Are you a photographer tired of reading hundreds of contradicting reviews for your next investment? Wishing you had someone that has used the tools again and again before taking the leap? 

Every photographer's budget, needs, and preferences will be different, and there are tons of amazing options out there. I don't shoot with the fanciest gear on the market, but I make sure to invest in quality items that have served me for years and years of shooting.

So if you're looking for a simple setup that will carry you through any wedding or portrait session but not break the bank, let me save you hours of Googling and share the 10 essential items I use in my photography:

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body
This has been my go-to camera for over half a decade with its’ excellent performance and versatility. Great low light performance with high ISO capability, AI focus tracking, live view and touch screen features & more.

Canon 35mm f/1.4L II Lens
This lens is on my camera 90% of the time. With it's versatile focal length and quick autofocus, it's useful from landscapes to portraits and everything in between.

Canon 50mm f/1.2L Lens
This lens is my favorite for portraits, with its more intimate focal length and wide aperture for beautiful bokeh.

Canon 85mm f1.2L II Lens
This lens is crucial for weddings when I need closer shots of the vows, first dance, and toasts.

64GB Memory Cards
The professional choice for photo and video, with speeds of up to 120MB/s and write speeds of up to 85MB/s.

Flash
This affordable external speedlite has been my favorite for receptions and creative shoots for years.

Canon Battery Charger 
Even when you’re showing up fully charged, always keep a charger in your bag for backup.

5-in-1 Memory Card Reader
Plug your memory cards into any device with this versatile reader. It's compact and has fast write speeds.

Kamrette Lyra Backpack
Cute, compact, and functional, this camera backpack fits everything I need for a shoot (two bodies, three lenses, flash, harness, external hard drive, laptop & extras). It's high quality, water resistant, and still looks brand new after years of use.

Dual Camera Harness
This dual leather harness is the best I've used. Comfortable, ergonomic, doesn't pinch your clothes or hair, and is so helpful when shooting with two cameras. 

With this foundation of must-haves, you’ll have a professional setup to get you through any shoot. For more of my gear recommendations, click here to see my full list of favorites on Amazon.