Gear & Tools

What’s in My Camera Bag

Mysterious woman in monochrome

Lumen Catler

Sep 29, 2025

5 min read

Every photographer has their trusted set of tools — the gear that makes them feel prepared for anything. While great photos come from vision, not equipment, the right gear helps bring that vision to life. Here’s a peek inside my camera bag and why each piece matters to me.

A stylish woman in a brown coat and white turtleneck, accessorized with elegant earrings, against a neutral background.
A stylish woman in a brown coat and white turtleneck, accessorized with elegant earrings, against a neutral background.
A stylish woman in a brown coat and white turtleneck, accessorized with elegant earrings, against a neutral background.

Step 1: Camera Bodies

I carry two bodies at every shoot — my main camera and a backup. My go-to is the Canon EOS R5 for its speed and clarity, with a Canon 5D Mark IV as a reliable secondary.

Step 2: Favorite Lenses

  • 35mm f/1.4 — for storytelling and everyday versatility

  • 50mm f/1.2 — perfect for portraits with creamy background blur

  • 70–200mm f/2.8 — essential for ceremonies and candid moments from a distance

  • 16–35mm f/2.8 — my choice for wide shots, architecture, and dramatic landscapes

Step 3: Lighting Tools

Natural light is my favorite, but I bring backup. I rely on Profoto B10 strobes for power, Godox speedlights for portability, and a set of reflectors for soft, controlled light.

Step 4: Extras That Matter

Spare batteries, multiple memory cards, cleaning kits, and even a small step stool — little details that save the day more often than you’d expect.

Step 5: Editing Tools

Once the shoot is done, the real magic happens in post. Lightroom for color grading, Photoshop for fine retouching, and Capture One for studio work make up my digital toolkit.

Bonus Tip

Your gear should support your style, not define it. The best camera is the one that helps you tell the story authentically.

Closing

My bag changes depending on the project, but the philosophy stays the same: be prepared, stay flexible, and focus on the story. Because in the end, it’s not just about the tools — it’s about how you use them.

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1,000+ readers

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Final

{ 08 }

REady to capture your story?

Whether it’s your wedding, a portrait session, or an event, I’d love to help tell it through timeless imagery.

© 2025 Lumen Carter. All rights reserved.

Final

{ 08 }

REady to capture your story?

Whether it’s your wedding, a portrait session, or an event, I’d love to help tell it through timeless imagery.

© 2025 Lumen Carter. All rights reserved.

Final

{ 08 }

REady to capture your story?

Whether it’s your wedding, a portrait session, or an event, I’d love to help tell it through timeless imagery.

© 2025 Lumen Carter. All rights reserved.

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