What's In My Bag?
I love these kinds of posts, and I’ve never done one! Whether you’re a fellow photog by trade, or a hobbyist who loves to drool over gear, this post is for you. Haha. I don’t have a ton of equipment, but I love love love what I do have, so I’m always happy to chat gear. I’m linking each piece to amazon so you can research any specs you want.
Camera Bodies
Sony a7iv - My main camera. There’s so much to love about it. The main reason I switched to Sony years ago was their advanced eye auto focus features, and things just keep getting better and better with every new model. The speed with which it focuses is so crucial when you’ve got young subjects who are constantly moving. And I prefer this model to the a7Riv because I just don’t need the insane resolution that comes along with that “R”. In fact, I find it to be a henderance since I’m generally taking hundreds of photos at each session. I don’t want to fill up memory cards too fast, and none of my clients are printing billboard sized photographs. Hahaha. I’ve printed up to 30x40 without any issue whatsoever.
Sony a7iii - Now my secondary camera, but this was my main camera after switching from Canon.
Lenses
Sony 24-70 2.8 GM - On my camera 99.9% of the time. I love it. There’s a newer model of this same lens now, and I’m sure I’ll upgrade at some point, but for now, this one suits me just fine. It takes phenomenal portraits with multiple subjects (families) and it’s tack sharp. Though quite heavy, it’s my number one lens.
Sony 55 1.8 ZA - On my secondary camera 99.9% of the time. I love this focal length for portraits of 1-2 people, and anything Zeiss will hit it out of the park. On top of image quality, the lens itself is small and light, which makes it easier to work with over long periods.
Sony 90 Macro - I go through macro phases where I’ll shoot a bunch of macro stuff for a few weeks and then I won’t touch it for six months. Ha. When I’m shooting macro though, I’m usually using this lens. So so sharp.
Lensbaby Velvet 56 - I have to have at least one Lensbaby at any given time, and this one is my favorite over the years. I love the velvet effect, the focal length is perfect, and it’s also a fantastic macro lens!
Zeiss Batis 85 1.8 - I’ll be perfectly honest. I never use this lens. HAHAHA. I’m just more comfortable in the 50mm range when I shoot… I prefer to be in closer proximity to my subject. That being said, I can’t get rid of it. Like I said, anything Zeiss is droolworthy and I feel like the second I get rid of of it I’ll need it. So, for now, its sits on my desk waiting for a special occasion. The portraits you can take with this lens are insane.
Lighting
Profoto B10 - This light changed my life. Haha. I was so hesitant to embrace artificial light for the longest time, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE this thing. I only use artificial lighting in the studio, which seems crazy because the natural light in the studio is so magical. BUT, when I use the light in conjunction with that magical natural light, my white balance is ALWAYS accurate and I don’t have to spend a ton of time in post getting my colors just right. It also gives me more control of my light, I can fill in shadows, I can change the direction of my light source, I can manipulate it to add more drama if I want, etc. I love closing the window blinds and using just my lighting gear to play around. Profoto is an expensive brand, but there is no one that even TOUCHES their quality and ease of use. So if you’re in the market, spend the money.
Profoto A2 - This one is BRAND SPANKING NEW for me, and I haven’t really had a lot of time to play around with it. I’m so excited to about this light though! The “click” series of light modifiiers seems like a dream, and if it’s as wonderful as I think it is, I may start bringing this one to outdoor sessions with me too (it’s a lot smaller). I haven’t decidied yet, but I’ll keep you posted!
Profoto Umbrellas - These are the light modifiers I use. It’s helps soften the light so nothing looks too “flashy.”