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What’s In My Bag: The Gear That Powers Christa Schiessl Photo Co.
- christaschiesslpho
- Mar 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 20
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If you’re a newer photographer looking to go full-time, or even if you’re just starting to build your "dream kit," you know the struggle. You’re balancing the desire for the best glass with the reality of a budget—and let’s be honest, the "gear envy" on Instagram is real!
When I started Christa Schiessl Photo Co. (aka Christa Schiessl Photography LLC), I learned quickly that while the gear doesn’t make the photographer, having reliable, high-performing tools makes my job as a wedding photographer so much easier. Today, I’m opening up my bag to show you exactly what I use to capture those bright, joyful moments in Lincoln and Omaha (and what’s currently on my "dream" wishlist!).
The Camera Body: The Canon R6 Mark I & Mark II
I am a Canon girly through and through. My current workhorse is the Canon R6 Mark II. The eyetracking focus on this thing is a total game-changer, especially during those high-movement moments like the first dance or when I’m having my couples play tag during their engagement session. I can almost ensure that every click, I have my subject in focus! The R6 also handles low light like a dream, which is essential for those dark Nebraska reception venues. Plus, if you're potenitally looking to get into video, or have video as an add-on, the R6 Mark II is just as comparable as Sony! I know Sony was the industry leader when it came to video not too long ago, and the Canon R6 Mark II is neck-in-neck in my opinion. I love it that the Canon R6 Mark II does not have the pesky time restriction on filming a static video like the R6 Mark I does, which is capped at 30 minutes of record time at 24 fps.
The Glass: My Lens Lineup
If I could give one piece of advice to newer photographers, it’s this: Invest in your glass. * The Versatile Workhorse: The RF 24-70mm f/2.8 is almost always on my camera. It’s wide enough for those grand Capitol architecture shots but tight enough for beautiful portraits.
The Compression King: When I want that creamy, blurry background (bokeh!) or I need to stay out of the way during a ceremony, I reach for the RF 70-200mm f/2.8.
The Dream Lens: Okay, if we’re talking dreams, the RF 28-70mm f/2.0 is at the top of my list. It’s basically a bag full of prime lenses in one body. I don't have it yet, but it’s the goal!
Lighting: Staying Prepared for Anything
Wedding photography is 10% posing and 90% problem-solving, especially when it comes to lighting. My current lighting kit consists of two Godox V860 II units and a Godox XPRO trigger that I pull out from time to time to really dial in the mood of a reception.
The "Yikes!" Moment: When Gear Fails Mid-Toast
I’m a big believer in being prepared for anything, and recently, that belief was put to the test. I had a camera body flash mount break mid-toasts. YIKES is right! There was literally no physical damage or "drop" that caused it; it just finally gave out from the usual wear and tear of shooting 30+ weddings a year.
This is why I preach the importance of backups. Thankfully, I had not one, but two camera bodies and two flashes ready to go. Because I had my systems in place, I was able to:
Quickly troubleshoot: I tried both flashes on the first body to see if it was a flash issue.
Determine the fail point: I realized within seconds that the mount on the camera body itself was the culprit.
Switch & Keep Shooting: I grabbed my backup body, slid the flash on, and didn't miss a single beat of the toasts.
Talk about the "joys" of the job! But honestly? That moment of panic was minimized because I didn't just have the gear—I had the redundancy. If you’re looking to go full-time, your backup kit isn't just "nice to have," it's your insurance policy for your couple's once-in-a-lifetime moments.
The Next Step: My Lighting Upgrade
Because of that "damaged in action" mount, I’m actually looking at my next flash upgrade. The Godox V1 is at the top of my list. The round head provides a much softer, more natural light fall-off that mimics the sun better than a traditional rectangular flash head. Plus, the recycle time is incredible—which is exactly what you need when you're firing off shots during a fast-paced reception.
Pro-Tip for Newbies: Always, always carry a backup body. It doesn't have to be the newest model, but it has to work. And please, get rechargeable flash batteries. They are an absolute must for fast recycle times and consistent power!
Carrying & Traveling: Protect Your Investment
As a wedding photographer, I’m on my feet for 8+ hours a day. I currently use a Rose Anvil dual harness, but I’ve been eyeing the Spider Holster to take some of that weight off my shoulders and put it on my hips. We shall see though! I truly only carry around the dual harness during the ceremony these days, but always ensure my gear is close by me in case I need to reach for my gear quickly.
And because we do travel for weddings, my Pelican Carry-On Case is my favorite piece of "boring" gear. It’s hard-shelled, virtually indestructible, and—most importantly—it fits perfectly in the overhead compartment when flying. I never, ever check my gear, and this case gives me total peace of mind.
The Secret to Consistent BTS: The Magnetic Phone Mount
If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know I’m a huge believer in capturing Behind The Scenes (BTS) content. It’s the best way to show your personality and your process to future couples! But let’s be real: trying to hold a camera and a phone at the same time is a recipe for disaster.
I’ve used plenty of hot shoe phone mounts in the past, and I’ll be honest—I didn’t love them. I can’t tell you how many times my phone has fallen out mid-session because the grip just wasn't strong enough or I did not properly secure my phone in the mount. That’s why I’m upgrading to this Magnetic Cold Shoe Phone Mount.
Having a magnetic mount is an absolute must! It allows you to snap your phone on and off in a second, and the hold is significantly more secure than those old-school spring clamps. If you want to grow your social media presence without missing a beat during your sessions, this is the $20 investment that will save your sanity (and your phone!).
Final Thoughts for Inspiring Photographers
Building a professional kit takes time. Don’t feel like you need the "dream lens" on day one. Start with a solid body and a versatile zoom, and grow as your business grows. Then build out back ups. Multiple camera bodies, lenses, and flashes is a must if you're a professional. I do not recommend taking on paying wedding clients until you have backup gear, unless it's very clearly disclosed ahead of time that you are an amateur and the possibility of something going wrong could happen.
Are you a photographer looking for more behind-the-scenes tips on going full-time? I’m currently building out resources just for you! Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know when my mentoring sessions launch.
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