The best cameras, lenses, & tools for family photographers

The best cameras for family photographers | The cameras, lenses, and editing tools you NEED for family and newborn photography!

After more than a decade in this industry, I’ve tried my fair share of gear and photography tools. I’ve been through plenty that I wouldn’t recommend, but I’ve also found some absolute must-haves. Read on for a look inside my camera bag, as well as a comprehensive list of my favorite photography tools!

This is completely up to date as of May 2025. There’s an older version of this article that digs into what I use to shoot film — but these days, I shoot digital for 95% of my work. We are always growing, shifting, and adapting, and this is what I’m loving right now!

Note: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Using these affiliate links is a way that you can support my small business and enable me to keep sharing content like this — and it costs you absolutely nothing. Thank you, friends!

DIGITAL CAMERAS + LENSES

Main camera: Sony a7iv | Lenses: Sony 50mm f1.4 and Sony 35mm f1.4

This combo is pure gold! In 2023 I switched from Canon to Sony, and I have absolutely loved it. I used my trusty Canon for literally over 8 years of my career and it has served me so well (more on it below), but I was ready for an upgrade to some of the latest technology, and this was what I landed on. I use both my 50mm and 35mm lenses throughout every family session and love both of them. If I had to pick one, I’d start with the 35mm — it’s simply fantastic for capturing families and movement and fun!

Before Sony: Canon 5DmkIII | Lens: Canon 50mm f1.2, Canon 50mm f1.4, Sigma 35mm f1.4

The mkIII was the first full frame camera that I bought as a beginning photographer, and it has been so trusty and has served me so well. In general, I don’t believe that family photographers need the ‘latest and greatest’ gear, and I have zero regrets about being extremely cautious with each new investment in my equipment. I still recommend this camera for family photographers, though it’s not as easy to find to purchase these days. The 6D is another solid option that I have owned and used as a backup, but it doesn’t have two memory card slots, which is a dealbreaker in my book for important events.

With my Canon cameras, I have mainly used the Canon 50mm 1.2 and 1.4 lenses, but I do occasionally use the Sigma 35mm 1.4 on families as well. I’ve mostly loved my 50 1.2, but the chromatic aberration with this lens can be frustrating and distracting. I’ve spent too much time editing it out of my photos. I would actually consider using the 1.4 lens over the 1.2 because of this, and because the price is so much less. However, the 1.2 does render truly gorgeous images… minus the CA. And for a 35mm option, the Sigma has been fantastic!

Overall, the Sony + Zeiss combo is a clear winner over my Canon setup – but if you already have one of these Canon models, or you can get your hands on one of these Canon combos for a great price, it will take you so far, promise! There’s nothing about it that will hold you back in family photography. If you’re shooting weddings, the faster Sony has a clear advantage.

EDITING

The Archetype Process: my favorite profiles, hands down. I have used TAP for years, and for the past two years, I’ve been using them exclusively. I highly recommend these profiles for anyone who loves a filmy look, whether or not you shoot film also. The Facebook group for these is also active and helpful and I recommend it often to students who are just getting started with TAP. I use the Green Pack, the Yellow Pack, and the Black and White profiles.

I love these profiles so much that I created an entire editing course based on them! Steal My Edits is incredibly comprehensive and includes over 20 editing videos, over 140 before and afters (and all the details it took to get there), plus what I use for grain and retouching, my export settings, and so much more. Definitely check out this course if you are ready to rock your editing game!

Evoto: This is my secret weapon when it comes to delivering gorgeous final images. Evoto is an AI-powered retouching tool, and I can’t say enough great things about it. What takes hours in Photoshop takes only minutes in Evoto — and your edits can be copied and pasted to all of your images because it recognizes individual subjects for you. In today’s world, there’s no reason to be delivering photos where your clients’ skin doesn’t look amazing or their hair is frizzy — the simple truth is that an Instagram filter will fix all of that for them, and they expect it of a professional photographer. I can’t recommend this tool enough! Click here for up to 500 free edits!

ImagenAI: I am loving this AI editing tool! I was so skeptical of AI everything when it started getting talked about, but it’s been a game changer as a small business owner. Imagen has been a huge time saver for me, and it’s very affordable.

You can use the professional editing profiles that Imagen offers, but I use Imagen to create my own. It uses AI to learn your editing style, and it does a fantastic job of it. I am consistently impressed with how well this tool does at mimicking my editing style, and I make very few changes to my images. Friends, don’t let AI intimidate you – give this a shot! It will save you HOURS. Use this link to get 1500 free edits!

Has this been information overload yet? 😉 I’ll stop myself here. Soon, expect a full rundown of my favorite business tools – they’re equally important to what you’re using to shoot and edit!

Other Tools

Ergonomic Mouse: I spend too many hours at the computer to be using anything that isn’t designed to protect my wrists and hands! This vertical mouse is such a game-changer: it is comfortable even on the longest editing marathons, and I no longer experience any wrist or hand pain like I used to. Absolutely worth the small cost!

Ergonomic Mouse Pad: Can’t skip this fantastic mousepad to go with the mouse! This is comfortable on my skin, it supports my wrist, and it doesn’t slide around on my desk. An all-around winner for sure.

A classic reflector: I don’t use a reflector very often, but when shooting in a dim house or over bright grass or leaves, this is a must-have. This classic option is perfect, affordable, and portable!

A dual harness: I shoot with 2-3 cameras on me at every session, so a dual harness is a must! Leather is incredibly durable and strong, which means your cameras are safe. These straps are also wide enough to be comfortable, unlike some cheap options that have thin straps that dig in and hurt your shoulders.

Continuous softbox lights: If you need a little extra light for shooting in dim homes, these lights are the way to go! It’s much easier (and cheaper) than using a flash, and is the next best thing to bright natural light. These lights can make all the difference when you’re shooting in a darker home, but you still crave beautiful skin tones and light, lovely images!

If I lost everything today, I’d start my photography business all over again tomorrow with everything on this list. These items are not optional in my workflow, and each one has played a very important part in helping me create the images I do, serve my clients well, and keep my body healthy. Always feel free to reach out if you have questions!

The best cameras for family photographers | The cameras, lenses, and editing tools you NEED for family and newborn photography!

The best cameras for family photographers | The cameras, lenses, and editing tools you NEED for family and newborn photography!