Professional Recommendations for Photographers


I'm sharing some of my favorite professional photography resources with you below! I often get asked about my lighting and gear, as well as favorite client products and films. I'm happy to share all the details with you - no gatekeeping here! All the links can be found below with photos!


  • The exact studio lighting set up I use can be found in Sandra Coan's "Crafting the Natural Light Look" book. She also has a course you can take if you prefer!
  • My trusty external hard drive - I get a new one each year and none of them have failed me yet.
  • Pic-Time - Hands down, the best gallery delivery system I've used. There's so many automations to take advantage of to serve clients in a really personal way, while giving yourself more time back (as a mom of 3, this is 100% necessary for me!). Be sure to use the referral code for a discount if you give it a try!
  • Pixieset - My website builder and studio manager (SEO can be tricky to learn on this platform, but it can be done!). They're always rolling out new features and also have great customer support.
  • My fav film stock - Portra 400 120 film
  • The exact Mirrorless camera body I use - Canon R6
  • Film Camera body - Pentax 645nii (no link for this, as it usually has to be purchased on eBay or a reputable used gear site since they're out of production)
  • My favorite fine art professional lab - QT Albums. Such a kind, hands-on company that puts so much into each print!
  • My favorite film lab for processing and scanning - PhotoVision prints
  • Favorite SD Cards - 64gb is my preferred size; they never run out during a session but it's not an overwhelming amount of data available. I typically format cards before each session as I've backed up any previous work already. These cards can handle both photo and video on the R6 beautifully.
  • My Camera Backpack - Brevite Jumper - holds 2 bodies and multiple lenses, and has a top pocket sizable enough for a small swaddle, stickers, lollipops, etc.
  • Favorite Strobe - rechargeable battery, no need for a plug nearby and no cords for littles to trip on!
  • Parabolic 7' umbrella - white diffusion - the same size Sandra recommends in her book, this umbrella gives you SOFT light. Warning: It's big!! It does fit in many spaces, but you might want to get smaller one if you plan on traveling with it at all.
  • Flodesk email marketing - the easiest way to make the prettiest emails! Get 50% off your first year with this link.


Any other recommendations you want to see? Reach out on Instagram @carlymatthewsphotoandfilm and send me a request!