What to Pack in Your Photography Bag for a Studio Shoot

November 10, 2025

If you show up at a studio shoot unprepared, an exciting project can turn into a stressful rush. Your photography bag, which holds the tools that make your creative vision a reality, is your lifeline during these sessions. Whether you’re taking portrait, fashion, or product photos, knowing exactly what to bring saves time and headaches.

This guide outlines exactly what should be in your studio camera bag as well as what is available at reliable rental locations.

Camera Body and Lenses

Your Primary Camera Body

The primary focus of any shoot is your camera. Pack your primary camera body, fully charged and ready to go. You won’t use up batteries as quickly as you would with outdoor photography because studio lighting is constant, but you should always have a backup battery on hand.

A second camera body is also carried by many experienced photographers. You can switch between lenses without constantly switching thanks to this backup, which also guards against technical malfunctions. For fast creative adjustments, mount a portrait lens on one camera and a wide-angle lens on the other if you are shooting with two.

Lenses for Studio Photography

Studio work demands different lenses than outdoor shooting. Most photographers build their kit around three core lenses.

A 50mm prime lens works beautifully for portraits and detail shots. The wide aperture creates gorgeous background separation, and the focal length flatters faces naturally. This lens should live in your bag permanently.

An 85mm lens is perfect for tight headshots and fashion photography. The longer focal length maintains a comfortable working distance from subjects while pleasingly compressing features.

A 24-70mm zoom lens can provide versatility when needed. It’s smooth when switch between tighter compositions and expansive environmental shots. This lens can easily handle full-body fashion work and group photos.

Memory Cards and Storage

Bring more memory cards than you think necessary. Corrupted cards happen, and clients often request additional shots beyond the original plan. Pack at least three high-speed cards with plenty of capacity.

Keep lens cleaning supplies handy. Dust shows clearly under studio lights. A smudged lens ruins otherwise perfect shots. Pack a microfiber cloth, lens cleaning solution, and rocket blower.

Light Modifiers and Accessories

Here’s where smart studio rental choices save space in your bag. FD Photo Studio in Los Angeles and New York include strobes, wireless triggers, grip equipment and light modifiers with every rental. The studios come equipped with three strobes, a wireless sync system, c-stands, and various light modifiers already on site.

Studios also provide free Wi-Fi, apple boxes, sandbags, clothing racks, two-chair makeup stations, dressing zones, large mirrors, and plenty of electrical power.

With this complete setup, you can completely avoid packing heavy lighting equipment.

Pack:

Your go-to light meter for accurate exposure measurements
Color gels, if your artistic vision calls for them.
A reflector, if you have a preferred small one. Otherwise, most situations are handled by the included modifiers.

Don’t pack:

Strobes (provided when renting a studio)
Common light modifiers (on-site)
Wireless triggers (available at the studio)
C-stands and grip equipment (fully stocked)

Lightning equipment in FD Photo Studio

Tethering Setup

Studio workflows are affected by tethered shooting. Clients can see images instantly on a large screen, making feedback immediate and collaboration smoother.

Laptop with full charge. Pack your laptop with a fully charged battery and charging cable. Make sure your tethering software is updated before the shoot. Capture One and Lightroom work well for most photographers.

Correct cables. Bring the right cables for your camera. Many photographers pack both USB-C and traditional USB cables as backups. Cable failure mid-shoot disrupts momentum and frustrates clients.

Cable extender. A cable extender prevents tripping hazards when moving around the studio.

A laptop stand. Remember to bring along a small table or laptop stand. Most studios provide furniture, but having your own setup ready keeps your workspace organized.

Backdrop and Background Materials

FD Photo Studio locations have seamless paper backdrops in multiple colors at each facility, and c-stands with arms are provided at every studio for backdrop installation. You can also request specialty fabric backdrops like distressed flags with advance notice.

If you need specific backdrop colors or textures not available, bring your own. The studios provide everything needed to hang them properly. Just remember to factor installation time into your booking, since backdrops are self-install only.

Pack:

Personalized backdrops if your photo session requires specific colors or patterns
Backdrop clamps if you have preferred attachment methods
Gaffer tape to secure the edges of the backdrop

Don’t pack:

Standard color seamless paper (available on site)
Crossbars and backdrop stands (provided by the studio)

Backdrop storage at FD Photo Studio

Personal Workflow Tools

Little things have a big impact on studio productivity. Make a list of these necessities and carry them with you at all times.

Gaffer tape. Gaffer tape fixes countless small problems. Secure cables, tape down backdrop edges, or mark floor positions for consistent subject placement. Unlike duct tape, gaffer tape removes cleanly without residue.

Notebook and pen. A small notebook and pen capture creative ideas, lighting setups, and client preferences. Digital notes work too, but paper never runs out of battery.

Snacks and water. Pack snacks and water. Studio shoots stretch longer than expected, and staying energized maintains creative thinking. For early morning shoots or long shooting days, consider bringing coffee or your preferred caffeinated beverage for yourself and the team.

Business cards and USB drives. Clients often request immediate image transfers, and having drives ready looks professional.

What FD Photo Studio Provides

FD Photo Studio rentals start from $29.99 per hour in Los Angeles and New York. Every booking includes equipment that eliminates the need to pack heavy gear.

Standard included items:

Three strobes
Wireless sync systems
C-stands
Light modifiers
Free Wi-Fi
Apple boxes
Sandbags
Clothing racks
Two-chair makeup stations
Dressing zones
Large mirrors
Plenty of electrical power

Check out our full equipment list here.

Rentals also guarantee 100 percent private studios with no insurance permits.

Studio Photography Checklist

Print this checklist and keep it in your camera bag:

Camera Gear

Primary camera body
Backup camera body
Lens
Memory cards (3+)
Backup batteries (2+)
Lens cleaning kit

Shooting Tools

Laptop for tethering
Tethering cables and backups
Laptop charger
Light meter
Color checker card

Studio Accessories

Gaffer tape
Notebook and pen
Business cards
USB drives
Water bottle and snacks

Optional Items

Personal light modifiers
Custom backdrops
Color gels
Specialty props

Ready to Shoot

When you pack wisely, you can shoot with confidence. When you rent a professional studio, the equipment that comes with it can handle most technical needs. Your personal gear focuses on creative vision and backup reliability.

FD Photo Studio in Los Angeles and New York removes packing stress by providing comprehensive lighting, grip, and studio equipment with every rental. You walk in with your camera bag and creative ideas, and everything else is already waiting.

Studio work succeeds through preparation. Build your packing checklist, maintain your gear, and choose studios that support your creative process. Your next shoot will run smoother from start to finish.

1. Browse Available Studios: Visit our studio rental page to explore all 62 studios

2. Check Equipment Lists: Review our comprehensive equipment offerings

3. Book Your Session: Use our 24/7 online booking system to secure your preferred date and time

4. Receive Your Check-In Code: Get your self-check-in code to access your studio seamlessly

Call us at +1 (323) 454-2323, or email us at info@fdphotostudio.com. We also have a live support chat on our website where you can get directions, request help, or ask questions.

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What to Pack in Your Photography Bag for a Studio Shoot

Camera Body and Lenses

Your Primary Camera Body

Lenses for Studio Photography

Memory Cards and Storage

Light Modifiers and Accessories

Tethering Setup

Backdrop and Background Materials

Personal Workflow Tools

What FD Photo Studio Provides

Studio Photography Checklist

Ready to Shoot

Find a Photo Studio near you

L.A. Studios

N.Y.C Studios

Rent Studio

Clients Review

Events

Have Any Questions?