Essential Food Photography Gear For Food Photographers

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If you've ever wondered what's in a food photographers bag or what they may use on a regular basis, you've definitely come to the right place! This is all the equipment I use and some of the things I highly recommend, based on things I've read and other food photographers I know. So, whether you're brand new to this or have been at this a while, this the guide is for you!

My Stuff:

• My Camera: Canon EOS 90D
• Favorite Lenses:
  • Most Used: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f⅘.6 IS STM Lens
  • Good for Close Ups: Canon EF-S 55-250mm f⅘.6 IS STM Lens
• Tripod:
  • Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 055 Carbon Fiber 3-Section Tripod
  • Manfrotto Head
• Artificial Light:
  • Socket: Foto4Easy E27 Socket Multi-Holder
  • Bulbs: Westcott Daylight LED Bulb with Tungsten Cover (I use 2 bulbs)
  • Stand: Westcott 750 Photo Basics 6.5-Foot Light Stand
  • Softbox: Westcott 2x3' Softbox with Silver Interior
• Reflector:
  • Stand: LimoStudio Photo Studio 78" Tall Lighting Reflector Arm Stand
  • Reflector: Neewer 5 in 1 Portable Round Collapsible Multi Disc Photography Lighting Reflector

What I Recommend

For The Beginner:

This is equipment I've owned before, or have known other photographers use. I started out with the Rebel T6i and It's still, to this day, one of my favorite cameras for so many things! I even still use the lens I started out with.

• Cameras:
  • Canon EOS Rebel T6i
  • Canon EOS T8i
• Lens:
  • Canon EF-S 18-55mm f⅘.6 IS STM Lens
• Tripod:
  • AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag

Tip: If you're on a tight budget, shop around! Try looking at your local camera store, too! You never know what you might find.

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Additional Accessories

• Backdrops:
  • Most of mine are from Replica Surfaces, but making your own can be a lot of fun! I also recommend checking out Amazon for cheaper vinyl backgrounds. I actually started out with a lot of vinyl back drops from Amazon.
• Camera Backpack: This is my savior. It make storage and on the go shoots so much easier, trust me!
• Sandbags: to hold tripods and stands down. This is super important. A lot of the time, whatever you're using, whether it's a reflector or a light, it can be heavier than the tripod can handle. So, sandbags are the perfect thing to make sure your equipment stays put.
• Step Stool: trust me, this helps! It has saved me from so much back pain. Especially with those overhead shots!
• Diffuser: to soften light. Very important!
• Wipes: to keep your camera and all your lenses as clean as possible!

Let me know in the comments below what's in your camera bag!