What Is In My Camera Bag

Hello, guys! Hope you are all well. Most photographers usually ask me what type of gears I use and I truly never like this question. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the gear, it’s about what you can do with it. We photographers forget that the camera does not shoot itself. So we should not be overwhelmed with the fancy equipment.  One should use her gear to its maximum to produce the best result from that particular gear. We should also develop aesthetically in our photography. That is what is going to make one stand out as a photographer. Find the cameras I have used in the past here.

I have very few equipment. I am only going to list the main equipment. Of course, I have things like light stands, chargers, memory cards, computer, backpack etc. but that is a discussion for another day or something you are going to be seeing in my BTS Videos. I will be reviewing equipment in the future but for now, let me just give you the list. This equipment list will also be useful to people starting photography.

My Photography Equipment

Camera

Nikon D 7200. Yes! I only have one body that is what I have been using in the past year. If I need to shoot events or need two cameras for some reasons then I rent.

Lenses

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8 G. 90% of my shoots I use this lens.

Tamron SP 17 – 50 mm f/2.8 – I use this mostly for events and wide angle shoots when doing portraits.

Flash / Speedlight

2 Alturas Photo Flash – 1 is TTL flash and 1 is Manual. Also I have two wireless triggers and one receiver. I intend to add two more flashes this year.

Video Light – No brand. Chinese version.

Lambency Diffuser – No brand. Chinese version.

Reflector. No Brand. Chinese Version.

2 White shoot through umbrellas – No Brand Chinese Version.

Octagon Soft box – No Brand. Chinese Version.

Beauty Disk – No Brand. Chinese Version.

The No Brands – (Chinese Version) have been working fine for me and still doesn’t break my wallet. The only thing I have had minor problems with is the video light but then again it has been knocked way too many times so I expect it to react that way. I try and save money all the time and buy gears which I only truly need.

There you have it those are the main equipment that I use in my shoots and have been using for the past year. What are the main equipment that you have? Does it get the job done for you?

Cameras: Then and Now

There is always a debate on camera equipment and people often want to know what type of gear photographers use so they can purchase similar gear. We need to understand the creative process is as important as the gear we have, because at the end of the day what matters is what you can do with the tools you have. Today I would like to share with you the evolution of my camera gear, from the first camera I used to the camera I am using now.

Nikon D40 

This was my first camera. I did not plan to buy this camera, I just needed any DSLR to start my photography. I borrowed this camera from my cousin, which in the end I eventually kept. The lens it had was an 18 – 55mm f3.5 – f5.6 kit lens. I have to say this camera is just magic when you exploit its features to the fullest. It was great camera and I captured some great images with it!

This is one of the images I took with the Nikon D40. A candid moment of a baby sleeping.

This is one of the images I love that I shot with the Nikon D40. I captured this image as I passed this young lady in the streets of Temeke.

Nikon D3200 

I purchased the Nikon D3200 after selling my Nikon D40. I wanted the D3200 for its video features and it was the best I could afford at that moment. I decided to stick to Nikon cameras because I was already familiar and comfortable on using them. I also purchased the Nikon 50mm f1.8 lens which I am still using for most of my shoots. 

My all time favorite image of Jackline Nyanza that I shot with the Nikon D3200 + 50mm f1.8.

A low key black and white portrait of Solomon shot with the Nikon D3200 + 50mm f1.8.

Nikon D7200 

Currently I am using the Nikon D7200 and two lenses: Nikon 50mm f1.8 and Tamron 17 – 50mm f2.8. The D7200 is a just a beauty! It has pro features and fast dials which give me more flexibility while shooting. It also has great video features which is important to me since I do both photography and videography. I will stick with this babe for a while, because at the moment it caters to all my needs, in fact I have no plans to sell her at all. 

Portrait of Jocelyn shot with Nikon D7200 + 50mm f1.8

Portrait of Stephanie shot with Nikon D7200 + 50mm f1.8

Nikon D750 

My future plan is to get the Nikon D750. I want two have two bodies. This will be a great upgrade since it’s a full frame sensor. The D750 comes with even more advanced photography and video features which will definitely be a blessing to me!

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

— Arthur Ashe

Disclaimer 

I am not affiliated with Nikon and I am not brand oriented when it comes to photography equipment. I have used equipment like Canon, Sony and Pentax before and they are all great cameras. It all depends on how you use the gear. So, there you are – this is the gear I use. You can expect a post about the accessories I use in the near future, so stick around!