Birth Photography Tip #2 – What’s In My Bag

Look at me, week two and the second birth photographer tip! This isn’t so much of a tip but a question I get asked a lot- what type of camera do I use to shoot births. Here is a run down of what photography gear I bring with me to every birth. I shoot Canon and Sony, if you love Nikon and Fuji, we can still be friends. I think all the different cameras have advantages and disadvantages, it is all about what works best for you. I happened to learn photography on a Canon Rebel and when I switched to digital it is what the what I knew.  (The links are affiliate links with Amazon, I will get a small percentage if you decide to purchase any of the items via the links below.)

Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame CMOS with 1080p Full-HD Video Mode Digital SLR Camera (Body)– This is my main camera body. It is a full-frame camera that is my work horse. Canon has come out with a newer version the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body, but that means the 5D MII is now about $2300. This camera has dual card slots, which to me is a must for birth photography. If one card gets corrupted, which I have had happen, you have the second card ready to go! Think of it as a little bit of insurance.

Canon EOS 6D 20.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only) – Wi-Fi Enabled – Wait a minute, didn’t you just type that you use a Canon 5D MIII??? Yes, I always bring two cameras (sometimes three) with me to every birth I go to. If I am shooting video I use my 6D so I don’t have to constantly change my settings, but more importantly, it is there in case something malfunctions with my main camera. Shit happens. You don’t know when it will happen but it is mostly likely going to happen as mom is about to birth her baby. The downside to this particular camera is that it doesn’t have dual card slots.

Sigma 35mm F1.4 ART DG HSM Lens for Canon – I love this lens. Once I micro-calibrated it for my camera it is super sharp and fast. When I am shoot video, this is the lens I use.

Tamron 24-70mm F/2.8 G2 Di VC USD SP Zoom Lens (for Canon Cameras) – For those that love the zoom! This is nice when you want to get nice close shots but you are positioned somewhere in the room that doesn’t allow it, of for when you want to give the family more space.

Camera Batteries – Lots and lots of camera batteries and chargers STK LP-E6 Battery for Canon

SD Cards – I have a wide variety but I always try and get the ones that write the quickest. I usually have about 6 with me. SanDisk Extreme Pro 64GB SDXC UHS-I Memory Card (SDSDXXG-064G-GN4IN)

YONGNUO YN560 IV Wireless Flash Speedlite  – I love natural light but sometimes births are so dark it is impossible to take a picture. I love that this flash is inexpensive, and has focus assist beams. It shoots out a red grid that allow the camera to focus in very dark conditions. It isn’t as nice as my Canon flash was, but that broke and cost 5 times as much.

TAKSTAR SGC-598 Interview Microphone for Nikon/Canon Camera/DV Camcorder – This is an easy-to-use microphone that greatly improves the sound quality on your video clips.

Manfrotto Xpro Aluminum Video Monopod With 500 Series Video Head, Black (MVMXPRO500US) – If you want nice smooth video clips, get one of these. Cameras get heavy quickly and if you are filming a birth for 12 hours you are going either have the most killer arm muscles around, or be grateful you put this bad boy in your cart.

Panasonic Eneloop Pro Individual Cell Battery Charger with 4 AA Ni-MH Rechargeable Batteries – I love these batteries so much. They hold a charge while they are sitting in my bag and have always worked great for me. I have both the regular white ones and the black “pro” version.

Altura Photo Professional Cleaning Kit for DSLR Cameras and Sensors Bundle with APS-C Sensor Cleaning Swabs and Carry Case – Keep your camera and lens clean!

Sony Alpha a6300 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Lens – Okay, I don’t use this camera at every birth but it is there for safety. What if something went really, really, catastrophic with my other two cameras I would pull this little bad boy out and carry on. Plus, at really long births it is fun to play with and shoot 4K video.

Lowepro Pro Runner BP 450 AW II DSLR Camera Backpack Case (Black) – A backpack to put it all in. This bag doesn’t have the rollers but it is rugged and has served me well these past 8 years.

Sometimes I will throw in a different lens or two (macro, lensbaby, 50mm), but they aren’t the staples.

I know it can look intimidating seeing the expenses add up, but remember I slowly built this gear up when I learned what I needed and what worked best for me. Don’t be afraid to rent equipment and give it a try before making a big purchase.