What’s in My Bag with Kira Derryberry

Posted by: on Nov 11, 2022

What’s in My Bag with Kira Derryberry

If you had to name your five favorite pieces of photography gear, what would they be? Maybe you have a preferred lens. Or you never go anywhere without a multitool. Perhaps there’s a particular light you rely on. We asked this question of some of our pro photographers, and they’ve very graciously let us into their kit bags. Here are portrait photographer Kira Derryberry’s five favorite pieces of gear.

Kira Derryberry's favorite pieces of gear being used on set

1. Tethering tools

TetherPro USB-C to USB-C Cable combined with TetherBoost Pro USB-C Core Controller Extension Cable

Being able to review your work on the big screen while you are shooting is critical to getting exactly the shots that you want. The TetherPro USB-C to USB-C cable lets me do just that, while the TetherBoost Pro USB-C Core Controller Extension Cable allows me freedom to move throughout my studio.

2. Lighting modifier

Exo150 Focusing Deep Parabolic and Focusing Rod

This parabolic light by Molight is simple to set up, and provides you with crisp, clean light that’s easy to manipulate and shape. It’s exactly what you need when you’re shooting beautiful portraits.

3. Lens

Nikkor Z 24-120mm ƒ/4 S

Portrait photography relies on a great lens and I love my Nikkor Z 24-120mm ƒ/4. It swoops from wide angle to up close and always offers me a beautiful shallow depth of field. It’s versatile, crisp, and weather-sealed. It’s everything I need in a lens.

Full length portraits of 12 people, all dressed in black, smiling against a white backdrop

4. Stable work surface

Tether Table Aero

When you’re shooting tethered, you need a discreet but stable platform for your computer while it’s connected to your camera. For this, I like to use the Tether Table Aero. Not only is it stable, but it’s portable, too. And comes in different sizes to fit your computer.

Kira Derryberry shooting with Tether Tools, a Tether table Aero, and her Nikon Z 9 with Nikkor 24-120mm ƒ/4 S.

5. Camera

Nikon Z 9

What’s a photographer without a camera? I use a Nikon Z 9. It has amazing image quality and is lightning fast making it perfect for portraits.

Family portrait shot using Kira Derryberry's favorite gear

Parting quote

We asked Kira if she’d like to share with us a few words on what’s important to her when it comes to portrait photography. This is what she had to say:

I think the key to great portrait photography is working with gear that you don’t have to worry about flaking out on set so you can focus on grabbing great connection and expression with your subjects.

About Kira Derryberry

Kira Derryberry is a portrait photographer based in Tallahassee, Florida, in the USA. She shoots in her studio, on location, or in her clients’ homes. You can see her portfolio on her website, or follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.