Welcome to a special feature on our blog where we're excited to peel back the curtain and share a closer look at the tools, gear, and essentials that power our photography business. This one will get a bit technical but is a huge part of the BTS work around here! We do so many client highlights here and those clients are what drive us to create and grow our business even more. Those clients also show the best side of us, but how do we get there? What goes into the behind the scenes of those show stopping images?

Over the years, we've cultivated a collection of equipment and software that not only enhances our creative expression but also streamlines our workflow, allowing us to deliver exceptional quality and service to our clients. We're often asked, "How do you do it all?" From capturing the perfect moment at a wedding to managing client relations and editing thousands of photos, the curiosity about our process and the gear we use is why we decided to share. The truth is, it's a combination of passion, dedication, and the right tools that enable us to perform at our best and grow our business successfully.

Our love for photography and commitment to our clients drives us every day, but we wouldn't be able to achieve what we do without some key pieces of gear and software. These tools not only help us capture and create stunning images but also ensure we can move comfortably, stay organized, and keep our focus on what matters most—the story and the people in front of our lens. In this blog, we're thrilled to share our favorite photography tools, gear, and software, from the indispensable camera straps and shoes that keep us going on long wedding days, to the cutting-edge software that transforms our workflow. We'll dive into why these items are essential to our work, how they contribute to our success, and why we believe sharing this knowledge can help fellow photographers elevate their own craft.

Whether you're a fellow photographer looking for tips to enhance your own toolkit, a client curious about the behind-the-scenes of your wedding photos, or simply a photography enthusiast eager to learn more about the trade, we hope this insight into our favorite things and gear will inspire and inform. Let's explore together how the right tools, paired with passion and expertise, can make all the difference in the world of photography. I am also going to share all the links.. don't you just hate when someone raves about something and then you can't find it online! (BONUS: some of them have major discounts)

And, if you're a fellow photog friend with a favorite software or any gear you simply couldn't live without, be sure to share! There are always new things to learn and ways to grow, we'd love to hear what helps you!



Our Wedding Day Essentials

Let's start simple... 5 wedding day essentials we will NEVER leave home without! When it comes to photographing weddings, being prepared is key—not just with the right camera gear and settings, but also with personal items that help us stay comfortable and agile throughout the day. Over the years, we've honed our list of wedding day essentials that keep us going from the early morning preparations to the final dance. Here are a few favorites that we never head to a wedding without.

First and foremost, a good spill-proof cup is crucial. Wedding days can be long, and staying hydrated is a must. Having a reliable cup that won’t leak onto our gear and can keep a drink hot or cold for hours ensures we stay hydrated (or caffeinated) without any accidents. My go to is Brumate! I know the world is in a stately craze so don't stop reading because of this one! In my opinion they have the best size options, styles and ACTUALLY stay leak proof! (this was a long search for me and super important to my sanity)

Another indispensable item is Dillon's Black Rapid camera strap. Also a long journey to find perfection. Designed specifically to handle the weight of two cameras, this strap has been a game-changer for him. It distributes the weight evenly across the body, reducing strain on his neck and shoulders, and allows for quick and easy access to both cameras. This means he can move more freely and capture shots from various angles without the fatigue that typically comes with carrying heavy gear all day. He never wants to miss a moment so having a solid dual strap for him was key. I on the other hand would rather switch up a lens and carry one camera body, which brings us to my Camera strap.

The Kindly camera sling has revolutionized the way I carry my gear. It’s a bag and camera strap all in one, providing quick access to lenses, batteries, bobby pins and other essentials without the need for a bulky bag. It’s streamlined my gear, allowing me to move more freely and focus on capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments and making sure my brides hair is perfectly in place!

Dillon's Camera Backpack is another must have. While I like to only carry as little on me as possible it's great to have a bag close by that can hold any and everything else we may need. We like to pack a ton because you never know when you need a tide togo stick and there is no redo on that walk down the aisle. Ketchup from lunch is not invited to the stroll! I have a backpack of my own however Dillon's is big, durable and has so many more usable pockets!

Last but certainly not least.... For footwear, Rothy’s shoes have become my go-to. They offer the perfect blend of sleek style and comfort, which is essential when we’re on our feet for 10+ hours. Not only do they look professional, but they’re also incredibly comfortable and durable—perfect for navigating everything from grassy fields to dance floors. The fact that I can come home after trucking through those fields at sunset and throw them in the wash is key for me!

These items have become our wedding day non-negotiables, allowing us to perform at our best while staying comfortable and organized. Each one plays a crucial role in our ability to capture the beauty and emotion of the day, ensuring we can deliver the best possible results to our clients.

Elevate Your Photography with the Right Tools and Gear

Photography is an art form that combines technical skill, creativity, and the right tools to capture moments that tell stories, evoke emotions, and preserve memories. As photographers, we understand the importance of having not only the skills but also the right gear and software to bring our creative visions to life. Good photography gear allows for greater flexibility, ease of movement, and the ability to capture high-quality images in a variety of settings. Moreover, the advancement in photography software has revolutionized the way we edit, manage, and deliver our work, enhancing our productivity and creative expression.

