Best Gear for Content Creators & Pet Influencers: What I Personally Use Every Day as a Successful Creator

When I first started creating content, all I had was my little Google Pixel 4a. I filmed everything on that phone and it did the job for a while. But as I kept growing as a content creator, I slowly started upgrading my gear.

Now, a few years later, I’ve built up a setup that makes my life so much easier and it helps me create the kind of high-quality content that both my followers and brands love. From my camera and lenses to tripods, lighting, and even some fun gadgets for filming my crew, these are the tools I personally use every single day as a content creator and pet influencer.

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Some of my go-to cameras and lenses that I use almost daily.

My Camera & Lens Setup

When it comes to professional content, I rely on my Sony A7C: it’s compact, lightweight, and perfect for shooting both photos and videos without feeling bulky. For everyday shots, my Google Pixel 9 Pro XL still comes in handy. I use it for quick behind-the-scenes clips, casual filming, or when I don’t have time to set up my camera.

For lenses, I keep it simple with two go-to options:

• Sony 35mm 1.8 → My everyday lens. It’s sharp, lightweight, and great for lifestyle content or chasing Widget around the yard.

• Sony 85mm 1.8 → My favorite for portraits or when I want that beautiful blurry background (perfect for close-ups of Olive or product shots).

My Sony A7C: Small but mighty for both photos and videos

I also use lens protectors to keep everything safe, a small investment that saves me from scratches and dust.

These are the core pieces that help me balance day-to-day content with more polished campaigns.

Another favorite tool in my kit is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. It’s a tiny handheld camera with built-in stabilization, which makes it perfect for vlogging or filming on the go. I love using it when I don’t want to carry my full camera setup but still want smooth, professional-looking video.

These are the core pieces that help me balance day-to-day content with more polished campaigns.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is perfect for smooth, on-the-go video.

Tripods, Mounts & Stabilizers

A good tripod is one of the most underrated tools for content creators, and honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without mine. I’ve had my Manfrotto tripod since I was 13, and it’s still going strong today. It’s sturdy, reliable, and makes filming with my Sony so much easier.

For quick filming on my phone, I also keep a cheap phone tripod around. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done when I need something lightweight or I’m filming casual content.

When I want really smooth, cinematic shots, I use my DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal with my Sony. It helps stabilize video so everything looks polished, even if I’m moving around or filming pets who don’t exactly stay in one place.

Camera Accessories

Along with my main camera and lenses, I’ve collected a few accessories that make shooting easier and help me protect my gear.

Lens protectors might be simple, but they’ve saved me so many times.

• Camera Bag → Having a good bag is a lifesaver when you’re carrying gear around. Mine keeps my Sony, lenses, and extras organized so I don’t have to dig through a mess when I’m on the go. I love this one from BAGSMART.

• Lens Protectors → These are such a small thing, but they’ve saved me from scratches and dust more than once. Definitely worth it. Double-check which size you'll need, but the Amazon Basics ones are affordable and do the job!

• GODOX External Flash → I don’t use this every day, but it comes in handy for low-light indoor shots when I need that extra burst of light.

• Extra Batteries & Memory Cards → If you’ve ever run out of storage or battery mid-shoot, you know how stressful it can be. Keeping a few backups on hand has saved me more times than I can count.

• Peak Design Camera Strap → This strap is a game-changer. It’s comfortable, durable, and makes carrying my Sony so much easier, especially when I’m moving around quickly to keep up with Widget or Sprout.

These aren’t the flashiest pieces of gear, but they’re the little things that make a big difference in how smooth (and stress-free) my shoots go!

My trusty camera bag, it goes everywhere with me!

Lighting Essentials

For most of my content, I stick with natural light. It’s free, it looks beautiful, and honestly, it’s usually the best option when I’m photographing or filming Widget, Olive, or Sprout. I plan a lot of my shoots around when the light is best in my house, which saves me from dragging out extra equipment.

That said, sometimes natural light just isn’t enough, especially on gloomy days or in the evenings. When I need a little boost, I use my Lume Cube lights. They’re small, portable, and give me just the right amount of extra brightness without making things look harsh or overdone.

It’s a super simple setup, but it works for me and keeps my content looking polished no matter what time of day I’m filming.

Audio Gear

Good audio makes such a difference in content and honestly, it’s something a lot of new creators overlook. I use the DJI Mic, and it’s become one of my favourite pieces of gear.

I use it anytime I’m talking directly to the camera in my videos, because it keeps my voice clear and crisp without picking up too much background noise. I also use it for recording voiceovers, which has been a game-changer for my Reels and more polished campaigns.

Having clean audio makes content feel way more professional, and for me, the DJI Mic has been worth every penny (It also comes in the Creator Combo for the Osmo Pocket 3!)

Editing Tools & Software

Editing is where all the magic happens, and over time, I’ve built a setup that makes the process way smoother.

