3000, my hubby surprised me on Christmas morning with an even better camera (best guy ever!). 

Nowadays I love that my entire family now refers to me as their personal photographer and every opportunity to practice either behind the lens or within the editing process, is in my opinion time well spent.  When I look back over my photos and realize that even one out of the hundreds I sometimes take was in my eyes the perfect photo...I get so excited!  Capturing those candid moments is what I love most about photography.

So what's in my camera bag?

Camera - Nikon D7000

 

Camera Strap - so many fun prints!  Here's the link to where I purchased it from: http://www.phatstraps.com/

 

Lenses - Nikon 18-105, Nikon 70-300 and my newest addition: Nikon 50MM

 

 

Lens Protection Filters - these offer peace of mind...with 3 little kids running around I don't always remember to put my lens caps back on.  Protection is a must!

 

Lens Hoods - I use for indoor and outdoor shoots

External Flash - Nikon SB 600 (I also bought this refurbished)

Flash Diffuser - I usually just keep it on my flash

 

Memory Cards - I always carry 2!

 

Microfiber Cleaning Cloth - for my lenses

 

Lens Cleaning Solution

 

Tripod - I typically only use one for photoshoots

Charger - I wish I had an extra battery!

Camera Bag - not your typical carry case but it does the trick!

Why Nikon?

I'm always asked this question...why did I choose a Nikon?  The truth is I did very little research, rather I chose my camera based on a few factors...my grandfather had always used a Nikon, so immediately I was drawn to this brand over any other.  Cost - I wanted to spend a certain amount so my choices were limited.  Finally, after reading a few reviews online as well speaking with family and friends, I made my choice - the Nikon D3000 it was!

My Role Models and people who inspire me...

My biggest role-model is hands down my grandfather.  He has been an artistic inspiration in my life from the time I held my first crayon.  While photography is definitely not his area of expertise he is truly an artist in every sense of the word...and over the years he has taught me to not only appreciate the creative aspects of life but more importantly he has provided the opportunities for me to develop and master my skills.

In addition to my grandfather, I have several friends who share my passion for photography.  One person in particular is our wedding photographer (and now friend) Tim Smith, who over the years has become our go-to photographer for any type of family photos.  Today, he is also the number one person I turn to for advice, instruction and inspiration when it comes to photography.  Be sure to check out his website: http://www.shutterhead.ca/

Last but not least - my family.  Every day they inspire me!  Watching my 3 little munchkins grow and change almost daily is a blessing...being able to document their journeys through photography is a talent I am grateful for. 

How I got to where I am today...

Practice, practice and more practice!  Also, taking every opportunity I can to ask questions and learn from other photographers.  A few years ago I decided to offer some free photoshoots to friends  and family in order to develop my portfolio and get more comfortable with the editing process. Today, I am now paid for the majority of shoots that I do and there's nothing I enjoy more than capturing that perfect shot and sharing those pictures with my clients.

Most recently, I signed up for a 2 hour photography workshop through HENRY'S - Canada's Digital Camera Store.  I received two hours of one on one instruction, specific to my camera.  I was impressed with the amount of information we covered, although it was a lot take in and remember.  That being said, I was able to upload the information through their website at a later date - an added bonus!  Overall, it was money well spent...I had a great instructor (who happened to use the same camera as me) the cost was reasonable and I'm looking forward to going back!  They also offer multi week courses.  Be sure to check out their website: http://www.henrys.com/Stores/32-Vaughan.aspx?gclid=CNq8hJiM4s8CFQkKaQodBAYKHQ

Some final thoughts...

In this day and age I observe most parents relying on their smart phones to take the majority of family photos, as well as document major milestones in their child's life...and why not?  Phones these days are often equipped with more megapixels than the average camera and with all the apps available as well as social media, taking, editing and sharing photos can happen in an instant...and we're truly a society that has grown to love the option of being able to "click and share".  I've definitely been one to rely on my phone in certain situations - it's convenient (I completely agree with that), but it's just not the same.  My advice is that if you're at all interested in photography and have been considering making the investment...save up and do it!  You'll be happy you did and who knows? ...maybe you'll spark that creative side that's been waiting to emerge!

Have a wonderful weekend!  Don't forget to "smile!"

Be sure to check out "A Few of My Favourite Things" ...I'm back updating that page!