What’s in My Camera Bag: Portraits Edition

Today, I want to share with you what I carry in my camera bag for a family photo session.  Well, actually, it’s the same exact contents I carry for every portrait session.  For family films, I have a few extra items I carry.  We won’t go into that today, but in general, these are the main items.  In fact, most of these items never leave my camera bag so it’s all super simple to grab and go when it’s time!

Backpack

First and foremost the most important is your camera bag.  Whether it’s a sling pack, a purse, a backpack, or some other carrying sack, as long as it’s made for camera gear, then you are set.  Camera bags are different from an every-day bag because they are more durable and padded to protect your camera gear from shock if fallen. I had a sling backpack for years, but once my gear outgrew the backpack, I opted for the Brevite Jumper backpack. 

I chose this backpack because I wanted something more suitable for my travel and adventures that was also durable for camera gear. I need extra storage for water bottles or a hydration pack and necessary items like a first aid kit. I typically carry minimal gear when adventuring on a day trip so the Brevite can hold everything I need. 

Camera & Camera Strap

In that Brevite backpack is the most important item, the camera. I no longer carry 2 camera bodies since all my sessions are smaller and not large events. My current body is a Canon R6. Previously, I often carried two camera bodies to be able to shoot both close-up and zoomed-out shots at the same time without having to do much footwork.

Long ago, I swapped my original camera strap for a scarf strap.  I wash it often because I sweat a lot in the field!  It’s also easier on my neck and better used to stable my hands when doing film. Now, I leave it on all the time! I purchased my scarf strap off Amazon!

Lens & Lens Adapter

At least 2 lens is must have for me because most of my lens are prime lens. My favorite go to lens is the 50mm 1.4F ART and the 70-200mm EF 2.8

All my lens have their stock lens hood (except the 35mm RF) and a UV filter for protection from scratches and breaks. 

Because my favorite lens mentioned above uses a EF mount and my Canon R6 is a RF mount, a lens adapter is needed.  This also never leaves my camera bag. 

Batteries, Memory cards, and Case

Another stock item in my camera bag.  I usually have 2 or 3 batteries in my bag and always check battery life to ensure they are not drained or damaged. 

Like batteries, I have several extra memory cards in a hard case. I use Sandisk Extreme SD cards and always have several in my camera bag for backup. My camera is dual-slotted which I recommend for all photographers because you never know when one of those memory cards will become damaged or corrupted.

Hand sanitizer

Even before Covid became a thing, I always carried hand sanitizer. It is a must have when photographing outdoors.  I can not count the times I have been on my knees and hands or moving logs, dirt, rocks, wiping babies, etc.

Washi tape

I carry a small thin washi tape roll to label things as needed.  I mostly use this to mark my used up batteries.  I prefer not to have my batteries floating in my camera bag. My batteries are always clipped to a backing protector.

Other than my phone, key, wallet, and water bottle, these items constitute my camera bag for a portrait session! Anything used as props for the session is always in a separate bag, container, or wagon. 

What other essential do you carry? Comment Below. I’d love to hear!