What’s in a bag!

Dec 30

What's in My Photo Bag: Tools to Bring Color to Life

Let’s talk about color for a second. To me, it’s so much more than just a visual element. Color is emotion, it’s energy, it’s the happiness of a sunbeam sneaking through your curtains. It’s a way to tell a story without saying a single word. That’s why it’s at the heart of everything I do in my photography.

For my neurodivergent self, color isn’t just a tool; it’s a lifeline. The vibrancy, the contrast, the sheer endless combinations—it’s like a dopamine boost every time I work with it. Color allows me to communicate in ways words sometimes can’t. It’s my way of translating feelings, memories, and stories into something tangible and beautiful.

Light plays an equally profound role in this dance of expression. The way it interacts with color—softening, intensifying, transforming—feels like magic. Whether it’s the golden glow of a sunset or the crisp brilliance of a studio strobe, light helps me create images that feel alive, warm, and full of life. It’s my language, my art, my connection to the world.

If you’ve ever wondered how I bring that vibrancy and life into my photos, let me take you behind the scenes. Here’s a peek into my photo bag—filled with the tools I love and trust to create magic.

My Photo Bag Essentials

I’ll be honest—I’m a Canon girl at heart. My trusty Canon gear feels like an extension of me, but every now and then, I let a little Sony or Fuji sneak into the toolkit. Why? Because sometimes you need to shake things up, try something new, and let your creativity flow in unexpected directions. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheeky change of pace to tickle the fancy?

Cameras for Beginners and Small Businesses

If you're just starting out in photography or need something reliable for your small business, here are some beginner-friendly options I recommend:

Canon EOS Rebel T7 / 2000D: Affordable and beginner-friendly DSLR with manual controls and a 24.1 MP sensor. Perfect for learning the basics.
Nikon D3500: Lightweight DSLR with easy-to-use manual settings and a 24.2 MP sensor. Great for crisp, detailed shots.
Sony Alpha a6000: Compact mirrorless camera with fast autofocus and manual controls. Ideal for portability and versatility.
Fujifilm X-T200: Stylish, lightweight mirrorless camera with film simulation modes and manual settings. Great for creative projects.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: Compact mirrorless camera with in-body stabilization and manual controls. Perfect for travel or lifestyle photography.
Panasonic Lumix GX85 / GX80: A budget-friendly mirrorless camera with manual settings and a range of lenses. Great for video and still photography.
Pentax K-70: A rugged DSLR with weather sealing, manual controls, and excellent low-light performance. Perfect for outdoor photography.

Lenses

Choosing the right lens feels a bit like picking out an outfit for the day—it sets the tone for the shoot. Here’s my go-to lineup:

24mm: Perfect for those wide, cinematic shots that draw you in.
35mm: My everyday favorite. It’s classic, natural, and oh-so versatile.
50mm: The dreamer’s lens. Gorgeous portraits and buttery bokeh galore.
100mm macro: For those tiny, intricate details that deserve to shine.
24-70mm: The Swiss Army knife of lenses. It can do just about everything.
70-200mm: Long-distance magic for those dramatic, intimate moments.

Godox Remote and Lights

Lighting can make or break a photo, right? That’s why I swear by my Godox Remote and Godox Lights. Whether I need warm, glowy vibes or something crisp and clean, these tools give me the control to nail it every time.

Godox Mini-Flash and On-Camera Flashes

Natural light is great, but let’s be honest—sometimes the sun doesn’t play nice. Enter the Godox Mini-Flash and my trusty collection of 4 on-camera flashes. They’re like little bursts of sunshine I can carry with me anywhere.

Strobe Lights and Light Stands

When it’s time to get serious, I turn to my 4 Godox strobe lights. They’re paired with 4 large Light Stands and 2 mini ground stands, so no matter the setting, I’m ready to create something stunning.

Reflector

Have you ever used a Reflector? It’s a game-changer. This lightweight, portable tool helps me bounce light exactly where I need it, softening shadows and adding that perfect glow. It’s like having my own portable sun.

Tripods for Stability

There’s nothing worse than a blurry photo because of an unsteady hand. My Tripod keeps my shots sharp, and when I’m editing live during a session, my Computer Tripod ensures my setup stays rock-solid.

Memory and Workflow Tools

This is where I’ve learned to never cut corners. All my cameras are double-slot cameras, and let me tell you, that’s saved me more times than I care to admit (if you know, you know). I rely on CF Cards, SD Cards, and my trusty Card Reader to make sure my work is safe and backed up.

Camera Bodies and Modifiers

I always carry two SLR camera bodies because…life happens. And then there’s my arsenal of modifiers—softboxes, grids, and more. They’re my secret weapons for creating unique, dynamic lighting in every shot.

Blending Studio and Natural Light

This is where the magic happens. I love mixing the controlled precision of studio lighting with the organic beauty of natural light. Together, they create photos that feel alive and authentic, whether I’m photographing a family, a brand, or a big moment in someone’s life.

Why Color Matters

Color is more than just a pretty backdrop. It’s what draws you in, makes you feel something, and helps you connect to a story. My goal with every photo is to capture those emotions and bring them to life. When you see one of my images, I want you to feel the warmth of the sun, hear the laughter, and soak in the joy of the moment.

Key Tools and Links

CAMERAS:

Canon EOS Rebel T7 / 2000D: https://amzn.to/3BM1vOn
Nikon D3500: https://amzn.to/41V1SAJ
Sony Alpha a6000: https://amzn.to/3ZYTMUZ
Fujifilm X-T200: https://amzn.to/3BPw0Ts
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: https://amzn.to/4iUGSQJ
Panasonic Lumix GX85 / GX80: https://amzn.to/4fDsIkc
Pentax K-70: https://amzn.to/3Dz6z97

ACCESSORIES:

Godox Remote: https://amzn.to/4iWFEV2
Godox Lights: https://amzn.to/4afL4Xv
Godox Mini-Flash: https://amzn.to/3PflKHp
Reflector: https://amzn.to/41WS0Xc
Light Stands: https://amzn.to/3C1Gdfz
Tripod: https://amzn.to/4a0kod9
Computer Tripod: https://amzn.to/41WM4h2
CF Cards: https://amzn.to/4a3oX6f
SD Cards: https://amzn.to/40fW1VA
Card Reader: https://amzn.to/4gWGQ9i

X. DIONEL

Dionel Lake

With 17 years of experience in interior design photography, Dionel Lake has mastered the art of capturing spaces with a keen eye for detail and a love for the unexpected. Her work is vibrant, colorful, and full of life, much like the people and places she photographs. Dionel brings a warm, approachable touch to every project, ensuring that each shot not only reflects the space but also the unique personality behind it. Her goal is to create images that feel genuine and alive, allowing your story to shine through naturally. Whether it's a beautifully designed room or a candid moment, Dionel's photography is all about connection and celebrating the true essence of her subjects.

https://www.themittentog.com