What’s in My Camera Bag? A Look Inside My Canon Gear Collection

ethereal underwater image of expecting woman in orange tulle gown with her reflection above her

As a fine art maternity, newborn, underwater, and family photographer, my gear isn’t just equipment — it’s an extension of my creative vision.

While I technically have a camera bag, the truth is… everything doesn’t fit inside it. In my Colleyville studio, you’re far more likely to see my camera bodies and lenses organized beautifully on a rolling cart, ready to grab at a moment’s notice. Efficiency matters when you’re photographing newborns or capturing fleeting maternity movement.

If you’ve ever wondered what professional Canon gear powers my sessions, here’s a full look inside.


My Camera Bodies: Why I Primarily Shoot Canon

I primarily shoot with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, and I own two of them.

The Canon R6 II has been an incredible workhorse for my studio. The autofocus is beautifully precise (especially for newborn eyelashes and emotional maternity moments), and the low-light performance is stunning — which matters deeply for the moody, painterly lighting I love.

For underwater photography, I still rely on my Canon 5D Mark IV. It performs beautifully inside an underwater housing system and has proven to be incredibly reliable for pool sessions.

When photographers ask me why I continue to choose Canon cameras, it comes down to three things:

  • Color science
  • Reliability
  • Lens quality

Canon simply renders skin tones in a way that aligns with my fine art aesthetic.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your Canon gear, it’s worth checking out these current Canon savings and promo codes before you purchase.

A camera cart loaded with canon camera gear


My Canon L-Series Lens Collection

I invest heavily in lenses because glass truly matters more than the body. My Canon L-series lineup includes:

  • Canon 135mm L series
  • Canon 100mm L series
  • Canon 85mm L series
  • Canon 50mm L series
  • Canon 35mm L series
  • Canon Fisheye lens

Each lens serves a very specific purpose in my workflow.


What I Use for Newborn Photography

For newborn sessions, my go-to Canon gear setup is:

  • 35mm L series – This is my primary newborn storytelling lens. It allows me to capture full scenes, tiny fingers, and environmental details while staying close and connected.
  • 100mm L series – Perfect for macro images: eyelashes, lips, flaky skin, and those tiny newborn details parents treasure.
  • 85mm L series – Beautiful for mother-and-baby portraits. It creates that soft compression and dreamy separation I love.

The 35mm is easily my most-used newborn lens. It allows me to create images that feel intimate and immersive.

If you’d like to know what other newborn photography studio essentials every newborn photographer needs check out this blog post.


My Maternity Lens Favorites

During maternity sessions, I use:

  • 85mm L series most of the time. It flatters beautifully and gives that elegant compression that enhances silhouette and curves.
  • 35mm L series for a handful of environmental or movement-based shots.

The 85mm is truly the star of maternity sessions for me. It delivers that luxury, fine-art depth and softness my clients expect.


Family Session Lens Choices

For family sessions, I typically reach for:

  • 85mm L series
  • 50mm L series

These two give me flexibility while keeping a natural perspective. The 50mm especially feels classic and timeless.

If I’m outdoors, I often use the 135mm L series — though it depends entirely on the story I’m creating. The 135mm creates stunning background compression and creamy bokeh, especially in open fields or tree-lined spaces.


My Underwater Photography Setup

Underwater photography requires its own specialized approach.

In addition to my Canon 5D Mark IV, I use:

  • 28mm Sigma 1.4 Art lens from Sigma

The Sigma 28mm 1.4 Art lens is incredibly sharp and performs beautifully underwater. The wide focal length helps capture flowing gowns, movement, and full-body compositions in a way that feels immersive and dramatic.

Underwater photography is physically demanding and technically complex, so having gear I trust completely is non-negotiable.

ethereal underwater image of expecting woman in orange tulle gown with her reflection above her


Why I Invest in Professional Canon Gear

As a luxury photographer, gear isn’t about having the newest trend — it’s about consistency, reliability, and creative control.

My Canon camera bodies and L-series lenses allow me to:

  • Capture fine art detail with precision
  • Maintain beautiful skin tones
  • Create depth and dimension
  • Shoot confidently in varied lighting conditions
  • Deliver consistent results for clients investing in heirloom artwork

When families trust me with their most meaningful milestones — from maternity to newborn to senior portraits — I want to know my equipment will perform flawlessly.

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Final Thoughts

While I may say “camera bag,” the reality is my canon gear lives ready on a rolling cart in my studio. Two Canon R6 II bodies, a trusted 5D Mark IV for underwater, and a curated collection of Canon L-series lenses form the foundation of my creative work.

Gear doesn’t make the artist — but the right tools absolutely support the vision.

If you’re a photographer exploring Canon equipment, it’s worth investing intentionally in bodies and lenses that align with your style and long-term goals.

And if you ever peek into my studio and see a rolling cart overflowing with Canon lenses… now you’ll know exactly why.

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