7 Things You ACTUALLY Need for Your Photography Business
Starting a photography business? Discover the 7 must-have tools every photographer needs to build a thriving business and deliver a seamless client experience
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1. A DSLR CAMERA:
I use the Canon R5 Mirrorless camera because it truly elevates my photography in every way. As a family photographer, capturing fleeting moments with precision and beauty is essential, and the R5 delivers on all fronts. Its 45-megapixel sensor gives me incredible detail and color accuracy, which is perfect for creating stunning, high-quality images my clients will cherish for a lifetime.
The autofocus system is a game-changer—it’s fast, accurate, and tracks eyes like a dream, whether I’m photographing wiggly toddlers or families interacting naturally on the beach. Plus, its impressive low-light performance ensures I can shoot at sunset or in shaded areas without compromising on quality.
I also love the flexibility of the R5’s dual memory card slots, which provide peace of mind with backup storage during important shoots. And let’s not forget the 4K video capabilities—it allows me to capture gorgeous video clips that some clients request to complement their photos.
2. A GOOD QUALITY LENS :
I use the Canon 35mm 1.4 lens because it’s hands-down one of the most versatile and reliable lenses in my kit. As a family photographer, I need a lens that can handle everything from wide family group shots to intimate moments between parents and their kids, and this lens delivers every time.
The 35mm focal length is perfect for storytelling—it gives just the right amount of context while keeping the focus on my subjects. Whether I’m shooting on the beach at sunset or capturing playful interactions in a cozy home setting, it creates beautiful, natural compositions that feel timeless.
The f/1.4 aperture is another reason I love this lens. It’s amazing for low-light situations, like indoor sessions or evening shoots, and it creates that dreamy, creamy bokeh that makes portraits stand out. Plus, it lets me isolate my subjects beautifully, drawing attention to the emotion and connection in the frame.
This lens is lightweight, sharp, and incredibly reliable—it’s my go-to for so many sessions. If I had to choose just one lens to shoot with for the rest of my career, the Canon 35mm 1.4 would be it!
3. GOOD QUALITY MEMORY CARDS:
This one may seem obvious but, Memory cards are an absolute must for my DSLR camera because, quite simply, they hold everything I capture. As a photographer, they’re like the digital film for my camera—they store all the images and videos I take during a session. Without them, I couldn’t save or transfer my work!
I always make sure to have high-quality memory cards with plenty of storage space because my shoots involve capturing hundreds of photos, especially for family sessions or events. Having reliable memory cards ensures I never run out of space or risk losing important images due to a card failure.
Speed is another reason they’re essential. Fast memory cards allow me to shoot continuously without delays, which is critical for moments that happen in the blink of an eye—like a child’s laugh or a family’s playful interaction.
4. A STURDY CAMERA BAG :
A good, sturdy camera bag is an absolute must for me during photo sessions because it keeps all my gear organized, protected, and ready to go. As a family photographer, I often shoot on location at the beach.. Having a reliable bag ensures that my lenses, camera body, memory cards, and accessories are safely stored and easy to access when I need them.
Durability is key—I need a bag that can handle the wear and tear of outdoor sessions and unpredictable weather while keeping my gear secure. It also needs to be comfortable because I’m often moving around a lot, and a well-designed bag makes it easier to carry everything without straining my shoulders or back.
Organization is another reason a sturdy bag is so important. I love having dedicated compartments for my lenses, batteries, and even personal items like my phone or snacks. It saves me from fumbling around looking for the right gear in the middle of a shoot, which helps me stay focused on capturing the moment.
For me, a solid camera bag is more than just storage—it’s peace of mind. Knowing my equipment is protected and easily accessible allows me to concentrate on what I do best: creating beautiful photos for my clients.
I love the function ability and design of this Bag– it even has a spot to store your laptop!
5. A LAPTOP:
A laptop (or a desktop Computer )is absolutely essential for running my business. It’s not just about editing photos—it’s the hub where I manage everything from client communications and bookings to delivering galleries and creating marketing materials. My laptop allows me to handle the entire workflow seamlessly, from importing and backing up images to post-processing and delivering final products to clients.
I personally choose Apple for my laptop because it checks every box for what I need as a photographer. The MacBook Pro, for example, offers incredible processing power, which is a must when working with high-resolution files and editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. It runs smoothly, even when I’m multitasking with multiple apps open, so I never have to worry about lag slowing me down.
7. LENS WIPES
This one is often overlooked! But Lens wipes are a total lifesaver during client photo sessions at the beach. Between the salty air, sand, and occasional splashes of water, it’s almost guaranteed that my camera lens will pick up smudges or debris at some point during the shoot. A dirty lens can lead to blurry or hazy photos, and that’s the last thing I want when I’m capturing special moments for my clients!
Having lens wipes on hand ensures I can quickly and safely clean my lenses without worrying about scratching the glass or leaving streaks. They’re compact and easy to carry, so I can keep a few in my camera bag or even my pocket for easy access.
I hope that was helpful to you in some way in preparing for your next Photography Session !
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