When people see the final images from a brand session—the clean lighting, the intentional compositions, the confidence shining through—they often assume it’s all about having a “good camera.”
The truth is, while the equipment matters, what’s inside a photographer’s bag tells a much deeper story. It’s a reflection of the craft, the experience, and the care that goes into creating something meaningful.
Every item I bring to a brand session has a purpose. Some tools are obvious—my camera and favorite lens. Others are there to make the day feel seamless, comfortable, and fun. Together, they form what I think of as my mobile studio—a mix of creativity, strategy, and preparedness that allows me to show up for my clients with confidence.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what a brand photographer actually carries to a session, here’s a look inside my bag and why each piece matters.
My Camera Bag: The Foundation
My go-to is the Brevitē camera backpack—a bag that’s equal parts functional and photogenic. I have the Jumper (which is on sale right now!) in Pine Green. It’s lightweight enough to carry through downtown streets or studio hallways, but structured enough to keep my gear safe and organized. It has space for everything I need, and yes, it looks good in behind-the-scenes photos, too.
Inside, every compartment has its place, it has separators for me lenses and camera bodies, zippered pockets, and a space for my laptop. I pack intentionally—only what I’ll use—because simplicity keeps me focused on the client in front of me, not the gear at my feet.
Canon R5 (Plus a Backup)
My main camera body is the Canon R5, which delivers exceptional image quality and speed. It’s reliable, intuitive, and captures true-to-life color that requires minimal editing. I also carry a backup body, a Canon R6, because technology can fail—and on a brand shoot, there’s no time to lose. Having two cameras ensures we can keep the creative energy flowing no matter what happens.
Canon 28–70mm f/2: My Favorite Lens for Branding
If I could only bring one lens, it would be this one. The Canon 28–70mm f/2 is my favorite lens for branding because of its incredible versatility. It’s sharp, consistent, and adapts beautifully to every type of shot—close-up product details, environmental portraits, flat lays, and full-body frames.
For me, this lens captures the heart of a brand session: flexibility, variety, and the ability to tell a complete story in a single gallery.
For outdoor family sessions, the Canon RF 50mm is the only lens I have on my camera.
Speedlight: The Light Booster
While I prefer working with natural light whenever possible, I always bring a speedlight, I personally love the Profoto A10. It is so easy to use, that I have two in my kit for when the environment needs a little boost. It’s the difference between settling for flat light and creating depth, glow, and energy. Whether we’re indoors or shooting in the late afternoon (especially on cloudy or rainy days), it allows me to control the scene instead of relying on chance.
Bluetooth Speaker: Setting the Tone
Energy on set is everything. I bring a Bluetooth speaker (I have this one linked), to keep the session light, comfortable, and upbeat. Music can change the entire tone of a shoot—it helps clients relax, move naturally, and enjoy the process. Sometimes it’s soft acoustic to match a calm space; other times it’s pop or R&B to bring out confidence and personality.
Lip Gloss, Mints, and Details That Matter
This might sound small, but I never underestimate the power of details. A quick touch-up or a mint before a close-up can make someone feel fresh and confident. I always carry a few personal items—lip gloss, wet wipes, lint roller—because feeling cared for translates into more natural, relaxed photos.
Prep Guide: The Roadmap to a Seamless Session
Every client receives a custom prep guide before their session, and I keep a printed copy in my bag. It includes timelines, outfits, shot lists, and notes on each brand’s goals. This guide is my roadmap—it ensures that every session feels organized, intentional, and tailored to the person in front of my lens.
Extra SD Cards: Because Content Adds Up Quickly
Brand sessions generate hundreds of images—more than most people realize. Between behind-the-scenes, flat lays, product photos, and portraits, the memory cards fill up fast. I carry multiple extra SD cards to make sure nothing gets missed. For me, preparedness means peace of mind—for both me and my client.
Tripod + Phone: Capturing the Behind-the-Scenes
Part of what I love about brand photography is documenting the process itself. I use a tripod and my phone to capture behind-the-scenes moments—styling details, laughter between takes, or the transformation that happens as someone relaxes into the camera. Those snippets tell a story that static images can’t: the energy, creativity, and collaboration that go into every session.
Why It All Matters
What’s in my camera bag isn’t just gear—it’s a reflection of how I work. Each item supports my goal of creating an experience that feels effortless and intentional from start to finish.
When you see a final gallery, what you’re really seeing is the result of preparation, trust, and care. My role is to make sure that you can focus on showing up as your best self, while I handle everything else—from the lighting to the last detail.
Because the truth is, brand photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures. It’s about helping you show up confidently for your business—and that starts with being prepared for anything.
If it feels like the right time to elevate your brand visuals and finally have photos that reflect where you’re headed, I’d love to help you make that happen. Inquire or schedule your discovery call today.
Shop My Camera Bag
Curious about the exact tools I use?
You can view everything I keep in my camera bag—down to the gear, accessories, and organizational essentials—right here:
View My Camera Bag on Amazon
These are the items I personally use and trust for every brand photography session. Each piece has been tested in real sessions to ensure quality, reliability, and ease of use—from my favorite Canon lenses to the practical details that make shoot days run smoothly.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through my links—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love and use in my own business.
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