I love photography! I truly believe it’s as much an art as it is about equipment, and I firmly believe that you don’t need the latest and most expensive gear to take beautiful pictures. Your artistic vision is the most important tool in your kit! But since many of you have asked, I’m happy to share my photography equipment, including my camera(s) and favorite lenses. I’ll also discuss the software, editing and photo presets that I use.
* This blog post may include affiliate links for which I may receive a small compensation. Learn more about my affiliate & cookies policy here. Thank you for supporting this flowery blog! 💛🌸🌿
Camera and Lenses
Primary camera – Most of the pictures on this website through 2022/2023 were taken with a Nikon D750 full frame DSLR camera. It delivers fantastic image quality and I love it so much. The newer model D780 has an improved auto-focusing and tracking and has great reviews. In 2023, we added a Sony A7 IV and a Sony A1 – both are full-frame mirrorless cameras that take great 4k videos.
Primary lens – My go-to lens for the Nikon DSLR is the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G lens. I prefer a prime lens (non-zoom) for most of my photos for the sharpness and the least distortion. It has excellent reliable performance and I love that it’s so small and lightweight. The majority of the photos on this website through 2022/2023 were taken with this lens.
So far, the lenses that I use the most with the Sony cameras are the Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM lens for landscape photography and the Sony 100-400 mm lens for birds and wildlife. Both are amazing lenses.
My favorite lens – My 50mm lens is my most used lens, but my favorite and most beloved lens is my Nikon 105mm Macro Lens. It’s so incredibly sharp with the most beautiful bokeh – every shot is perfection! It’s excellent for close-ups of flowers AND for portraits. If it weren’t so heavy, I’d use this lens all the time. This camera has been discontinued as of 2024 and can only be purchased used. However, there is an equivalent lens for their line of mirrorless cameras – the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S, which has great reviews.
Compact travel camera – My favorite compact travel camera is the Fuji X100V (I actually have an older version) which can easily fit in any tote bag. It has amazing image quality with a 23mm prime (fixed) lens. It has an APS-C sensor, which is larger than most other compact cameras, so it’s able to capture more details. I also love the classic camera look and the classic knob-style controls. You can see some of the pictures I took with this camera on my Purple Ice Plants of Monterey Peninsula post.
Tripods
Main tripod – My main tripod is the Manfrotto Aluminum Tripod with Horizontal Column and ballhead – It’s strong, stable and reliable (but somewhat heavy). I also love the horizontal arm for flat lays. Lately, I’ve been using the Sony cameras with a video head as I’ve become more interested in making videos!
Lightweight travel tripod – For travel, we use a lightweight carbon fiber tripod with an integrated ballhead and love it so far! It folds down very small and even fits inside my big Kanken backpack.
If you enjoy taking pictures of flowers as much as I do, you may be interested in my post on the Best Lenses for Flower Photography.
Photo & Video Accessories
Camera Hand Strap – I prefer a hand strap over a neck strap when using small to medium sized lenses. I have one from Peak Design and this one look similar.
Smartphone Gimbal for Video – I’ve been taking more videos lately and this small and lightweight gimbal from DJI is great for taking stable videos!
Camera Rain Cover – Important to have if your camera is not totally waterproof and you are traveling to a rainy destination! This one is very similar to mine, with an opening for the eyepiece so that your view is not impeded by plastic.
Remote Control Shutter Release – Essential for selfies and situations where you want to avoid camera shake, including flat-lays.
StudioFX 1000 Watt Softbox – This indoor light has five bulbs and is very bright and effective at reducing shadows for indoor photography. Plus, you can switch each bulb off and on as needed. I actually have the 800-watt version, which doesn’t seem to be available currently.
Camera Bag/Case
Kattee Waterproof Camera Insert Bag – This padded insert turns any backpack into a camera backpack! The large-sized version holds my DSLR and extra lens, which is all that I typically carry. I love the zipper and top handle and how sturdy it is. I prefer using this camera insert inside my Kanken backpack instead of a typical camera backpack, which is usually heavier and bigger than I need. I like to travel light, and I’m able to because my pack-mule husband Ken carries all the extra lens and accessories. (Thank you, Ken! 😘)
Hip pack – When I’m capturing video with my iPhone, I like to carry a hip pack instead of a backpack. I’ve tried several and this one is the best!
Software & Presets
Photo editing – I think that a combination of a full-frame camera and Adobe Lightroom are essential for photography. A full-frame camera captures an incredible amount of detail and Lightroom lets you bring out and edit those details to become the works of art that you envisioned. Lightroom is available with Photoshop as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan.
Lightroom Presets – For photo editing in Lightroom (both desktop and mobile), I’ve used Refined Presets for several years and love them! I do make modifications for each set of photos to achieve the look I want, but they’re a great base!
My YouTube Channel!
I’ve started a YouTube channel! If you love nature, flowers and gardens as much as I do, make sure to give me a follow there! 😊🌸🌿
Step Inside the Most Beautiful Spring Garden!
Featuring the best of Spring Flowers at Filoli over the past 2 years! Tulips, cherry blossoms, daffodils and much more!🌸
Thank You!
Thank you for stopping by my blog! I hope you found this post useful, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
Pansy ❤️
Hi, I’m Pansy!
Hello, thanks for stopping by! I’m Pansy, California-based travel blogger, photographer and lover of ALL the pretty flowers! You may notice that most of my travels, photography & DIY center around flowers and nature! 🌸🌼🌿
I recently started a YouTube channel where I feature beautiful gardens, parks & flower fields! Make sure to follow me there if you love flowers & gardens! 😊
If you’d like to contact me, please send me an email or DM me on Instagram!
Pansy ❤️
