From professional shoots to solo adventures, these are the products I actually use and love. Here, you will find everything you will need to produce all sorts of content. No need to buy everything, but depending on your project, this is a good starting point to find what you need. Some of the links below lead to affiliate pages, but purchase wherever you find the best deal!
Programs and Apps
Adobe Creative Cloud
Just get it. Learn it. Love it! Premiere is my number one all time favorite creativity tool. Lightroom is great for photo editing. They all work together and most of my work is done with these programs. I smile and learn new things everytime!
Canva for Thumbnails, Stories, and other Quick Graphics
I am admittedly not a Photoshop wiz so I get a lot out of the easy drag and drop interface on Canva. There are lots of free, customizable templates. I’m a big fan!
Video Editing App
Easy to use editing app for when you need to make quick cuts on your phone!
MOBILE
THE BEST ON THE GO STAND EVER
NOT for use with heavy DSLR cameras but this stand is absolutely amazing for your lightweight cameras including your phone, GoPro, point + shoot, and 360 camera. This fits easily in my backpack or camera kit. I use this ALL THE TIME. I don’t trust the phone holder that comes with it, so I suggest the one on this list.
BEST PHONE HOLDER FOR TRIPODS
This really is the best phone holder I have used. I use this on the stand listed on this gear guide as well as regular tripods. I like that it easily flips from landscape to portrait.
CHEAP AND EASY REMOTE SHUTTER
I use this remote shutter ALL THE TIME! This is great for doing hands free Snapchat and IG stories. Also, you can use this to take selfies! SO much fun.
GET THIS ONE FIRST! MY FAVORITE MOBILE PHOTOGRAPHY LENSES
I LOVE THESE LENSES. My favorite and the one I use the most is the 18mm Wide Lens. I also have the 60mm and Macro lenses, which come in handy when the shot calls for it.
Moment Telephoto Lens
This telephoto lens is great for getting shots of things a little farther away without having to zoom in and degrade your photo quality.
Moment Macro Lens
Love to take photos of eyeballs and bugs? Well, you will after you get this lens! I didn’t think I would like this as much as I do but I creepily ask to take close up photos of my friends eyeballs with this lens more often than I should.
Sexy Phone Case for your Sexy Lenses
Moment Lenses come with a mount for your phone but with as expensive as they are, I really suggest getting the case that can mount them. Plus, it looks so dang sexy!
USE THIS FOR SEXY PANNING TIMELAPSES
This item works for regular lightweight cameras (point and shoot) and with the Joby Grip to hold your phone. It is basically an egg timer with a screw in it that can hold lightweight camera gear. You use this to create sexy panning time-lapses. YAASSSSSSSSSS
Giroptic IO 360 cam for Mobile
I love this 360 camera so much. It is portable and lightweight. Connects easily via their app. Quickly takes 360 photos and formats them in various sharable ways.
Camera
MY CURRENT MVP - Parrot Teleprompter
This teleprompter is a complete game changer. Put your script in the Parrot app, then with this item you can see your script and still look at the lens! Watch this video to see how it works.
Tripod with Pistol Grip (Heavy Duty)
I will NEVER go without a pistol grip head tripod again. When filming yourself, you want to have a quick option to adjust without having to turn too many knobs. This one is what I used to film any top down shots for unboxings and tutorials.
Pistol Grip Tripod (Light Weight)
I’ve had this pistol grip tripod for years. It is cheap but does the job! I take it on shoots to hold cameras if I am going to be standing by it. At home, I will use it for my main camera that isn’t going to move much.
GoPro Hero 7 - The First GoPro I could get behind
I have not been a fan of GoPro until this model. It fixes a lot of my complaints, has yummy 4k footage, and nice stabilization. It also has delicious connectivity with the app which had been an issue with previous models.
DJI Spark Fly More Combo
This is my adorable little drone. Her name is Robin Sparkles. She may be small but do not underestimate her power! Really fabulous picture quality. Invest the extra bit in the Fly More Combo. It is definitely worth it. And get the Lava Red color – to match your lipstick, obviously.
Canon T6i Creator Kit
The latest version of my very first DSLR. Highly worth the upgrades!
Canon G7X
This is my everyday walk around camera. The flip out screen makes it fabulous for vlogging and selfies. It connects to my phone via the Canon Camera Connect app. This is good for taking photos remotely (full body self portraits, group shots, etc) and for immediate transfer of images for editing/uploading.
Canon 80D
Crop sensor DSLR I use for work – event photos, sizzle reels, looking official so I can get past security. Great for filming yourself because it has a flip out screen and really amazing auto focus.
Canon 5D
Full sensor camera I have used for work. More robust and professional than the 80D, which in turn makes it more expensive.
Canon Portrait and Travel Two Lens Kit with 50mm f/1.8 and 10-18mm Lenses
This is actually a pretty solid deal if you are just getting started out with buying lenses. I’d start with this if you can!
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5
This is the lens I use MOST of the time. I got it because Casey Neistat was using this lens for a while. Very versatile.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8
I use this lens to get photos and videos with a yummy blurred background. For the price, it is worth having in your kit.
Ricoh Theta S 360 Camera
If you want to get some cool 360 shots, this is a great camera to go with. I love it for photos, but it doesn’t impress me for video.
Movi Cinema Robot
THIS is what you need for some sexy, steady, cinematic shots with your phone. It does take some time to learn but oooooweeee is it worth it. Make sure you get the weights to counter balance your phone correctly.
Audio
Rode Wireless Go
Love love love this wireless mic kit. Check to make sure you have the correct connections for your camera. Sometimes you will need an additional adapter.
Zoom H6 Audio Recorder
This gadget packs a lot of punch! You can record from multiple microphones or plug it directly into your camera. I set this on the desk in front of me and sync the audio in post.
Cost Effective Shotgun Mic
Perfectly fine place to start. Not my first choice but for under $25, it does well to improve audio quality of your on board camera mic.
Lighting
Diva Ring Light Nebula
When I am shooting at home, this is my favorite light. I will always prefer natural lighting but this is good when that is not an option. Dimmable and sturdy!
Starter Lighting Kit
This is a great starter lighting kit. Decent option for getting your home studio started.
Cost Effective Soft Boxes
I love these lights. The are so versatile. I use them for my talking videos and for product shots. Great for lighting backgrounds and casting a soft light across a scene. Easy to put up and take down.
Travel and Storage
ThinkTank Airport Roller Derby
This is my current favorite travel buddy when taking a lot of gear. It stores everything I need and rolls with me wherever I need to go. Very sturdy and has plenty of modular dividers for customizing your storage. I love this piece!
Incase Icon Backpack
I’m surprised this hasn’t fused to my back yet. This travels with me everyday, everywhere, all the time.