my toolkit: camera, software & accessories
As someone who doesn't geek out over equipment, I used to cringe when other photographers asked about the gear I use.
SABI started as my creative outlet - a blog where I styled tablescapes and recreated Pinterest recipes using my iPhone and a grain filter. It wasn't until a home design store approached me to style and shoot their products that I taught myself how to use a camera.
'It's not what you use, it's how you use it' has been my mantra for over four years now. However, I would've loved to have got straight to the nitty-gritty when I started because being a photographer there are tools out there that have made my job so much easier! Keep reading to find out what tools I use to create beautiful work for clients.
My Toolkit
Camera & Lighting:
+ Canon EOS m50 Mark II with my nifty 50mm lens has been the epitome of "‘it’s not what you use, it’s how you use it’.
+ For on-location shoots or low-light situations, a rented Canon EOS R6 with a 24-70mm lens is my go-to.
+ I’m mainly a natural light shooter but when required I use Godox SL60w continuous lights.
Editing:
Sam 4 years ago used Facetune to remove dust from the backgrounds (cringe!). I very quickly graduated to Photoshop and Lightroom and now use them for every project.
Tech:
2021 Macbook Pro… she is a beast. Heavy and not as slim as an air but how did I not have a mac all these years? Converted.
Subscriptions:
+ Canva: Essential for conceptualising and planning all my social media client work.
+ Dropbox: Once used for delivering galleries, it now functions as a content library bank for my social media clients.
+ Pixieset: Elevates my clients' experience with beautiful galleries.
+ MilaNote: An amazing website and app for goal setting, weekly to-do lists, brand strategy, and mood boarding.
+ Dubsado: A game-changer for sending proposals, contracts, and invoices in one link.
Storage:
+ Taz and Tez SD card holder for aesthetics and practicality.
+ Lacie hard drive and other standard external hard drives.
Finances:
Hnry: I was a head-in-the-sand gal (bad I know!), trying to navigate MYOB then Xero in the first few years. It wasn’t until coming to Aus that I started using Hnry based on recommendations from friends. LIFESAVER. Also very visually easy to read.
Education:
+ Become A Brand Photographer by Amanda Campeanu
Absolute gold! For someone who has never worked in commercial photography and is completely self taught. This course gave me not only the fundamentals of camera settings and editing tools but the business things I was questioning such as pricing, contracts and workflows!
+ The Fundamentals of Interior Photography by The Palm Co
This was a great bonus course for interior specifics. Super quick, easy to understand and helped validate that I knew what I was doing and that I had the right tools.
Image Source: The Fundamentals of Interior Photography, The Palm Co
Bonus: Do you want to save money or receive freebies?
+ Dubsado: Use code "sabi2024" for 20% off your first month or year.
+ Pixiset: Click this link for a bonus 250MB (you’ll need it!)
+ Hnry: Click this link for $25 free credit.
+ Become A Brand Photographer course: Click this link to save 10% off the full price
Wish list
As both a planner and a dreamer, here's what's on my toolkit wish list too! (This is the unaesthetic part of the blog post - minus the camera bag)
