My photography work can range from studio photography using gels to outdoor photography at mid-day with high contrast. While my lighting setup changes frequently, my photo style and the staples of my photography kit rarely do.
Most of my clients are in the fitness and fashion space, which usually means we’re shooting ad campaigns with professional athletes, musicians, or models. This typically translates into needing high resolution imagery that can flex from billboards to print to digital in a short amount of time. Celebrities rarely wait on you to change prime lenses so the more versatility you’ve got, the better.
Here’s a look at my stripped down gear bag. This will be especially helpful when you don’t have a ton of bells and whistles, or a ton of crew members to assist.
My Cameras
I’m almost always shooting with the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera. Clients often ask me for medium format-size resolution. The Sony R Series can achieve that, with twice the workflow speed and a number of modern camera features that most medium formats don’t have. This includes auto-focus, high drive mode, and others. The dynamic range and image size makes this camera a top choice for ad campaign work.
I’ve always got my main camera and a backup just in case. I usually bring my Sony Alpha a7 IV Mirrorless Digital Camera along with me as well. I love the camera for it’s all-around photo and video versatility.
My Lenses
I use a variety of lenses, but my two go-to lenses are the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM (G Master) E-Mount Lens and the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS E-Mount Lens. I love to shoot wide-angle forced perspectives. My work leans heavily on the 16mm for this. The 24-105mm lens is underestimated, in my opinion. Most photographers opt for Sony’s 24-70mm G Master. Although, the sharpness of the 24-105 — along with the additional focal length versatility — makes this lens vital to shoots where we’re tight on time and clients are asking for a wide variety of imagery. This lens can take on portraits, detail shots, wide hero shots, and many more.
My Lighting
I love Profoto lighting and use it exclusively. At least one B10 is always in my bag because of its size and versatility. I generally always carry an A1 for that reason as well. I can shove those two lights into a camera bag and have an incredible light setup in no time. They put out beautiful light — even bare-bulb — and can be handheld or put on stands.
My Accessories
In addition to my Profoto lights, I’m always carrying my Profoto Off-Camera Flash II Grid and Gel Kit with me. It just gives me so many more options when lighting an image on-the-go.
Learn more about editorial photography at my AdoramaTV episode of “The Masters” below:
