what's-in-my-camera-bag-jl Have you ever wondered what's in a Professional Photographer's camera bag? Well, I'm going to give you a peek into mine! I use Nikon cameras and lenses for most of my photographic work (portraits, events & art). I received my first Nikon camera as a teenager and fell in love with the image quality, colors and tones it produced.  When I started my professional career I decided to stick with the brand that I knew and loved. 

Cameras and Lenses

• Nikon D800 36MP FX Camera Body - I love this camera body so much that I bought two, one new and one used!!!  
• Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 ED VR Lens - This is my go-to-lens for events, weddings, concerts and some portraits. It's a power house, incredibly heavy and super super sharp - that's why I love it so.
• Tamron 24-70mm f./2.8 VR Lens - This is my second favorite lens for portraits, events + landscape and street art. When I bought this lens, I had every intention of replacing it with the Nikon model someday. Fast forward several years and I'm still using and loving it. I captured this bride and groom shot with this lens. 
• Nikon 105mm f/2.8 ED Macro Lens - Details, details and even more details...I use it mostly for my close up nature work. It's a fantastic lens that requires patience and practice to really master it's focus sensitivity. 
• Nikon 85mm f/1.8G Lens - This is my back up portrait lens. I tend to use my 24-70mm or my 70-200mm over this lens because this 85mm lacks vibration reduction. I like knowing that I have VR to help me produce crisp, tack sharp images. 
• Nikon 50mm f/1.4GLens - This was one of my first lenses. It's lightweight and a great general use lens. 

my-camera-gear

Lighting and Accessories 

Gear I use in a variety of indoor and outdoor lighting situations:

• Nikon SB-800 Speedlights 
• Nikon SB-700 Speedlight
• Gary Fong Collapsible Sphere Diffuser
• Phottix Wireless Odin TTL Trigger and Receivers - I did SO much research before I purchased this set. I'm so glad I did. 
• Wescott Light Stands and Large Soft Boxes 

Fall Portrait Session with a Young Family of ThreeFall portrait sessions with Jennifer LaRoche Photography
Boston | MetroWest
Vistit the website to learn more. Other Necessary Gear

• SanDisk 32GB & 64GB Extreme Pro CompactFlash Memory Cards
• Giottos Rocket Blower
• Manfrotto Tripod 

Senior-Portrait-Sessionswww.jenniferlarochephotography.com
Boston | MetroWest | Cape Cod

And to carry it all, Camera Bags 

I really should have taken a picture of my  camera bags. A girl can never have enough bags! I use each one for different reasons....

• Jill-E Bag on Wheels - for portraits etc. so I can schlep more gear than I probably need :-) I love having wheels! 
• (2) Tamrac waterproof backpacks - for nature and city outings
• Think Tank Shoot Bag - for events 
• Kelly Moore fashion bag - for when I want to look like I'm carrying regular handbag. 

Are you thinking about buying camera equipment? Here's my best advice:

1. Do your due diligence! Take time to research the equipment you'll need for type of photography genre(s) you'll be shooting.
2. Try before you buy, when possible. Find a local or online camera company that rents camera bodies, lenses and more.
3. Invest in good quality lenses.
4. Invest in a good quality tripod.
5. Consider purchasing used gear instead of new gear to save money. Look for reputable companies that offer both used and new gear.   

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