PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR GUIDE
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Cameras, lenses & accessories
find your way around
find your way around
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Back in 2007 when I started photographing weddings, I had no idea it would turn into an actual business. I just knew at the time that I loved photography (spoiler alert: I still do) and wanted to make some money with it outside of teaching. I remember researching and looking for gear for photographers, and finding the info to be all over the place! Cameras, lenses, accessories—it’s easy to feel like you need everything to get started.
The truth is, you don’t.
I started my business with one camera and a slightly upgraded kit lens. I then added lenses, flashes, and bags, one-by-one until I had a gear setup that felt like it fit my workflow. This photography gear guide is designed to help you build your own gear setup, step-by-step. From the early essentials, to growing your gear while your skills improve—I recommend my favorite camera gear and tools that support your workflow as your grow.
Choosing Your First Camera
Choosing your first camera can feel like the biggest decision—but it doesn’t have to be overly complicated. In this section, you’ll find my beginner-friendly camera recommendations and guidance on what features actually matter when you’re learning photography.
Beginner Lenses
Once you have a camera, the next step is understanding lenses—and this is where you’ll really start to see change. These guides highlight my favorite beginner-friendly lenses, help you to understand how different lenses affect your photos, and decide when it’s worth upgrading from your kit lens.
Essential Accessories
You don’t need a lot of accessories to start, but a few key items can make a big difference in how you shoot and organize your gear. And what you photograph often changes what type of accessories you might need.
Growing Your Gear
As your skills improve, your gear will naturally need to evolve with you. Especially as you feel more confident with a particular style of photography. This section is designed to help you think through upgrades, explore different types of equipment, and understand what photographers typically add as they move beyond the beginner stage.
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Next Steps?
Learn how to use your camera
Choosing the right gear is just the first step. Knowing how to use it is what really makes the difference.
Dive into the free mini course on how to get off auto mode on your camera, and start getting photos you love.
CONTINUE YOUR PHOTO JOURNEY...
THE GUIDE
NEW AROUND HERE? 5 STEP GUIDE
to getting started
Tell me where you are in your photo journey and I’ll send you a customized cheatsheet of how to get started. It is chock full of my hand picked favorite resources—whether you’re a new photographer or a new & aspiring photo business owner.
THE GUIDE