So this little photography journey did not start with me ‘always wanting to be a photographer’ or growing up with a camera in my hand. For a long time, photography was taking selfies with my friends and capturing moments on disposable cameras. One thing that was true, is that I was always the friend capturing photos. I always had some kind of camera with me because I just loved having moments to look back on. My first paycheck from Golden Spoon bought me my first digital camera. But even then, while I loved taking pictures to remember the moment, I didn’t really think much about photography. I was just capturing snapshots.

That all changed when Greg and I borrowed our parents DSLR cameras and went on a date to Fullerton Arboretum. We started taking pictures and I thought I was very ‘artsy’. I basically roll my eyes thinking about how ‘creative’ I was. But that day something changed. I went from capturing moments to develop a love for capturing moments beautifully. I put a lot of effort into learning what actually went into a beautiful photo. Thankfully I have come along way from the borrowing my parents DSLR days. 😉

My first camera was a $400 canon rebel that I took with me everywhere, today our gear looks a little different so I thought it would be fun to see what we have. I know I personally love seeing what photographers use so, this is what is in my bag!

Camera:

Canon 5Dmkiii x3
Canon 6D

I love my Canon 5Dmk iii!!! I ‘m actually so sad it has been discontinued because I am not a big fan of its replacement. This camera is a powerhouse and gives me everything I need for weddings. Especially dual memory card slots that let me back my images up as I photograph them!

Canon 50mm 1.2 L (Theresa’s Lens)

I got this lens in 2013 and I am pretty sure it hasn’t left my camera since! This is my goto lens in almost all situations. The creamy, blurry background that I get from it is unmatched and the focal length is perfect for the way I document a wedding day.

As weird/funny as it sounds, I feel most like ‘me’ with my camera and this lens in my hand.

Sigma 50mm 1.4 art (Greg’s Lens)

Greg and I hate sharing lenses on a wedding day, so we each have our own 50. This lens is a powerhouse and truly one of our favorites. Hence why we own two different 50mm.

Theresa’s go to lenses
Canon 135mm 2.0 L
Canon 85mm 1.2 L
Canon 35mm 1.4L
Canon 100mm 2.8 L Macro

The above lenses are my tested and true wedding day lenses. I use each one for various parts of the day. None of these lenses ‘zoom’ which means that I have to move to change the perspective and I love that! I find that it makes me more intentional with shooting and allows me to capture the day the best.

The 135 is typically used for ceremonies, it allows me to get close without being right up front. It’s great for letting us get shots like we’re in the moment, but from further away so that people are not as aware of us. Its also SIGNIFICANTLY lighter than the 70-200, so I can easily use it all day.

The 85 is an amazing portrait lens, and I like it almost as much as my 50mm. It is a little slow to focus, but the background blur that it gives is amazing. It produces beautiful portraits.

The 35 is my goto for the dance floor, tight spaces, and epic landscapes. This girl (yes, she’s a girl) lets me do my job and capture the whole story when 50mm can be a little tight.

I only use my 100mm macro for 10-ish shots each wedding, but I still couldn’t shoot without it! Fun story, this is the first ‘l’ series lens I bought myself!! It has been with me through everything and I adore the amazing ring and detail shots I can get with it!

Gregs’s go to lenses:
Canon 24-70 2.8 L
Canon 70-200 2.8 L (Which we have playfully named Big Daddy)

Greg loves to use ‘all around lenses’ which is perfect for a second shooter. Greg’s goal is to get the moments, which means he needs to have the most versatile gear possible and these two lenses allow for that. So if something adorable is happening during the reception, but he doesn’t have time to run over before the moment is gone, the 70-200 has his back.

Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT, we have 6 of these as our flashes. They are amazing and super easy to use!

I have more camera bags than I have purses! My favorites are :

Pelican Case — this is carry on approved, which means when I travel to weddings my camera is never away from my side!!

Kamrette backpack – Lyra

I have a love/hate relationship with this backpack. I do love the design and concept, but it doesn’t feel like it truly fits my camera. I am hoping that as it breaks in more, that it gets better.

Kelly Moore Two Sues & The Libby

I will say, Kelly Moore is my favorite camera bag ever. These bags are rought, tough, and built to last! My Libby bag has been by my side since 2014 and is just now starting to show signs of wear!!