What's In My Bag as an Equine, Livestock and Senior Portrait Photographer

What's in My Camera Bag?

After years of carefully building my ideal setup, I’m excited to share the gear I rely on for everything from portraits to action shots.

Packed for horse show photography

Cameras:

• Canon R6: I switched to mirrorless a year ago and haven’t looked back. The real-time exposure preview in the viewfinder allows for quicker adjustments, and the fast autofocus is crucial for action shots. With dual card slots, I have peace of mind knowing a corrupted card won’t ruin the session, even when shooting thousands of images.

• Canon 6D: My first full-frame camera, it excels in low-light situations thanks to its larger sensor. It's been a dependable companion, especially for indoor shows.

Lenses:

• 50mm f/1.8: Known as the "nifty fifty," this lens is perfect for creating shallow depth of field, making it ideal for senior portraits.

• 35mm-150mm f/2.8-f/4: My go-to everyday lens. It’s versatile for everything from candid shots of my niece and nephew to livestock portraits. The zoom range is perfect for close-ups and action shots.

• 70mm-200mm f/2.8: A must-have for equine photography. The zoom prevents distortion of horses, and its aperture works great in lower light. I use this for horse and rider portraits, equine portraits, show photos, and events in covered/indoor arenas.

• 100mm-400mm f/4.5-f/6.3: My go-to for large outdoor arenas or when I need more zoom. It’s especially useful for dressage shows and barrel racing, where capturing long shots and specific action is crucial.
  

Supplies:

• Monopod: These heavy lenses can take a toll, so the monopod helps me shoot comfortably all day long at shows.

• Batteries: Long show days mean I always carry at least four batteries, with extras in a second camera bag. I also bring a battery charger in case I'm running low. My battery holder conveniently stores both spare batteries and SD cards.

• SD Cards & Holder: I shoot in RAW, so I need plenty of storage. With dual card slots, I never worry about losing an image. I store the cards in a waterproof case to keep them safe.

• Rain Cover: Rain won’t stop me from shooting, so I always carry a reliable rain cover to protect my gear.

• Lens Wipes: Dusty arenas mean dusty lenses, so I frequently use lens wipes to keep my shots clear.

• Extra Lens & Body Caps: Having a spare set is essential when switching lenses quickly, protecting both the camera body and lens.

• Notepad & Pens: I often jot down image numbers and class info at horse and livestock shows, especially when I’m not using my phone to track details.

• Cash: Always handy for a snack at the concession stand—unless you're at the horse park, where cards are the only option.

• Snacks: I carry snacks to keep my energy up throughout the day, ensuring I’m ready to shoot without hitting a low point.

• Small Held Fan: As any Georgia citizen knows, summers (and even springs and falls) are hot and humid, all day long. The fan gives me some relief shooting at horse shows.

Storage:

• 18L Camera Backpack: This bag holds everything on my list, including the R6 and two larger lenses, and is perfect for horse show photography. It also fits a water bottle and more snacks, secures my monopod, has space for a tablet/notepad, and still doesn’t overpower my frame.

• Medium Hard Waterproof Camera Case: As a livestock photographer, my camera case often comes into barns with me. This case protects my gear in any scenario with kids and animals. It holds what I need for a livestock show day or for senior portraits, including plenty of batteries and snacks.

• Photo Shoot Bag: When I'm out doing a photoshoot with any kind of animal, I bring a bag full of attention getters to prompt the animal's ears to come forward, ranging from a dog squeaky toy to a tassled wand. It also includes a small towel, water, snacks, a brush, an equine photoshoot halter, among any other items that will help the session go smoothly.

About Katie Williams

Katie Williams is a Georgia equine, livestock, and senior photographer specializing in authentic portraits that celebrate the connection between people and the animals they love most. She works with horse owners, FFA and 4-H exhibitors, and high school seniors throughout Georgia to create timeless artwork inspired by the places, traditions, and animals that shape their stories.

Drawing on years of experience photographing horses and livestock, Katie shares practical guidance and real-world insights to help clients feel prepared, relaxed, and confident throughout the portrait experience. Her goal is simple: to preserve the moments, relationships, and milestones that deserve to be remembered for generations.

Explore the website for the horse and rider page or the livestock page for more information, or contact me to discover the best ways we can work together.