What's In My Bag as an Equine, Livestock and Senior Portrait Photographer
- Katie Williams
- Sep 1, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
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.
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.
Katie Williams – K. Williams Photography – A Georgia senior, equine, livestock and pet photographer. I'm happy to serve you, transforming deeply valued parts of your life into a custom-tailored experience and lasting artwork. Explore my site or contact me to discover the best ways we can work together.