In this section, we will dive into our favorite photography tools and gear, emphasizing how the right equipment can significantly improve your photography. We'll also explore essential software that has become integral to our workflow, including HoneyBook, Pixieset, Lightroom, Imagen AI, and Photo Mechanic. Plus, we're excited to share that we have discount codes and affiliate links for these tools, as we love to support fellow photographers by sharing what works best for us. Let's keep in mind as we go forward that this information and recommendations are solely based on our experience and we think has elevated our personal work and business. Photography is an art form and we are well aware that what we prefer may be different from the next.

The Benefits of Quality Photography Gear

Investing in quality photography gear is crucial for any photographer looking to elevate their work. High-quality cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment can drastically improve the sharpness, clarity, and overall quality of your photos. Most importantly (to us) having a variety of lenses, for example, gives you the versatility to shoot in different styles and situations, from wide landscapes to detailed macro shots.

Comfort and mobility are also significant factors. Gear that is easy to carry and adjust on the go can make a big difference in your ability to capture spontaneous moments and work for longer periods without fatigue. This is especially important for photographers who travel or often shoot on location.

The key factor to remember if you are a new photog or just thinking of which gear to grab next is, it's not the gear that makes the photo, it's the photographer. Gear is only a perk as you grow and depends on the session or event you are photographing! For example Dillon loves to pull out the 105mm macro at senior sessions as it creates AHH-MAZING bokeh but it was originally purchased as a detail lens for our weddings and was never "needed" as a portrait lens. It's all about mastering the gear you have and upgrading IF and when you wish to!

Essential Photography Software

Now for the oh do fun behind the scenes list. This is where photogs (or just me?) struggle. We are all creatives learning how to make our passions the business that supports out life. Most people only see the pretty photos but we know the real story of all the things that go into each and every frame, don't we? There are so many amazing softwares out there, these are the ones we can't live without!

HONEYBOOK

If asked what the one thing I could never live without above all else, this would be it! HoneyBook is a client management tool designed to streamline your photography business. From inquiries to invoices, it helps you manage all aspects of your client interactions. Im talking about start to finish if a client inquires, every part of their process is in honeybook, all in one place! This is the one thing I am happy I did from the very start of our journey! The benefit? More time focusing on your craft and less on administrative tasks.

PIXIESET

Pixieset offers elegant client gallery delivery, making it easy to share, sell, and deliver your work online. Its user-friendly interface enhances the client experience, showcasing your photos beautifully and professionally. Pixieset also links to several amazing print labs (which you can choose from) to give your clients the very best quality when printing their photos from home! and an amazing turn around time, delivered right to their door!

LIGHTROOM

Adobe Lightroom is a powerful photo editing software beloved by photographers for its extensive editing capabilities and intuitive design. Whether you're adjusting exposure, correcting colors, or applying presets, Lightroom provides the tools to enhance your photos efficiently. If you're a photog of any kind chances are you already know and love LrC!

IMAGEN AI

Imagen AI is an innovative tool that uses artificial intelligence to edit your photos based on your unique style. By learning from your editing preferences, it can apply similar adjustments to new photos, significantly speeding up your workflow. This is a system we have just started incorporating and are still learning. AI has its complications but with some human personal touches it helps to speed up our post processing time to get our client galleries delivered quicker but with the same great quality we always promise!

PHOTO MECHANIC

Photo Mechanic is a fast media browser that helps photographers manage, browse, and organize their digital images with ease. It's particularly useful for culling through thousands of images quickly to select the best shots. This is Dillon's zone! He is able to quickly and super easily choose which photos are of good quality and focus to send over to me to begin editing. This has also sped up the process and taken so much off of me personally, giving Dillon a simple but vital job to do!

CANVA

While not specifically designed for photographers, Canva is an invaluable tool for creating stylish guides and promotional materials. Its user-friendly design platform allows you to effortlessly craft visually appealing content to complement your photography business. We use Canva for all things design from our style guides, to business cards, to our promotional products and marketing ads, and even social media posts!

Why We Share What Works?

We believe in building a community where photographers support each other, sharing knowledge and resources to help everyone grow. That's why we're excited to offer discount codes and affiliate links for the tools and software we've mentioned. By sharing what has worked for us, we hope to help you find the tools that fit your needs, streamlining your workflow and enhancing your creative output.

Remember, while gear and software are essential, they are tools to aid your creativity. The heart of photography lies in your vision and the stories you wish to tell. Investing in the right tools can help you bring that vision to life more effectively and with greater ease.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your photography toolkit, we hope this guide inspires you to explore new tools and software that can elevate your photography journey. Happy shooting!

**If you decide to use any of the links above and buy through them, we may receive a small commission back. All of those affiliate income commissions really add up over time and help generate revenue to help support our business.