What’s In My Camera Bag? The Gear I Use for Luxury Boudoir Photography

One thing I get asked all the time is:
“What camera gear do you use for your boudoir sessions?”

So I thought it would be fun to share what’s actually inside my photography bag (zip tie, messy bag and all!) and the equipment I use behind the scenes at Love My Body Portrait Studio.

From dreamy soft lighting to dramatic shadows and creamy background blur, every piece of gear I use helps create the luxurious, flattering look my clients love.

This post contains some of my favorite photography tools and accessories that I personally use during my boudoir sessions!

My Camera Bodies

Canon 5D Mark III Cameras

I shoot with TWO Canon 5D Mark III camera bodies because having backup gear is incredibly important during professional sessions.

These cameras have been absolute workhorses for me and create beautiful skin tones and gorgeous image quality, especially for boudoir photography.

I love them because they handle low light beautifully and produce that soft, rich look that works perfectly for intimate portraiture.

https://amzn.to/4tMd3Ga

My Favorite Boudoir Photography Lens

Canon EF 24–70mm f/2.8 Lens

If I could only keep one lens for boudoir photography, this would probably be it.

The Canon 24–70mm f/2.8 is incredibly versatile and sharp. I use it constantly throughout my sessions because it allows me to quickly change compositions without interrupting the flow of posing.

It’s perfect for:
• Full body images
• Bed setups
• Shower setups
• Wide environmental portraits
• Close-up details

This lens basically lives on my camera.

https://amzn.to/4dgkyQO

The Lens That Creates Dreamy Compression

Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8 Lens

This lens creates absolutely stunning compression and creamy background blur.

I especially love using it for:
• Close-up beauty portraits
• Moody boudoir images
• Compression shots
• Outdoor boudoir sessions
• Emotional candid moments

There’s just something magical about the way this lens flatters the body and softens backgrounds.

https://amzn.to/4wH9FPK

My Studio Lighting Setup

Lighting is EVERYTHING in boudoir photography.

The right lighting can completely transform the mood of an image and help clients look and feel their absolute best.

Einstein Strobes

I use Einstein strobes in the studio because they provide beautiful, consistent light with incredible control.

These lights allow me to create:
• Soft glowing portraits
• Dark and moody lighting
• High contrast dramatic images
• Bright editorial-style boudoir

They’ve been incredibly reliable over the years.

https://amzn.to/43dPbAn

Einstein Triggers & Receivers

Reliable triggers and receivers make sessions run smoothly and keep my lighting firing consistently throughout the shoot.

Not glamorous… but absolutely essential. I couldn't find them separately so here's a whole kit. 

https://amzn.to/4tGICkA

My Favorite Light Modifiers 

86 Inch PLM

My 86 inch PLM is one of my FAVORITE lighting tools for boudoir photography.

A PLM is a parabolic light modifier, or in simpler terms, the umbrella that goes on the strobe that helps control where the light is going and what it is doing. 

It creates incredibly soft, wrapping light that flatters skin beautifully and gives images that luxurious glow clients love.

Perfect for:
• Soft feminine portraits
• Bridal boudoir
• Maternity boudoir
• Beauty shots

https://amzn.to/4u1Mo8F

PLMs with Grids

When I want more dramatic lighting and controlled shadows, I use PLMs with grids.

These are amazing for:
• Moody boudoir
• Masculine portraits
• Editorial lighting
• Highlighting body shape and curves

They allow me to shape light much more precisely.

https://amzn.to/4u1Mo8F

The Little Things That Save Every Session

SD Cards

Photographers can NEVER have enough SD cards.

I always carry extras because the last thing I want during a boudoir session is a storage issue.

https://amzn.to/4dglvsm

My favorite SD card holder: https://amzn.to/4ePylPt

Camera Batteries

Extra batteries are essential for long session days and back-to-back shoots.

I always keep charged backups in my bag.

I HIGHLY recommend Canon original batteries. The knockoff ones do not last nearly as long and they don't hold a charge. 

https://amzn.to/4uksvdC

Charger I use: https://amzn.to/4wDxbwG

Light Stands

Reliable light stands help protect expensive lighting equipment and keep sessions safe and professional.

I use inexpensive ones. They work for me. I just put sandbags on the bottom to weight them down so they don't tip over easily. 

https://amzn.to/4duptwf

Backdrop Stands

Backdrop stands are essential in my studio for creating clean, versatile setups throughout a boudoir session.

I frequently switch backgrounds and setups during shoots, so durable stands make a huge difference.

https://amzn.to/4duptwf

My Photography Bag

One of the MOST important pieces of gear I own isn’t actually a camera or a lens… it’s my camera bag.

As a boudoir photographer, I’m constantly carrying heavy equipment between different studio setups, outdoor locations, hotels, Airbnbs, and client sessions, so having a durable, organized bag is essential.

I personally love using a bag that:
• Protects expensive camera gear
• Has customizable compartments
• Is lightweight and is a backpack (I have enough weight upfront to counter that)
• Has room for lighting accessories and batteries
• Is comfortable enough for long shoot days

My bag is basically my mobile studio.

Inside my camera bag, I typically carry:
• Two Canon 5D Mark III camera bodies
• Canon 24–70mm f/2.8 lens
• Canon 70–200mm f/2.8 lens
• Extra batteries
• SD cards
• Einstein triggers and receivers
• Charging accessories
• Small emergency kit items for sessions
• Cleaning cloths and lens accessories

A good photography bag makes SUCH a difference when you’re trying to stay organized and move quickly during sessions.

https://amzn.to/3Rgi7oJ

Why Professional Photography Gear Matters

While gear definitely doesn’t make the photographer, reliable equipment allows me to fully focus on my clients and create a luxury experience from start to finish.

When someone books a boudoir session, they’re often stepping outside of their comfort zone and trusting me with a very vulnerable experience.

Having dependable gear helps me create beautiful, flattering images consistently while allowing clients to relax and enjoy the process.

Some of the links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a tiny commission if you purchase through them. However, I only recommend products I personally use and love!

Final Thoughts

These are the tools that help me create the gorgeous, confidence-boosting images you see throughout my portfolio.

And honestly? I genuinely love sharing the behind-the-scenes side of photography because so much thought goes into creating those final polished images.

If you’re interested in booking a luxury boudoir experience in the Atlanta or Suwanee, Georgia area, I’d absolutely love to chat with you.

View my boudoir portfolio here:
Love My Body Portrait Studio