HealthyHappyLife.com

  • recipes
  • cookbooks
  • about
  • subscribe
  • mom life
  • travel
  • blogging
  • videos
  • free gift!
  • shop
menu icon
go to homepage
  • recipes
  • cookbooks
  • about
  • subscribe
  • mom life
  • travel
  • blogging
  • videos
  • free gift!
  • shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • recipes
  • cookbooks
  • about
  • subscribe
  • mom life
  • travel
  • blogging
  • videos
  • free gift!
  • shop
×
  • Simple Vegan Cacio e Pepe Pasta - One-Pot Meal
  • Summer Dress Try-On: My Favorite Twirl-Tested, Celebration-Worthy Picks
  • Face: What Our Skincare Routines Say About Modern Motherhood
  • Still Obsessed: My Rothy’s Code + Review (2025)
  • My Pandemic Baby Is Graduating Preschool
  • 5 Comfy-Cute, One Piece Swimsuits - Long Torso Edit
  • Spring Fling: Best Garden & Outdoor Finds for Your Home & Kids
  • Plant-Based Protein Sources: The Ultimate Guide // Back to Basics Series
  • Overthinking Won't Save You — But This Might
  • Creative Mom Working From Home: Glitter, Chaos, & On-Brand Post-its
  • The Ultimate Copenhagen with Kids Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & Play
  • Back to Basics: The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Egg Replacers
Home » blogging

In My Camera Bag

by Kathy Patalsky · updated: May 5, 2020 · published: Jul 23, 2019 · About 4 minutes to read this article. Leave a Comment

Photography is one hobby or profession where the tools and gadgets that you use make a huge difference. That disposable camera from the drug store simply cannot produce the quality of a DSL camera with a top quality lens. And the other thing about photography gear - it's expensive! So knowing what to buy is very important. Here are the photography tools + camera gear I use for my blog and for capturing travel and even everyday life..

Here's a peek inside my camera bag

Camera Body

My Camera Body: Canon 6D. About five years ago I upgraded from the Canon EOS 7D to the 6D and I have been very happy.

I am hoping to upgrade to a Mark IV at some point. The main thing that bother me about my 6D is that it doesn't autofocus for video. But if you are not shooting video, it doesn't matter.

Camera Lenses:

* The one that I use most often for food photography: Canon Macro EF 100mm 2.8 L - fixed

I loooove this lens for food photos. It is so versatile because I can get far away shots as well as close up "dreamy" shots that make you feel like the food is right in front of you. For food photographers, this is my number one lens pick that's a must-have for your photo bag!

* My fave all around lens: Canon EF 50mm 1.2 L - fixed

I am in love with this baby. It is so dreamy, like a warm summer breeze. Or a fresh layer of snow on a hillside, dotted with pine trees. Too much? Sorry. But yeah, I love this lens. If I could only have one lens on my camera - ever - I would choose this lens. It takes the most amazing 'true to life' and portrait style photos. I love it when I travel. I shot all my photos in Switzerland Florence Italy London and Ireland with this lens.

This lens DOES take gorgeous food photos, but you don't get those up close macro shots with it so you have to keep that in mind. This lens captures color, texture and LIGHT beautifully.

* For dreamy landscape shots: Canon 16-35mm EF 1:4 L

This camera was purchased specifically for our recent trip to Kauai Hawaii. I really wanted a zoom lens and also one that is a wide angle zoom to get in gorgeous landscape shots. I love this lens for dramatic landscapes. It really picks up the scenery beautiful with crisp shots and gorgeous colors. However, I do not really like this lens for shots with people. Only because if the person is on the edge of the shot and you are zoomed out at all, it will distort their body a bit. This lens can distort the images. But in a GOOD way for landscapes.

But wait, these are so expensive!.. And yes, my lenses are more expensive because I like to buy the EF quality. If I am charging a client for a project, I like to make sure I have professional quality lenses.

But you can absolutely go with something less expensive if you are just getting started with photography. There are a bunch of reviews out there for lenses under $500 that are amazing.

camera kathy in london

A note about fixed vs. zoom.

For crisp shots, I really adore fixed lenses. They certainly do not give you the flexibility of a zoom lens, but I just find that they perform so well. That is why I love my two main lenses - both fixed!! I have owned a few zoom lenses for food photography in the past and just didn't like them as much.

I hope this helps you on your food photography journey!!

Photo examples:

1.2L 50mm Lens: - Switzerland, Thun
1.2L 50mm Lens: - Lucerne, Switzerland
1.2L 50mm Lens - Northern IReland
1.2L 50mm Lens - Northern Ireland
marco lens 100mm
4L 16-35mm wide angle lens in Kauai

My Camera Wishlist:

I would love to try out the Canon 85mm fixed lens at some point, I bet it is amazing - similar to the 50mm.

*disclosure: this page contains Amazon affiliate links

More blogging

  • The Problem with the Term "Stay at Home Mom" - And My Own Complicated Feelings
  • Motherhood Work-Life Balance Update Summer 2024
  • 10 Back to Work Tips for Moms
  • kathy patalsky blogging computer
    11 Tips for Working From Home

About Kathy Patalsky

Hey there! I'm Kathy, lover of kitty cats, weekend baking, 90's movies, travel, beach fog and foamy lattes. Since 2007, I have been sharing my vegan recipes and photos. My goal is to make your cooking life a little easier, delicious - and plant-loaded - while sharing some LIFE and conversation along the way.

Hi, I'm Kathy! I'm so glad you are here! I've been sharing my vegan life and recipes here on the blog since 2007...

More about me →

my cookbooks
my books

Latest Posts

  • kathy patalsky hbd 44 joy
    I Bought Myself a Cameo for My Birthday - And No, I Haven't Watched it Yet
  • Easy English Muffin Pizzas for Kids (Vegan & Kid-Approved!)
  • 44. birthday post.
  • 7 Foods for Lung Health During Wildfire Pollution

Trending

  • All Posts
  • appetizer
  • Mom Life
  • recipes
  • personal
  • dessert
  • holiday
  • Smoothies
  • snacks
  • kid recipes
  • kid crafts
  • salad
  • Sandwiches
  • entree
  • 101 Things I Love. Happiness Reflection.
  • 5-Minute Skillet Chickpeas
  • Vegan Dining at Disneyland - 2023 - Complete List!
  • 7 Tips for Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
  • avocado toast with mushrooms
    Mushroom Avocado Toast
  • peanut butter chickpeas
    Easy Peanut Butter Curry Chickpeas

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • about kathy
  • press
  • © 2024 polished dc, llc
  • Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions

Newsletter

  • sign up..
  • subscriber gift: vegan cheat sheets!

Contact

  • work with me

Goodies

  • shop
  • cookbooks
  • finding vegan
  • videos