A Peek Inside My Photography World
Hey there! Ever wondered what gear a photographer carries around? Or what kind of used photography gear really works best? You’re not alone. I’ll share what’s always in my camera bag, why I use each item, and how it helps me in content creation, especially portrait photography and social content creation.
I’ll even share some helpful tips about gear to kickstart your journey into photography or help you land more jobs for content creation.
So let’s unzip that bag and dive right in!
Want a simple version of my personal gear list?
Download my free Photographer’s & Content Creation Gear Checklist PDF — perfect to save, print, or use.
Camera: My Trusty Sony A7CR
I’ve tried many cameras, but the Sony A7CR Full-Frame is my favorite. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and has amazing autofocus that keeps faces sharp. This means less worrying about focus and more time capturing those perfect moments. Curious why I love it so much? Check out my full review: Why the Sony A7CR is My Dream Camera.
Lenses: My Favorite Picks
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art
I call this lens my storytelling lens. It’s perfect for capturing people in their environment, telling their stories with a little bit of creativity. Just keep your subjects away from the edges to avoid distortion!
Check Prices: Sigma 35mm F1.4
Samyang 85mm F1.4
This lens is magical for portraits. It creates beautiful, soft backgrounds (called bokeh) and makes your subjects really pop. I always use it when I want dreamy, professional portraits.
Check Prices: Samyang 85mm F1.4
Sigma 16mm F1.4 (Great Starter Lens!)
If you’re new to photography or social content creation, this wide-angle lens is affordable and great for landscapes or video. It captures more of your scene, but be careful—it’s not the best for close-up portraits due to edge distortion.
Check Prices: Sigma 16mm F1.4
Sony 50mm F1.8 (“Nifty Fifty”)
Every photographer needs this lens. It’s affordable, takes amazing portraits, and gives you great background blur. If you’re just starting, this is your go-to lens.
Check Prices: Sony 50mm F1.8
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (The Ultimate Lens!)
Want just one lens that does it all? This Tamron lens covers every focal length you’ll need, from wide shots to zoomed-in portraits. It’s amazing for both photography and video—truly a game changer!
Check Prices: Tamron 35-150mm Bundle
General Gear Tips (Things I Wish I Knew Earlier!)
- Lenses matter more than your camera: Invest in quality lenses first.
- Keep your current camera: Don’t rush into buying a new camera if yours still works fine.
- Ideal portrait focal length: Aim for lenses around 50mm or higher to get those dreamy backgrounds.
- Choose lenses with low aperture (like f/1.4): Perfect for low-light shoots and creating blurry backgrounds.
- Consider versatile zoom lenses: Like the Tamron lens mentioned above, these save you from carrying too many lenses around.
Action Cameras & Accessories for Content Creation
Compact Cameras for Big Adventures
We explored my favorite camera and lenses. Now let’s talk about the small heroes in my bag: action cameras and accessories. They’re perfect for behind-the-scenes videos and traveling. Great gear makes social content creation easier and way more fun!
Action Cameras I Can’t Live Without
DJI Osmo Action (1st Generation)
This tiny camera is super tough and films amazing 4K video. Whether I’m filming travel adventures, behind-the-scenes at photoshoots, or creating quick videos for social media, this little guy never lets me down. It’s waterproof, shockproof, and always ready for action!
Check Prices: DJI Osmo Action Camera
DJI Pocket (1st Generation)
Imagine a camera small enough to fit in your pocket, but with its own built-in stabilizer. This camera is perfect for smooth travel videos, time-lapses, and discreet filming. It keeps my videos steady, even if my hands aren’t!
Check Prices: DJI Pocket
Must-Have Accessories for Content Creators
DJI RS3 Mini Gimbal
When I need professional-looking smooth footage, this small stabilizer is perfect. It helps me capture cinematic videos without shaky footage. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and packs neatly away when not in use.
Check Prices: DJI RS3 Mini
DJI Mic Mini Wireless Microphone
Good audio is key in content creation. This wireless microphone records crisp, clear audio and connects effortlessly to DJI action cameras. It’s so easy to use, even beginners can capture professional-quality sound. Need help choosing a microphone? I discuss more in-depth here: What is a Good Microphone for Videographers & Vloggers?
Check Prices: DJI Mic Mini / DJI Mic 2
Professional Photography Backpack
A good backpack protects all your gear. My backpack has traveled with me for years, keeping everything safe and organized. There’s even space for my laptop and chargers!
Check Prices: The MOSISO Camera Backpack
Additional Handy Gear
- Power Bank: Running out of battery during a shoot is the worst! Always pack a power bank.
- Extra Batteries & Memory Cards: Never miss a shot because you ran out of battery or storage.
- Smartphone Mount: Quickly create reels and behind-the-scenes videos by mounting your phone directly on your camera. Buy a Smartphone Mount
General Recommendations (Things to Remember!)
- Use action cameras for behind-the-scenes: They’re small, easy to carry, and perfect for quick filming.
- Consider the DJI Pocket series: Ideal for smooth, discreet filming—especially for travel.
- Invest in good audio: Your videos are only as good as your sound quality!
Excited about capturing epic footage? Check out my recent drone adventures in What Makes Da Nang Famous. It’s sure to inspire your next project!
