what's in my bag

This seems to be all the rage right now.  Professional photographers telling you what type of equipment they carry and how they use each lens.  I have not gotten on this bandwagon for a couple of reasons.  One, I think my equipment is boring.  Two, I don't have what they have.  My bag is fairly empty.

At first that bothered me.  Thoughts would race through my head that I must not be a very good photographer since I don't have all of the lenses and gadgets these other professionals are carrying.  It was very intimidating to say the least.

I am a huge follower of some photographers and I like seeing what camera they use.  It helps me in knowing whether or not my camera is up to par.  When I look at the quality of those pictures taken by other photographers and then see the camera they are using, I know that it's time for me to upgrade.

That said, I also know that the camera does NOT make the photographer.  For instance, if you have a decent point-and-shoot, and you are a great photographer, you will still get great pictures.  On the other hand, if you have a super expensive DSLR but are not a good photographer, all you are is an owner of an expensive camera.  That is why I say that the camera does not make the photographer.  Owning a good camera does not instantly make you a photographer any more than owning a stethoscope makes you a doctor.  

This was the challenge I faced for quite a while.   With all of this camera knowledge, who am I as a photographer?  What is my style?  What clientele do I prefer to shoot?  Is my camera good enough?  I can say that after five years in this field, I can now answer each of these questions honestly without trying to be that "other" photographer whose work I adore.  Up until recently, I was still wavering on whether I should even be photographing other people.

If there is one bit of advice I could give to a struggling photographer it would be this:  know who you are and do not try to be like everyone else.  Your photography is unique because it is yours.  

I know that this is my passion, my talent and my art.  I know who I am and I know what I want out of my photography.  I want honest, real, candid shots that show off each personality.  I want to show each family that they can have fun during their session and still come out in the end with great images.  

So, as limited as it may be and for whatever it's worth, here is what's in my bag.  

One camera body.

Three camera lenses (of which I only ever use two).

One external flash.

One battery charger with cord.

Four batteries.

One lens cloth.

One camera bag that really isn't a camera bag at all.  It's a cute purse that is far more stylish and cheaper than a boring, black camera bag.  It only cost me $5 on clearance.

Nothing fancy.  Nothing extreme.  Just simple equipment used in a simple way to present you with images you will hopefully enjoy for years to come.