For hardware, I use both a laptop and a desktop. My desktop is actually my fiancé’s old gaming computer, but it’s powerful, and I keep adding extra SSDs whenever I start running low on space. It’s turned into the perfect editing machine, especially for bigger video and photo projects.

For software, I like to keep things simple but effective:

• CapCut → My go-to for video editing. It’s fast, easy to use, and perfect for editing Reels, TikToks, or UGC projects.

• Canva → I use this for some quick edits and design work, especially when I want to add text or graphics.

• Photoshop & Lightroom → My main tools for photography editing. Lightroom is amazing for batch editing and keeping a consistent style, while Photoshop comes in handy for more detailed fixes.

For storage, I use Google Cloud since my email account gives me 2TB of space. It keeps all my projects safe, and I love that I can access files from anywhere. Get 10% off your first year of Google Workspace using my affiliate link here.

My Pet Influencer Gear Must-Haves

Creating content with pets is a whole different ball game, and they don’t exactly pose on command (at least not for long 😅). Over time, I’ve found a few must-haves that make pet shoots way easier and a lot more fun.

• Sony A7C with Flip Screen → One of the reasons I love this camera so much is the way the screen tips out. It lets me get super low for photos, which is one of my favorite ways to capture Widget, Olive, and Sprout. Shooting from their level always makes the photos feel more natural and connected.

• Tiny Squeaky Toy → I always keep one in my bag. It’s the quickest way to grab attention and get those cute “head tilt” moments.

• High-Value Treats → This is probably my number one tip for any pet influencer. Treats are essential for rewarding good behavior during shoots (and for keeping everyone happy).

  
  

It’s not about having tons of fancy gear; sometimes it’s the little things (like treats and squeakers) that make the biggest difference in getting the shot you want.

Workspace Setup

Your gear isn’t just cameras and tripods...your workspace makes a huge difference too.

Having a setup that’s organized and comfortable helps me stay productive (and sane) when I’m editing or planning content.

Here are a few things that I use every day:

• Standing Desk & Walking Pad → Sitting all day just doesn’t work for me. With my standing desk and walking pad, I can walk while I edit, answer emails, or brainstorm blog ideas. It makes work feel healthier and way less draining.

• Two Monitors → I’ll never go back to just one screen. Having two monitors means I can multitask — like editing on one screen while watching YouTube or keeping reference notes on the other.

• SD Card Holder → If you use a camera, you’ll realize fast how quickly SD cards can get lost. Having a dedicated holder keeps everything safe, organized, and easy to grab when I’m switching cards mid-shoot.

Little things like this don’t seem as exciting as a new camera, but they’ve made a huge difference in how smooth my workflow feels.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Build Your Own Content Creator Setup?

I know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re starting out, but remember, you don’t need to buy everything all at once. Start small, keep creating, and upgrade as you grow.

If you’d like a little extra guidance, I offer one-on-one calls for creators where we can talk through your goals, the gear you actually need, and how to get the most out of what you already have. I’d love to help you feel more confident in your journey.

👉 Book a 1:1 Creator Call with Me Here

Just me and my Sony — the heart of my content creation setup!

And if you’re curious about the gear I use every day, I’ve added everything to my Amazon Storefront so you can easily check it out for yourself.

FAQ About Content Creator & Pet Influencer Gear

Q1: What gear do I need to start as a beginner content creator?

You don’t need to start with expensive cameras. A good smartphone, a tripod, and natural light are more than enough in the beginning. As you grow, you can slowly upgrade to cameras, lenses, and audio gear.

Q2: Do I need a professional camera to be a pet influencer?

Not at all. I started with just my phone and created plenty of content that people loved. A professional camera helps with quality, especially for brand work, but it’s not required to start.

Q3: What’s the most important gear investment for content creators?

The most important gear investment for content creators would be good lighting... and yourself. You don’t need to go out and buy everything on day one. You’ll learn as you go, and as you figure out your style, you’ll see which tools make the most sense for you. Depending on the type of content you create, you might value lighting over audio, or a good camera over a tripod. The biggest investment is always in yourself, your creativity, your skills, and your practice.

Q4: How do you film pets when they don’t sit still?

Training is key. Teaching your pets a solid sit and stay can make filming so much easier, and yes, even cats can learn tricks! I also find it really helpful to play with my pets or give them some exercise before filming. It takes the edge off their energy and helps them focus, which works just as well for training sessions as it does for content creation.

Q5: How do I choose which gear to buy first?

Start with your phone; it’s more powerful than most people think. From there, pay attention to where you struggle the most. Do you notice your lighting isn’t great? Maybe a small light is your first investment. Are your hands a bit shaky? Then a tripod or stabilizer will make your life easier. Or maybe you’re ready to upgrade to more professional gear because your phone just isn’t giving you the shots you want. Let your needs guide you, and build your setup one piece at a time.