I’ll always be a photojournalist at heart. I started my career shooting for small town newspapers — back in the days of film! — and a whole lot of concert photography. That sort of assignment-based work taught me to be scrappy and efficient in all sorts of lighting conditions, capturing a wide range of subject matter. I’m so grateful I can continue to tell stories through photography as a lifestyle and branding photographer in Seattle.

Here are a few of my favorite tools on a shoot:

A reflector and white foam core: to make that light bounce!

AlienBees B800 flash unit: cheap and portable studio lighting.

Birdy the yorkie (@birdy_the_yorkie): the world’s sweetest photo assistant.

My Canon 5D Mark IV. My second body is a Canon 5D Mark III.

My go-to lens is the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II; its range is perfect for most circumstances.

Canon 50mm f/1.4: everyone needs a nifty fifty and this is always sharp.

Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro: for close up work.

Speedlights: I love these cheap Neewer flashes. A few of these can quickly light up even a large space.

MagMod’s MagBounce is the best flash modifier I’ve used. It’s outstanding at making the most of an on-camera flash.

Business cards because a girl’s gotta hustle. Gum because coffee.

A lens pen to keep things clean.

The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 is light enough to take everywhere.

Hold Fast’s Money Maker in red American Bison leather: game changer! When I’m shooting with both bodies, this moves the pressure off my neck and shoulders.

erinlodiphotography.com

Inside Erin’s camera bag: