Everything I Pack for a Full Day Shoot (+ Amazon Links!)
Whether I’m heading off to a 12 hour wedding, an all day soul session retreat, or back-to-back family shoots in the wild countryside, packing right is everything. There’s nothing worse than running out of memory mid moment or getting caught in the rain with no backup plan. So here it is, everything I take with me for a full-day photography shoot, based on doing this in real, messy, beautiful conditions.
This isn’t just for photographers either. If you’re a client prepping for a session or just curious what goes on behind the scenes — welcome in. Let’s dive into the gear, the backups, and the odd little lifesavers that make a big difference.
My Camera Gear: The Core of the Kit
I shoot mainly with my Canon R6 Mark II, and always carry a backup body (my old, trusty Canon EOS 700D) — because tech is amazing… until it isn’t.
What’s in my camera bag:
Main camera body: Canon R6 Mark II Body
Favourite prime lenses: 35mm and 50mm for storytelling, 85mm for dreamy portraits
Zoom lens for versatility: (especially useful for families, weddings and wild children) Canon RF 28-70 mm F2 L USM Lens
Plenty of SD cards – I carry a mixture of sizes: I trust both Sandisk and Lexar Pro
Extra batteries (and charger) – you’ll never catch me without at least 3 fully charged spares
Lens wipes + blower brush – British weather + toddlers = smudges galore
My Go To Accessories That Save My Sanity
Some of these are unglamorous but game changing items are:
Dual camera harness or strap – This saves my back and lets me switch between cameras quickly. I have the LOULEX double-strap in brown, but there is THIS cheaper alternative.
A Smaller Bag for ‘Bits’ - This LOULEX fanny pack fits perfectly over and between my dual camera harness during long days. It can pack in quite a good amount of necessities, like protein bars, dextrose tablets for that fast sugar hit, small drinks, microfibre cloths for drying off the drizzles, car keys, your mobile phone and more! Even a lens or 2.
Weather protection – Rain sleeves for gear, and an actual raincoat for me.
The Comfort Kit (For Me!)
Long days mean thinking ahead. Here’s what helps me stay human from start to finish.
Supportive shoes – I swear by Dr. Martens ANYTHING for keeping my feet happy
Comfortable, professional clothes – Layers are key for UK weather roulette
Snacks – Protein bars, nuts, and an emergency stash of Haribo or Dextrose Lozenges.
Insulated water bottle – Always
Painkillers and Plasters!
The Client-Ready Bits
Blanket or wrap – for soul sessions in the woods or windy clifftop shoots
Portable speaker – Music helps ease nerves and brings great energy
Tissues – For emotional moments or muddy knees
Spare hair grips and bobbles – You’d be surprised how often this comes in handy
Optional But Sometimes Brilliant:
Mini first aid kit – Plasters, antiseptic wipes, antihistamines — better safe than sorry
Power bank – For my phone and occasionally clients needing a charge
Pack Like You Mean It
Everything goes into my trusty LOULEX 2.0 in Brown — big enough to hold all the gear, and then my small but mighty LOULEX Fanny Pack which is comfortable and lightweight enough to wear all day.
Final Thoughts
Every shoot is different, and I tailor what I bring depending on the location, type of session, and weather forecast. But this list is the foundation that helps me show up prepared, not just technically, but emotionally too. Because when I’m not worrying about batteries or snacks or blood sugar drops, I can be fully present with you, capturing the real stuff.
Looking for gear recommendations?
I’ve linked some of my most-used items to Amazon above, which are affiliate links and if you purchase will pay me a tiny commission, and some that aren’t Amazon, but are what I use, and don’t give me commission — feel free to explore if you’re building your kit or prepping for a shoot of your own. These are the things that help me stay ready, stay relaxed, and keep telling beautiful, honest stories.