Essential Tips & Tricks for Amazing Photos and Content Creation
Simple Advice for Better Photography & Videos
You’ve seen what’s inside my camera bag, from my favorite lenses to handy action cameras. Now, let’s focus on tips and tricks to help you step up your photography and content creation skills. These simple lessons made my work better and my life easier.
Choose Lenses Before Cameras
A common mistake when starting out is focusing too much on expensive camera bodies. But here’s a secret: lenses matter way more! Good lenses can make even old or used photography gear shine.
- Tip: Always invest in quality lenses first.
Use the Camera You Already Have
I get it. It’s tempting to upgrade your gear all the time. But here’s the truth: if your current camera works, stick with it! Your skills matter more than gear, especially if no one is paying you yet.
- Tip: Upgrade only when your gear truly limits your work or if you start getting paid jobs for content creation.
Ideal Portrait Lens Lengths
Want beautiful portraits with soft, dreamy backgrounds? Pick lenses above 50mm focal length. For full-frame cameras, 85mm is ideal. If you have a crop-sensor camera, 50mm will work perfectly!
- Tip: Choose lenses around 85mm (full-frame) or 50mm (crop sensor) to avoid distortion and get that nice blurry background.
Use Low Aperture Lenses
Low aperture (f/1.4 or f/1.8) lenses let you shoot great photos even in low light. Plus, they give you that lovely blurred background effect everyone loves on Instagram!
- Tip: Go for lenses with low aperture numbers like f/1.4 or f/1.8 for the best results.
Need inspiration on great locations for your new gear? Check my article on Instagram-worthy locations to take photos in Da Nang.
Action Cameras for Behind-the-Scenes
Showing your process is just as important as showing your finished photos. Action cameras are perfect for capturing behind-the-scenes videos. They are tiny, discreet, and let you share your creative journey easily on social media.
- Tip: Always bring an action camera for quick, easy behind-the-scenes filming.
Versatile Zoom Lenses
Want one lens that does everything? Check out lenses like the Tamron 35-150mm. They’re perfect for travel, portraits, and videos. This lens saves you from carrying multiple lenses, making it easier to focus on creating content.
- Tip: Use a versatile zoom lens like the Tamron 35-150mm bundle to simplify your gear setup.
Audio Quality Matters
Good audio is a must for videos. Even the best visuals can’t make up for poor sound. A wireless microphone like the DJI Mic Mini instantly improves your audio.
- Tip: Invest in good audio equipment—it’s worth every penny.
Final Thoughts
These tips changed the way I shoot photos and create videos. Remember, simple gear can produce amazing results when you use it correctly.
Let’s talk about using your photography and video skills to find more jobs for content creation and grow your business.
Turning Your Skills into Content Creation Jobs
Making Photography and Videos Your Job!
You made it to the final part—awesome! We’ve covered everything from cameras and lenses to action cams and essential tips. Now let’s talk about turning your passion into jobs for content creation and getting paid to do what you love.
Build a Strong Portfolio (And Share It!)
A good portfolio shows clients what you can do. Use your best photos and videos, including behind-the-scenes clips, to demonstrate your skills in social content creation.
- Tip: Share your work on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to attract potential clients.
If you need inspiration for building a stunning portfolio, explore my guide on Where to Book a Studio in Da Nang and Get Professional Photos Taken.
Collaborate and Network
Networking is just a fancy way of saying “make friends and work together!” Collaborating with other content creators or local businesses can open doors to more opportunities.
- Tip: Reach out and offer your skills. Team up for fun projects or events—these can lead to paid opportunities later.
Keep Learning (Never Stop!)
Every job in photography or video teaches you something new. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, like my freezing cold photoshoot in Ninh Binh. But each challenge helps you grow. Read about it here: Overwinteren in Vietnam.
- Tip: Always stay open to learning, even from mistakes.
Offer More Value
Think about what makes you unique. Maybe it’s the style of your photos, your personality, or the special way you capture videos. Clients love creators who bring something special to their brand or project.
- Tip: Always think about how you can offer something extra to your clients.
Share Your Behind-the-Scenes Content
Clients and followers love seeing how you work. Showing your behind-the-scenes process can help you stand out and prove your skills. Action cameras and accessories, like the DJI Osmo Action (buy here) or DJI Pocket (buy here), are great for capturing this content easily.
- Tip: Use your behind-the-scenes footage to attract more clients and grow your audience.
Remember These Simple Tips for Content Creation Jobs:
- Quality Gear: Use reliable gear like the Sony A7CR and versatile lenses like the Tamron 35-150mm.
- Good Audio Matters: Invest in a quality microphone like the DJI Mic Mini.
- Engage on Social Media: Share your best work often, and interact with followers to attract new clients.
- Never Stop Creating: Practice makes perfect—keep creating and improving your skills!
Final Thoughts: Keep It Fun!
The most important thing in photography and content creation? Enjoy yourself! When you’re having fun, it shows in your work. And clients will notice that passion, too.
Thanks for joining me on this journey! If you want more photography and video tips, check out my latest article: 10 Photography Lessons That Will Save You 10 Years of Trial and Error.
Happy shooting, and good luck out there!
