My Gear

This list is no where near exhaustive but it’s a great list for anyone starting out in the photography space, or anyone looking to get a new staple. i also talk about tips on what to get refurbished/new and how to make sure you are getting good refurbished items if you do got that route. if you shop the links here i do get a small kickback so thank you if you do! outside of the camera and a lens the most expensive thing linked is $250 and theres quite a few under $50. Check it out! (This does contain affiliate links)

Items I get Refurbished

Things to be aware of when buying refurbished:

Look for shutter counts, the higher the shutter counts, the more wear on the camera.

Many places have different levels of refurbishment. there is often indiscernible differences between the highest level of refurbished and brand new.

Look for places with warranties, lots of shops offer a limited warranty for extra or sometimes the manufacture warranty will continue.

Buy from reputable stores, always check reviews. this is obviously a big investment you don’t want to risk it on a $3000 one.

C-stands last forever if they are a good brand, I usually pick mine up from FB marketplace. I haven't bought one new personally and you can't tell the difference. (that being said if you need one now I did link one from amazon, they are cheaper than b&h)

Canon 5d Mark IV Body

Compatible with any EF Lense

On Sale For 15% off

Canon 100mm Macro Refurbished

Compatible with the above body

Under $800

Items I get New

SD/CF Cards: This is the only thing I will say DO NOT get from Amazon. Get from a reputable camera store, I like 64GB because it's nice to have all the extra space if you forget your other cards. Also be mindful of write speeds, 200mb/s doesn't bother me but if you are doing sports or some other high velocity shooting, it might.
Card holder: I shudder when I think about the days I would shove a card in my pocket. Sis don't be doing that. it's $8.99. Save yourself a corrupted card. It has a carabiner so just strap it on your bag.
Spring clamps: Whether you are in studio or on location you are going to need to clamp and adjust something. Can never have enough IMO. These are also available at home depot in different sizes.
Reflector: Literally so cheap and I use it EVERYTIME I shoot. Was the first thing I bought when I became a photographer after a camera. It diffuses, and can reflect warm and cool, as well as absorb and bounce light. Cheapest on amazon, can also get at B&H/Pictureline.
Backdrop stand: Get a good backdrop stand. I just upgraded. It's worth investing if you work in the studio more than I'd say hmmm 3x a year? lol but for real it's a life upgrade when you get a good staple back drop stand if you consistently use one.
Tether Cord: Literally Ditto to what I just said about the backdrop. Listen I'm a bargain gal but there is no better cord than the tether pro ok? I KNOW it's expensive but its worth having a more reliable cord to transfer the award winning images you are shooting so they son't just get lost in the ether. Cheapest on amazon, can also get at B&H/Pictureline.
Gaff Tape: Great for pretty much everything, (Taping down cords, backdrops, holding props, keeping cords out of the way) and doesn't leave a residue. Cheapest on amazon, can also get at B&H/Pictureline.
Manfrotto Tripod stuff: If you only have the budget for one I would get the 3 way tripod head. It's so nice to be able to move your camera in so many different ways as well as have micro adjustments that you can make. In a pinch you can also mount a tripod head on a C-stand. The actual tripod legs I use are nice because they are sturdy, yet also relatively compact and light.