My camera bag and the tools I carry are crucial to being able to function well throughout my photoshoot. After years of trial and error I have finally found the best combo of things to carry. They allow me to smoothly execute sessions and prevent as well as anticipate certain events. This layflat shows everything I carry in my bag. I like to use this backpack from Vivitar. It's not super cute, but it is super functional. After middle school messenger bags screwed up my shoulders, I can only use backpacks - this one is particularly nice since it has waist and chest straps too. They help distribute the weight off of my shoulders. 

     I shoot with the Nikon D750. I love it so much that I have two; my older one being my backup. Going full frame was a game changer for me. On top of carrying my camera, I also pack around my battery grip, extra batteries and three lenses; Sigma Art 35mm, 50 mm and my 28mm (not pictured since I was using it to take this image.) Those are the bulk of my gear bag (literally and figuratively.) The rest are things I've found useful along the way. Such as;

- Mini grip tripod (I don't use this on shoots, but I do carry this bag around with me as my "everyday bag" and it's nice to have the option to tripod a personal picture instead of looking for something sturdy to set my camera on)

- Hand sanitizer 

- doggy bags (I don't anticipate picking up poop while on my shoot, [although if a client brought their dog, that'd be one thing] but after having kids, these bags are the perfect size to stick wet clothing, sticky stuff, or really anything that you don't want to contaminate everything)

- kleenex

- Wireless remote control trigger (this comes in handy with personal tripod pictures)

- lip balm

- lotion 

- Smarties #familyphotographer

- sunscreen (high altitudes, man!)

- paracord bracelete 

- cleaning cloth

- brush/mirror compact

- Epi pens (Thankfully I have never had to use one of these [I carry two!] With most of my locations being out in the mountains, away from cities, I like to pack these around just to be safe. You never know when you might need it. My husband is a pharmacist and I have picked up his safety concerns and awareness in the 6 years that we've been married. I had him help me get one when my aunt was out hiking near her house and was stung by a bee. She's not allergic, but she had an allergic reaction to that bee. Her throat started to swell and close. Thankfully they had an old epi pen at home and my cousin was able to run home, grab it and come back and use it on her. Even though it was expired, it still slowed the swelling in time for paramedics to come and assist. Since then I've packed them around with me [don't worry, they aren't expired] in case one of my clients or even someone else out in the mountains needs it.)

     And there you have it. My bag. With it packed, I know I am well taken care of and can serve my clients with beautiful pictures, bribery for children and even with emergency preparedness. When you book a session with me, you are in good hands.