Throughout 2022, I tried my best at scaling back my photography gear. It is so easy to feel like you need the newest and highest rated gear in order to create beautiful art. Trust me. I’ve been there. And a tiny part of me (read, a really big part of me) still wants the Nikon Z9 even though I know I don’t need that much camera.
I’ve added links to some of the items in my kit. Most of these links are to B&H photo. I am not affiliated with them, and I do not receive any type of compensation from these links. While I do purchase most of my gear from them, I encourage you to do your own research. There are many highly reputable photography stores, and you never know which ones will be running a sale.
Camera Bodies & Lenses
Nikon Z6ii
The mirrorless Nikon Z6ii is my everyday camera. I use this workhorse for everything from self-portraits to macro to day-to-day documentary shots of my family.
My Z Mount Lenses:
- Nikkor Z 85 mm f/1.8
- Nikkor Z 50 mm f/1.8
- Nikkor Z 105 mm f/2.8 Macro
- Nikkor Z 28 mm f/2.8
- Lensbaby Composer Pro II with Soft Focus II Optic
Pentax K1000
This vintage manual focus SLR is my go to for street photography and experimenting with film. I found it for a steal at a local camera store, and now it is my go to bring with me on vacations.
My K Mount Lenses:
- Pentax 50 mm f/2.8
- Sears 135 mm f/2.8
Flash & Artificial Lights
One of my favorite tools in my kit is my Flashpoint Zoom Li-on X R . Almost all of my self-portrait and family work is created using this flash. More often than not, I use this flash directly on camera by bouncing it off of walls and ceilings. When it is not on my camera, I use the Flashpoint R2 Pro trigger and a large deep umbrella modifier to create soft light both indoors and outdoors.
Creative Tools
While I am always searching for unique objects to shot through or use as reflective surfaces, there are a few items I regularly pull from my bag to add a creative effect to my shots:
- Bubble wrap
- Pantyhose
- ND filters
- Small swatches of lace fabric
And that is what you will find in my camera bag in 2023! At the moment, I don’t have any plans on expanding my gear throughout the year, but I’ll be sure to update this post if anything changes!
I’d love to know what you currently have in your camera kit! Let me know in the comments if there is anything you are looking forward to adding to it in 2023 (because let’s be honest – I’m going to end up adding something…ha!).
