If you’re a brand photographer wondering what camera gear actually earns a spot in the bag, here’s a transparent tour of my brand photography gear for 2025: what I use at almost every session, what I bring as needed, and a couple things on my wish list. You don’t need everything to create beautiful work. You just need the brand photographer equipment that fits your style and workflow. Here are some of my current and favorite items in my camera bag.

Camera Body: Nikon Z6 II (Mirrorless)

I currently shoot on the Nikon Z6 II. But let me tell you, switching from DSLR to mirrorless felt intimidating at first. But, the difference in sharpness, color, and overall ease sold me fast! It’s lighter, quicker, and the sharpness is consistently better for the pace of most brand sessions.

I keep two older DSLR bodies (Nikon D750 and D850) as insurance. As a brand photographer, I rarely need to run a second body, but having backups is nice peace of mind.

Everyday Lens: Nikon 28–75mm f/2.8

This lives on my camera 95% of the time. It’s essentially a more affordable alternative to a 24–70 (about $1,000 less) and I love it just as much for brand work. I used to be a die-hard prime shooter for weddings/portraits, but brand sessions demand range and speed: tight spaces, lots of compositions of the same setup, and the need to move quickly. This zoom lets me do that without constantly swapping lenses.

I shoot brand sessions at higher apertures anyway (the environment matters for brand galleries!), so I’m not chasing ultra-shallow depth of field for most of these shoots. I have an adapter for older lenses, but this is the only mirrorless lens I’ve purchased, and I don’t see that changing soon.

Lighting: Profoto A10 (x2)

I’m a huge fan of on-camera flash for brand photography because I prefer clean, flattering light with minimal harsh shadows. And I need consistency even when natural light is changing. I use two Profoto A10s. Most sessions, one A10 sits on-camera for gentle fill. If I have more time or want a specific look, I’ll put one (or both) on stands with modifiers.

Extra Power When Needed: Profoto B10 (strobe)

Occasionally I’ll bring the Profoto B10 for headshot days or larger groups. It’s great as a main light paired with an A10 for fill. I don’t use it enough to justify owning two, but in a perfect studio setup I’d have two A10s + two B10s. For now, two A10s cover 90% of what I need.

Modifiers I Actually Use

• 84″ PLM umbrella with diffuser sock: My go-to main light for headshots when space allows. It’s huge and soft, but tricky in low ceilings or tight rooms.
• Profoto Clic 2′ Octabox: Collapsible (bless), super portable, and perfect as a fill light with an A10. The quick “click” setup means I actually use it.
• 3′ Octabox (non-Clic): Nice look, but I rarely bring it since it’s bulkier and pairs with the B10, which I don’t travel with as often.
• Light Stands: Two Impact stands, not fancy, but sturdy and reliable.

Backdrops, Stands, and “Don’t Forget” Photography Accessories

• Backdrop stand (budget Amazon find): not my forever stand, but it works in a pinch
• Gaffer’s tape: floor marks for headshots, quick fixes, and safety
• Backdrop clamps: for taming seamless paper and fabric backdrops
• Tethering setup: I often tether for onsite headshots so clients can review as we go; it speeds up culling and editing later

How I Use Flash at Brand Sessions Without the “Flashy” Look

I use flash at almost every session, but I’m not after dramatic, hard-shadow light. A single on-camera A10 for gentle fill evens out shifting natural light (especially in my studio with big windows and a garage door) and keeps galleries consistent from frame to frame.

Gear I’m Considering (a photographer’s wish list)

• Posing mat: sounds silly until you’ve directed 50+ people in a day for headshots. Clear foot markers speed things up and reduce the “what do I do with my body?” anxiety.
• Rolling laptop stand/table: for tethered headshot days when venues don’t have a tall table and I need a convenient place to put my laptop for clients to easily view.

These aren’t must-haves, but they would make my headshot production smoother and more professional-looking onsite!

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Everything

I started on a budget Nikon and shot it for years, so this is a simple reminder you don’t need every new or recommended gear item out there. It’s not about having the fanciest brand photography gear; it’s about choosing tools that make your workflow easier and your results more consistent. This set of items does that for me!

Recap: Gear List Links

• Camera: Nikon Z6 II (mirrorless)
• Lens: Nikon 28–75mm f/2.8
• Flashes: Profoto A10 (x2)
• Strobe: Profoto B10
• Modifier: Profoto Clic 2′ Octabox

Ready to See This Gear in Action?

If you want to watch complete brand sessions from planning to delivery and see exactly how I light, shoot, and organize the day – check out Behind the Shot. You’ll follow along on four different brand session days and get the strategies that matter far more than what’s in your cart. Learn more about Behind the Shot.