Why does my gear matter to my process? "Your camera takes amazing pictures" is a refrain we photographers have heard many times and while it's well intended, most are missing what's behind the camera. While having good gear helps, my approach and connection with families is what truly brings the photos to life. But, you're really here to learn more about my gear, so let's dive in.
- Camera Body: I've recently upgraded (gone over to the dark side) to a mirrorless Nikon Z6II. Mirrorless cameras are having their moment and what this basically means is that instead of mirrors helping capture the image, the electronic viewfinder does that in it's place. One of the big highlights for me, besides the quality and technological upgrade, is thats it's practically silent while shooting. This is quite helpful when shooting newborns. I also carry a back up camera just in case something goes wrong. Occasionally I will bring along my Nikon F6 if I want to shoot some 35mm film; though I typically reserve that body for personal work.
- Lenses: My main lens that I use most often is the Sigma Art 50mm 1.4. The 50mm is a wonderful length where I'm close enough to my subjects without being too far or too close for comfort. The 50mm is a great starter lens and once you upgrade to a 1.4 or 1.2, you'll never turn back. The Nikon 85mm 1.4 is a beast in weight and its tack sharp images. I like to use this lens with slightly older families so that getting some distance while working isn't a big deal. I'll never part with it! The Nikon 24-70 is a newer lens for me; mostly I wanted to be able shoot in tigher spaces without squeezing into tiny corners. It also allows the flexibility when I'm shoot events and there's action happening everywhere. I'm not a big gear head, I have what I need and don't feel compelled to over stuff my camera bag.
- Lighting: When carrying lighting equipment, I keep an Einstein Flash Unit attached to a stand and an extra large umbrella with diffusion. I'll also bring along my Nikon SB800 for smaller lighting uses, though I'd love to incorporate more flash work into my photography this year.
- Other Essentials: Zipper case full of memory cards, extra batteries, apron to wear while shooting to hold stuff close by, gloves and masks in case of weather and health concerns, video stand for shooting behind the scenes content, lollipops for kids.
While I certainly would not be able to achieve the level of work and quality without these wonderful pieces of equipment, it's my hard work and dedication to clients who hire me that have shaped the photographer that I am today. We all start somewhere, and it's taken me years to figure out what works, what's not for me, and what is essential to have on hand during sessions. Every photographer is different, but just know that it's not the camera that makes the photographer.
