If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me “What kind of camera do you have?” or “What kind of lens is that?” I would be a hundred-aire. I’ve been thinking about this post a lot and I’m going to spell it all out for you below. What lenses I use, why I use them, and what I use them for.
Recently I shot a beautiful wedding in Tulum, Mexico so I needed something good and sturdy for traveling. I’ve owned every kind of camera bag out there from the expensive Kelly Moore bags, sling bags, and hard cases. I still use my hard case to store all my equipment in, but if I’m running around or traveling I use this backpack. Thanks to my photographer friend Cindy who told me about it. This bag has become a new favorite! I have two camera bodies, two flashes, four lenses, extra camera cards, charger, accessories, AND a change of clothes!
I also have a hard case like this one that I use for storage. It’s waterproof and STRONG, also great for travel.
I shoot with a Nikon D750 camera body. I considered the Nikon 810, but unless you’re shooting pictures that need to be blown up into billboards, I wouldn’t spend the extra money. The D750 is an AMAZING camera! I would recommend buying a camera body and all your lenses separate. The lenses that usually come in kits are crappy and you get what you pay for. If you want good glass and a great lens to go with your high end DSLR camera do your research and buy what you need, not what comes with the camera just because it’s there. In my opinion there’s a reason why it’s in a kit. It’s not the best quality lens and you think your getting a good deal…when in actuality you aren’t. 
Okay, now let’s talk lenses. My go-to lens is what most people call the “nifty fifty”. That’s probably because it’s one of the most universal lenses that can be used for both portraits & landscape. It’s also really lightweight and easy to carry. You can’t go wrong with this lens. It’s a fixed lens, so you can’t zoom in or out, but once you learn to master it then you’ll find yourself grabbing it all the time! This lens is also relatively inexpensive compared to most DSLR lenses.
A 50 mm also works really well in low lighting situations.
I carry a Nikon 28-300 in my bag. This is a good overall zoom lens for just about anything and it pretty universal. We used this lens when we traveled to Europe and it did just fine. This is a great lens for any situation- up close or afar.
Now this is my MAC DADDY lens. My baby. My 70-200 lens. This is great when I shoot weddings and need that up close and personal shot from waaaaay down the isle. This is a zoom lens in every capacity. I love this lens for all that it is…shoulder pains and all. This is not something you want to carry on your shoulders all day long, but dang is it crisp and sharp. If you’re searching for an all around zoom lens- this is it.
Example shot:
I was standing pretty far away in this photo, but you can still see how close I got and it’s pretty crisp.
Last, but not least is a great wide angle lens. This is a Nikon 20mm lens. A fun lens to have for landscapes, real estate, or parties. If you want to get a large group of people, an entire room, or a HUGE mountain….this is your lens! 
Example shot:
As far as accessories go I’ll list a few out here. I used to have a lighting set-up but I rarely used it, so I ended up selling it. I have two off camera speedlights and a ring light if I need it.
Other accessories I always keep on hand are extra camera cards, an extra battery charger for my camera, extra flash batteries, and filters for all my lenses.
Accessories every photographer needs to have:
Wireless Remote (for your flash)
I hope this answered some of your questions and feel free to leave a comment if you have any more. I love photography and it’s truly become my creative outlet. It takes a lot of practice and time, but it’s so much FUN! One thing I’ve learned over the years is you CANNOT compare yourself to other photographers. Everyone has their own eye and their own editing style. No picture is just alike and no matter how much you just loooove a picture on Pinterest and try to recreate it…it’s not going to be exact. Just like I can’t make everyone look like a super model, even Photoshop has it’s limits! If you are looking into editing software then Lightroom is a great place to start. After you’ve mastered Lightroom you can get into heavier editing using Photoshop. It’s all about your creative outlet and your eye for the photo. Most importantly have FUN!
xo – Becky with the good coffee 😉
The reason I use Canon is I find it superirhave, but also th is call center is USA based.
Yikes sorry phone is going nuts.
It is really important to have spares. Even a spare camera. Specially when you are on a big event. What if your camera did not operate normally. You’re in deep trouble.