Since picking up my camera again almost 3 years ago, I have refined my personal list of essential items that I bring to every session. Every year I add a few more items or tweak the items I have been carrying to ensure that I can capture the best images possible! My bag is packed according to the session booked and is a bit different if the session includes horses or dogs.
See below for what I consider essential for my camera bag!
essentials for horse sessions
Canon 5DMIV camera body paired with my Canon 70-200mm and Sigma 85mm lenses
Fully charged batteries, memory cards, lens cloth, and a crystal prism for on demand sun flares
Extra rag to clean horse’s eyes and nose
A soft dandy brush to smooth the horse’s coat and add a last minute shine
Small elastic bands and safety pins for last minute adjustments to wardrobe or tack
A handful of cat/dog toys that always capture your horse’s attention and helps control ears
My phone to play animal noises for guaranteed ears up!
Horse treats, some with wrappers and some that don’t produce a lot of slime when eaten!
A thin leather lead and a paracord pocket halter, both easy to remove in post production
A lunging chin strap that is easy to remove in post production for any ‘At Liberty’ photos of your horse
A 5 gallon bucket for me to stand on because I’m super short!!
Jeans and muck boots, as the preferred angle somehow always leads me to shoot from a mud puddle, a briar patch or knee high in a snow bank!
Bug spray, the good kind, because I’m deathly afraid of ticks!
essentials for dog sessions
Canon 5DMIV camera body paired with Canon 70-200mm, Sigma 50mm, and 35mm lenses
Fully charged batteries, memory cards, lens cloth, and a crystal prism
A beach towel incase your dog needs to be dried after our adventures
A slicker brush to smooth the dog’s coat and for last minute fluff
Dog treats. Lots of dogs have allergies so I always ask before giving dogs anything!
A dog toy with multiple squeaker sounds
My phone to play animal noises
A thin black leather lead for any photos that include a leash (colorful or tattered leashes distract from the overall image)
A paracord slip lead for a collar free look
A 15’ catch cord to capture action shots while still being leashed, and is easy to remove during post production
A blanket for sitting poses so the clients won’t have to sit directly on the ground.
Snow/rain pants as the preferred angle to photograph is laying or sitting at eye level with your pup!
Bug spray, the good kind, because I’m deathly afraid of ticks!
In addition to my own preparations for your session, upon booking I do provide complimentary Prep Guides that are filled with proven tips and tricks that will help you prepare your horses and dogs to look and feel their best during your time with me. There is also a prep guide for YOU, that shares some of my best what to wear suggestions!
