What's In My Camera Bag
People often ask what camera I use or which lens I'd recommend, but the truth is that no single piece of equipment makes a great photograph.
Over the past fifteen years, I've photographed everything from breaking news and political protests to luxury hotels, wildlife, portraits, and remote landscapes across more than 52 countries. Along the way, my gear has changed considerably and also barely changed at all. Not because newer always means better, but because different assignments require different tools.
Everything on this page is equipment I personally own, regularly use, or genuinely recommend. Some items travel with me on every assignment, while others only come out for specific projects. Rather than chasing the latest release, I tend to invest in gear that's reliable, versatile, and built to last.
Whether you're just beginning your photography journey or looking to upgrade your own setup, I hope this guide helps you spend your money wisely.
Table of Contents
Cameras
Lenses
Camera Bags
Audio Equipment
Tripods & Support
Lighting
Filters
Memory Cards & Storage
Batteries & Power
Drone Equipment
Editing Equipment
Computer & Software
Travel Accessories
Frequently Asked Questions
Cameras
For me, the camera body is simply a tool. While it's easy to become caught up in specifications and endless comparisons, I've found that understanding light, composition, and storytelling matters far more than owning the newest camera on the market.
I primarily shoot on Canon equipment because it's the system I've trusted for years. I appreciate its color science, ergonomics, and reliability—especially when working long days in unpredictable environments.
Below are the camera bodies I currently use, who I think they're best suited for, and why they've earned a permanent place in my kit.
Products go here
Lenses
If I could give one piece of advice to new photographers, it would be this: invest in good lenses before buying a more expensive camera body.
A great lens can dramatically improve image quality and often stays in your kit for many years, even as camera bodies evolve. Every lens has its own strengths, and over time I've built a collection that allows me to photograph everything from intimate portraits to expansive landscapes and fast-moving news events.
These are the lenses I reach for most often and the situations where I think each one truly shines.
Products go here
Camera Bags
A good camera bag should protect your gear without making you dread carrying it.
Because my work ranges from journalism assignments and commercial shoots to international travel, I use different bags depending on where I'm going and what I'm photographing. Sometimes I need something discreet that blends into a crowd. Other times I need maximum organization or room for multiple camera bodies and lenses.
These are the bags I've relied on most over the years.
Products go here
Audio Equipment
Great visuals can only take a story so far.
As more of my work has shifted toward multimedia journalism and documentary filmmaking, high-quality audio has become just as important as photography. Interviews, ambient sound, and clear dialogue often determine whether a story feels immersive or amateur.
This section includes the microphones, recorders, and accessories I trust when capturing audio in the field.
Products go here
Tripods & Support
While I love working handheld, there are plenty of situations where stability makes all the difference.
Whether I'm filming interviews, photographing long exposures, or creating self-shot travel content, having dependable support equipment allows me to work more deliberately and consistently.
These are the tripods and accessories that have earned a permanent place in my kit.
Products go here
Lighting
Natural light will always be my favorite light.
That said, there are plenty of assignments where you simply can't control the conditions. Having compact, reliable lighting has saved countless shoots—whether photographing interiors, creating portraits, or filming after sunset.
I tend to favor lightweight equipment that's easy to travel with rather than large studio setups.
Products go here
Filters
Filters remain one of the simplest ways to improve images before they ever reach the editing stage.
From reducing reflections to slowing shutter speeds for landscapes, these are the filters I actually carry and the situations where I use each one.
Products go here
Memory Cards & Storage
Memory cards are probably the least exciting purchase you'll make as a photographer, but they're also among the most important.
I never compromise on reliability here. Losing images because of a failed memory card simply isn't worth the risk—especially when photographing assignments that can't be recreated.
Here's what I use for storage both in the field and at home.
Products go here
Batteries & Power
Few things are more stressful than watching your battery icon flash red halfway through an assignment.
Over time I've developed a simple system that helps me stay powered through long travel days, breaking news coverage, and multi-day shoots away from home.
These are the batteries, chargers, and power solutions I always carry.
Products go here
Drone Equipment
While I don't use aerial photography on every assignment, it can provide an entirely different perspective when used thoughtfully.
Rather than flying simply because I can, I see drone photography as another storytelling tool—one that can help reveal landscapes, patterns, and context that aren't visible from the ground.
Here's the drone equipment I currently use.
Products go here
Editing Equipment
The work doesn't end when I leave the field.
Editing is where thousands of photographs become a finished story. While software obviously plays an important role, having comfortable, color-accurate hardware makes long editing sessions significantly more enjoyable.
These are the tools that make up my editing workspace.
Products go here
Computer & Software
People often focus on cameras, but my computer probably sees more hours of use than any piece of equipment I own.
From editing RAW photographs and producing video to writing articles and managing thousands of image files, these are the programs and devices I rely on every day.
Products go here
Travel Accessories
Not everything in my camera bag is actually photography equipment.
Over years of traveling and reporting internationally, I've accumulated a handful of small accessories that make life significantly easier—from keeping gear organized to protecting equipment in unpredictable weather.
They're inexpensive compared to cameras and lenses, but many of them have become absolute essentials.
Products go here
Frequently Asked Questions
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Description text goes here
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Absolutely not.
The best camera is the one you actually bring with you. While professional equipment certainly offers advantages, creativity, patience, and an understanding of light will always matter more than owning the newest camera body.
