My Photo &
Video Gear List
Before you dive in!
In case you’ve want to get into photography/videography or blogging or creating an online brand, I curated this list of helpful resources that I have used to create everything you see on this website and on my Instagram/Tik Tok! But, before you venture any further, do know that this equipment and software list has changed vastly since I first started. I firmly believe in waiting to upgrade equipment until you’ve proven to yourself that you’ll stick with it. It kills me when people spend their hard-earned money on equipment thinking that equipment is the answer to building a successful business. Good equipment helps, but only if you’re going to use it. I started shooting video with my iPhone and a video editing app and that’s really all you need in the beginning. Start small, be patient, know that photography, videography and blogging are skills that take a good bit of time and personal passion to grow. But, if you love it and you stick with it, you’ll be amazed at what you can do!
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I use all the products listed below and recommend them because I believe in them. Please let me know if you have any questions about anything listed below!
**Last updated on April 9th, 2024**
Cameras
When I started photography back in 2014, I was shooting everything on my IPhone 7. I bought my first point and shoot Canon camera about 6-8 months after beginning photography. In 2016, I upgraded to my first DSLR camera, the Canon Rebel T5i.
I currently shoot with the Canon R5 for all of my photo and video projects. It’s a warhorse of a camera and I absolutely love it. Mirror-less and full frame truly changed the game for me when I upgraded. I previously shot with the Canon 6D.
Lenses
I have three core lenses I use on rotation in all of my work that I absolutely love. Those are the Canon 50mm f/1.2 lens, Canon 24-70mm f/4.0 lens, and the Canon 100mm f/2.8 lens.
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The 24-70mm is incredible for both flatlay images as well as lifestyle photos when I’m trying to get wider scenes. The 50mm is a perfect middle-ground lens, I use it to capture wider lifestyle scenes and more intimate tabletop scenes. The 100mm is the ideal lens for beautiful macro-photos of your dishes.
I also have the Canon 85mm f/1.4 lens. If you are just starting out, the Canon 50mm f/1.8 is an AMAZING lens.
Lighting
I currently use artificial lighting for all of my photography and videography.
I have three types of softboxes/umbrellas I use on the regular. I have the 53” Inch Umbrella, a 2x3 Rapid Switch and a Beauty Dish. Note that you will need the Switch Inserts (FJ400, Bowens for Godox and this one for Profoto), if you get the SmallRig lighting, to use the rapid switch and beauty dish.
For my lights, I use the Profoto B10X Plus Flash for all my photography and SmallRig RC 220B Bi-Color LED Monolight for all my video work.
Overhead
Set-Up
I have two different overhead setups, one for in-studio and one for on-location shooting. The in-studio one is far sturdier but it’s several pieces and a hassle to bring onto a set. I’ve included links to both below:
In-Studio Set Up
(2) Light Stands
(1) 7ft Cooper Pipe (I bought mine at Ace Hardware and had them cut it to size)
(3) Avenger Grips
(1) Ball Head
(2) Sandbags
On Location Set Up
(1) Sandbags
Accessories
Webhosting – WIX
Laptop – Apple MacBook Pro - 16 inches - 16 GB RAM
Monitor – Apple 27" iMac with Retina 5K Display
Tether Table + Pad + Strap (you have to order all three separately)
Bookkeeping - QuickBooks Online
Storage - I use these different gigs of SanDisk cards including 32g, 64g, and 124g for shooting. I use these external hard-drives to back up my photos and videos.
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Bids & Contracts - BlinkBid
Gallery Sharing for Photos – Cloudspot.io
Gallery Sharing for Videos - Frame.io
Email Marketing - Flodesk (Get 50% off when you use this link)
Music Licensing – Artlist.io
Editing Software - Adobe Creative Suite -- Lightroom & Photoshop for Photography | Premiere Pro for Videography | Illustrator for Design
Sourcing Studio & Lifestyle Spaces - I use Peerspace to source all of the spaces I use for lifestyle photo and video!
Books on Food Photography - I recommend TWO incredible food photography books: 'Picture Perfect Food: Master the Art of Food Photography with 52 Bite-Sized Tutorials' by Joanie Simon and 'Food Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots' by Nicole Young. Both have helped me immensely on my photography journey.
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Backdrops & Props
I look to antique shops, thrift stores, Etsy shops, and good ol Facebook Marketplace for my props.
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I recently announced my custom backdrop collaboration with Best Ever Backdrops! There are 8 colorful and vibrant backdrops in the entire collection and they're all designed to elevate your photo game and help you stand out.
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Other backdrops & shops I love:
Sugar Mountain Woodworks - Wooden Table
