Inside My Camera Bag | Lindy Clarbull

Hi. My name is Lindy Clarbull and I photograph maternity, newborn and families here in Wanaka, New Zealand. I have always been a creative person but my love for photography began three years ago when, after the birth of my youngest daughter, I had some newborn photos taken.

It was then I realised what kind of magic a photographer can do and how beautiful photos can be.

I decided to sign up for an online course, and to be accepted into the course I had to buy my very first DSLR.
After a lot of research, I opted for Canon and have loved the brand ever since. I love the lenses, the colours they produce and how easy Canon is to use, so I have not seen a need to change brands at all.

Camera

I initially bought a crop frame camera (Canon EOS 80D) but I quickly upgraded to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. I have two children but my camera is called my ‘third baby’.

It has been on many travels and adventures with me and my family. I would love to try the new Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless (review) and my dream would be to add it to my gear.

Lenses

I have found that I prefer prime lenses and each lens gets used for different shoots.

My favourite lens is the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4. It’s my go-to portrait lens. I love to do photoshoots in the mountains and it compresses the background nicely.

If I am photographing a family (guide) with young children I like to use my Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 III. I get the same beautiful compression but it is so handy being able to use the zoom with children.

My hidden gem has to be the macro Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L. I bought it for macro photography of flowers initially, but it’s also the most wonderful portrait lens too. It’s extremely sharp and produces the best blur and bokeh.

I bought the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 initially for travelling. It is the perfect lens for capturing landscapes and architecture, and then zooming in for a family portrait in the streets of a cool little town somewhere.
I also didn’t want to be changing lenses as a tourist in a big city so I needed something that is more flexible. It stayed on my camera for most of my travels.

I now also use it to photograph newborns inside. Even though I prefer primes, I find this lens is just so useful on the camera.

Which brings me to my Canon EF 35mm f/1.4. I use this lens the least, though it is growing on me. It does always accompany me on photoshoots as it offers a different perspective for a gallery and is so divine in the golden hour. It is a beautifully sharp lens.

I like to get creative so I also own the Lensbaby 56mm f/1.6. It’s a manual focusing lens and so soft it is hard to get right, but when I do it’s beautiful. I don’t do portrait sessions with this lens but I have been thinking of taking a few at the very end of a photo session.

Lights/Triggers

I do love the beauty of natural light. I seek out locations for the light and the background. I look for rooms with beautiful light coming in for my portraits. However, light is not always consistent and I do use a Speedlite too. I have the Canon 600 EXII-RT.

On top is the MagMod MagSphere, I also use a Newer 5 in 1 Reflector. I use my Speedlite off camera so I have a Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT to enable that.

Bags/Straps

I use the Peak Design Slide Camera Strap. It’s so comfy, strong and a good length. All my kit lives in my Lowepro Pro Runner 450 AW II but when I go out and about I take my Lowepro Photo Hatchback 22L AW.

Tripods

I use a Manfrotto tripod but not for my maternity (guide), newborn or family photography. I use it for my hobby photography, such as long exposure, night photography or landscapes.

Hardware & Software

I use Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop 2020 to edit my photos. I don’t use Lightroom at all. I hand edit all my photos. I have thought about trying some presets just to see what they are like but I haven’t yet.

I also enjoy making my own textures to add in Photoshop. I love to try new and creative things so in my photography bag, in addition to spare SD cards and batteries, you will also see brass rings, and beads on wire for trying out creative effects.

I fell in love with photography totally and utterly, as it is a form of art to be as creative as you like. It’s not just clicking a button, it’s taking so many elements into consideration.

I love that there is always something to learn, new ways of editing, and so many different styles. I pretty much have the rest of the Canon lenses on my dream list as I want to try them all out. Maybe one day.

www.auroralanephotography.com | @auroralanephotographynz