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I generally replace gear only when it no longer meets the demands of my work or when a meaningful improvement justifies the investment. I'd much rather spend money traveling somewhere interesting to photograph than constantly buying new equipment.
Photography is one of those hobbies or professions where it's easy to believe that buying another piece of equipment will make your work better. I've certainly fallen into that trap myself.
Over time, though, I've realized that the most meaningful improvements have come from experience: traveling more, meeting new people, studying other photographers, and simply spending time making photographs.
The gear on this page has helped me document stories around the world, but it's only ever been a means to an end. If this guide helps you choose equipment with a little more confidence and leaves you with more time and money to get out and create, then it's done exactly what I hoped it would!
The Travel Essentials I Never Leave Home Without
After traveling to more than 50 countries across six continents, I've refined my packing list down to the items that genuinely make travel easier. This isn't a list of trendy gadgets or products I don't own. Rather, it's a curated collection of the luggage, photography gear, organization tools, clothing, and travel accessories that have earned a permanent place in my suitcase.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a month abroad, these are the products I personally recommend and regularly update as I discover better options.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use, have thoroughly researched, or would confidently purchase myself.
Luggage & Bags
Carry-on Suitcase
Best Overall: ___
Why I love it
I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.
Best for
✓ International travel
✓ Long flights
✓ Navigation
✓ Photography days
Also consider…
Best Budget: ___
I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.
Best Premium: ___
I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.
Checked Luggage
Best Overall: ___
Why I love it
I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.
Best for
✓ International travel
✓ Long flights
✓ Navigation
✓ Photography days
Also consider…
Best Budget: ___
I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.
Best Premium: ___
I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.
Personal Item (Backpack)
Best Overall: ___
Why I love it
I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.
Best for
✓ International travel
✓ Long flights
✓ Navigation
✓ Photography days
Also consider…
Best Budget: ___
I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.
Best Premium: ___
I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.
Compression Packing Cubes
Why I love it
I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.
Tech Essentials
Portable Charger
Best Overall: ___
Why I love it
I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.
Best for
✓ International travel
✓ Long flights
✓ Navigation
✓ Photography days
Also consider…
Universal adapter
AirTags
Charging cables
Multi-port charger
Toiletries
Toiletry bag
Refillable bottles
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Shampoo bars
Laundry sheets
Sunscreen
Flight Comfort
Eye mask
Earplugs
Neck pillow
Compression socks
Reusable water bottle
Snacks
Lip balm
Hand cream
Clothing
White sneakers
Sandals
Rain jacket
Travel pants
Merino layers
Hat
Photography Gear
Camera
Favorite lens
Tripod
Camera strap
Memory cards
SSD
Microphone
Cleaning kit
Safety
Passport holder
Travel insurance
RFID wallet (if you genuinely use one)
Door alarm
First aid kit
Medication organizer
Unexpected Favorites
Extension Cord
I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.
Foldable Duffel Bag
Best Overall: ___
Why I love it
I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.
Best for
✓ International travel
✓ Long flights
✓ Navigation
✓ Photography days
Also consider…
Best Budget: ___
I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.
Best Premium: ___
I've missed enough trains, flights, and long reporting days to know that a dead phone isn't just inconvenient—it's stressful. I always carry a high-capacity power bank that can recharge my phone several times before needing to be plugged in itself.
My Favorite Skincare, Haircare, & Beauty Products
Whether I'm packing for an international reporting trip, getting ready for a photoshoot, or simply going through my everyday routine at home, these are the beauty and hair products I reach for every time. I've spent years trying different products and this collection includes the ones that have genuinely earned a permanent place in my routine.
Rather than recommending everything I've ever tried, I've focused on the products I use everyday and would confidently purchase again and again. I'll continue updating this page whenever I discover something better, so feel free to bookmark it and check back periodically.
This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use, have thoroughly researched, or would recommend to a friend.
Skincare
Products that have helped simplify my routine while keeping my skin healthy and hydrated.
(Add your skincare recommendations here.)
Haircare
My favorite shampoos, conditioners, styling products, brushes, and treatments for keeping my hair healthy whether I'm at home or traveling.
(Add your haircare recommendations here.)
Makeup
The makeup products I consistently repurchase, from everyday essentials to products I rely on for professional shoots and travel.
(Add your makeup recommendations here.)
Body Care
Lotions, hand creams, sunscreen, lip balm, and other everyday favorites.
(Add your body care recommendations here.)
Beauty Tools
The tools I think are actually worth owning—from hair tools and brushes to skincare devices and travel organizers.
(Add your beauty tools here.)
Travel Beauty Essentials
When I'm living out of a carry-on, these are the products that always make the cut.
(Add your travel beauty essentials here.)
How I Choose Products
When I recommend something on this page, I'm looking for more than good marketing. Every product here meets one or more of these criteria:
I've used it consistently and would buy it again.
It performs noticeably better than similar products I've tried.
It travels well and fits easily into my routine.
I would confidently recommend it to a friend or family member.
If I stop using a product or find a better alternative, I'll update this page.
Emily Byrski
Emily is a multimedia journalist, photographer, and traveler who has explored more than 52 countries while documenting culture, climate, and everyday life. This Recommendations Library is a curated collection of products she personally uses, trusts, and recommends to help you travel smarter, create more, and find beauty in the everyday.