A Few of My Favorite Things
Seattle Lifestyle Family + Newborn Photographer
October 15th, 2023
A list of a few of my favorite things. From my passion as a photographer, to the things that I use daily to help with my neurodivergent brain and creative needs. While many of these items feel oddly specific, they are what bring me joy on the daily. And also functions as a “what is in my camera bag” list of sorts.
All links are affiliate links and it would be silly of me not to tell you that I would love it if you wanted to purchase any of these items from these links! Why not?!
1. My Camera: Sony a7iv Mirrorless Camera
I know it’s silly, but in the realm of working as a photographer and loving documenting my own life through photographs… my camera is my constant companion. I have been a professional photographer for over 9 years, and have stuck with my Sony Mirrorless Camera for my entire journey. I won’t be able to tell you how they compare to other brands, or what it is like switching from a full DSLR to a Mirrorless. For the simple reason that I have shot with nothing else and am very happy with where I am! There are several versions of Sony Mirrorless Cameras and you can’t really go wrong! Here is my camera: Sony a7iv Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
Here is an earlier version: Sony a7 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
Images taken of me by Nicole Griswold Photography and Dragana Lassiter Photography
2. My Lens: Prime Lens Zeiss 25mm f/2.0 Batis
The camera is the tool, but you need a lens that makes sense for you and your style of photography. And for me, it is a Prime Lens with a wide angle and super great quality glass. This lens is all I use. No zoom, just this beauty.
3. Playful Tools + Toys for Photography
If you have had a session with me, you have probably seen me pull out at least one of these objects! One of my greatest joys that connects me to photography is the creativity. I can dream something up and make it happen through experimentation and play. Here are my favorites;
CMY Color Cubes: Smaller 50mm or the Big One 95mm ** If I photographed you this year, you may have seen these color cubes and the photographs I can achieve with them, and your kids may have asked to take it home with them. ;-)
Twinkle Lights: Battery Operated and hand held.
4. My morning beverage: Masala Chai
I have my routine each morning, and it includes my hot beverage of choice. Normally, this wouldn’t exactly make it on a photographer’s “favorites” list… but since I share my morning Chai + cream with you every morning on my Instagram stories… I thought I should make it officially available to you all! This is a chai blend that you can mix with hot water to your liking. It is SPICY and wonderful, and I add a big of heavy cream to mine.
5. My Noise Cancelling Headphones
My sensitivity to sensory overwhelm has greatly improved with the addition of noise cancelling headphones to my life. They help me focus and bring a level of calm to my mind in times of sensory turbulence. I love my Sony electronics, so I started there, but have heard great things about many brands. The version below is Sony’s newest model of my headset. Well worth the investment and has helped me immensely the past 2 years.
Here are my headphones: Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
5. Stress Relievers + Creative Outlets
My need for something to fidget with is never ending. My mind needs to be occupied and I prefer specific textures. I could create an entire post with only fidgets and artistic outlets, but here are my two favorites;
Schylling NeeDoh Nice Cube - Squishy + Flexible + Stretchy + a favorite thing to try to destroy. ;-)
I lean into my creative outlets most days and one of my favorite doodle books is the Reverse Coloring Book! Think free form doodling over watercolor shapes and abstracts. “The book has the colors, you draw the lines.”
6. A Visual Timer for Focus
Yup, something that I can set and glance at to see how much time I have left. The visual countdown helps with my time blindness and allows for me to lean into my focus knowing that I won’t forget about my time.
I could likely ramble off another half dozen “things”, but what do you think? Do any of these hit the spot for you? If this is something you like, I can do more on Books + Music + Gardening … art supplies… you name it!
