Amber Dawn Photography: What's in the bag?

Happy Friday All!

Let's start with "the bag" itself. This is one of my bags. I use this one the most.... probably because of the color. I just adore it. I'll be the first to admit that I have a problem when it comes to collecting camera bags (AND pets.....but that's an entirely different post, lol.) Anyhow, this is my gorgeous 'Lyric' bag from Epiphanie. Is is totally corny that that little camera charm is what sold me on this bag? See, I have a problem.

The lovely plum Lyric doesn't live alone. I also have 'Charlotte' in chevron. Charlotte and I are new friends. If it's metallic AND has a chevron pattern, you could probably sell it to me. It doesn't even matter what 'it' is really.

Completing the bag lineup is my '2 Sues' in mustard from Kelly Moore. You'll notice a pattern with my bags. They hold a LOT, which is good for a gal like me. Not only do I have an obsession with bags.... I'm also plagued with an assortment of sunglasses, lip glosses, etc etc etc.

So, when it comes to bags, I say go big or go home.

I randomly get questions about my gear and my preferences as far as camera equipment is concerned. So let's clear that up right off the bat. I'm a Canon girl all the way- bodies, lenses, flashes, etc. I'm not saying that Nikon or Sony or any other brand is inferior by any means. Canon is just my personal preference. Not to get off track, but I want to briefly touch on something else for a second. My friend and fellow photographer, Kaylon K, and I just had a conversation last night about equipment and image quality. I don't care if you're shooting with your iPhone or a no name point and shoot, the image is what it is because of YOU. It amazes me that people throw a ton of money away on "professional" equipment because they think it makes their photographs "better." For example, my friend Mike P. takes the most amazing photos......... with his phone! Your eye and artistic vision plays a huge role in how your photos turn out! Don't rely solely on your equipment. That being said, take the time to learn what you do have. Outgrow it and THEN move up! There's just no point in buying $2200.00 lens if you're going to continue to shoot in auto mode. You aren't growing. You aren't learning. You're expecting the camera to do the work for you. Your equipment doesn't define you. Own your images and make them what YOU want them to be. Turn that dial to 'M' and get to work. :-)

Sorry, let me get back on track.

I have three camera bodies right now, two digital, and one film. The film camera I kept because of sentimental reasons (it sparked my love of photography) and because it still works perfectly! It challenges me. You can really gauge your skill level when you go back to shooting with film. There's no "Oops, that's underexposed, let me delete that and try again." You nail it or you don't and I love that! So here's the body lineup:

Canon Rebel G - I put some serious miles on this body. In fact, up until about 5 years ago, I strictly shot film.
Canon 50D- Got my toes wet with digital photography with this (and I do love this camera) but I quickly decided that full frame was the way to go for me, so the 50D is primarily used as a backup.
Canon 5D Mark II- This is my full frame, mac daddy, main squeeze. Love love love.

Lenses: Again, I'm a Canon gal. I've tried Tamron and Sigma and other Canon compatible lenses, but for me, they don't float my boat. For the longest time, my portrait sessions were done with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4. I bought it and thought I had found my forever favorite in the world of lenses. It's a GREAT way to get used to shooting with a prime lens, but then I discovered L glass. So to all of you who share my problem (champagne taste, beer budget), I too cringed when I saw the price tag on these fabulous creatures. Needless to say, that 1.4 stayed with me for quite some time and I shot many many many photo sessions with it! It brought in the money I needed to fund what would become my most expensive addiction to date, the L series. Here's what's in the bag and some samples of work I've done with each lens.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L - Don't get me wrong, this lens is awesome and I know several photographers who say it is their "go to" lens.. But, of my short list of lenses, this one sees the least amount of action. For me, the zoom isn't adequate to shoot weddings, and the aperture isn't adequate (for my preference) for portrait sessions. It takes great photos, it just isn't MY preference.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L - Hands down, the cream of the crop. Well, at least the crop of lenses that I own! I rarely take this off of my camera. Dreamy images, awesome colors, amazing bokeh, tack sharp focus. This lens makes me want to switch to all primes. 100% amazing.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro - I bought this intending to use it for newborn shoots. Turns out, that isn't my niche. However, I love macro images of all sorts of things, not just itty bitty humans. Gorgeous images! I think I'll keep it.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II {Telephoto zoom lens - Ahhh, the holy grail of zoom lenses. Sharp sharp sharp. Love this lens! Beautiful colors... oh my, and did I mention it is SUPER sharp? . ;-)

iPhone 4S: This beast is so small it fits in my pocket. Turn the flash on, turn the flash off, go Instagram crazy if you want! Just making a point here.

I guess I'll wrap this up with the the rest of the goodies in my bag. The rest of this stuff is just fluff, so I will do a quick rundown.

Flashes: Well, I have one: the Canon Speedlite 430 EXII ...and I try to use it as little as possible. I'm a lover of natural light, so this little guy makes his appearance strictly at wedding receptions- indoor wedding receptions.

Battery Grips: Canon BG-E6 & Canon BG-E2N . These are a MUST have. If you don't have one, go get one. You'll never look back. I need one of these for my iPhone.

Reflectors: I use the Neewer 5 in 1. It's inexpensive AND effective, which I love. On top of that, reflectors are just a lot of fun to play around with!

Here are a couple of images where reflectors were used:

A little silver........

A little gold.......

So that sums up what I tote around in my assortment of bags!
And remember, you are not defined by the equipment in your bag! Take what you have available and get out there and create something beautiful!

That's a wrap folks.

xoxo,
Amber

Friday, February 15, 2013

What's in the bag?

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