What’s in my Photo Bag?
One question I often get from both clients and fellow photographers is, “What are you shooting with?” If you’ve wondered this yourself, consider this your insight into the pack of a portrait and wedding photographer.
Cameras: Nikon Z6ii and Nikon D750
Ever since I started photography in high school, I’ve been a diehard Nikon fan. I was gifted my first camera (a D5200) by a photographer I met at a yoga class in Gilbert, and the rest is history. My second camera, a Nikon D750 DSLR, has been through everything with me. I love its versatility, low-light performance, and weight even though it’s become my secondary camera. I finally went mirrorless this year with the Nikon Z6ii and I am in love. Its crazy-accurate tracking autofocus, great performance at high ISOs, and compact design make it perfect for trekking through the desert or taking charge of an event for several hours. They make a great team.
I could talk about lenses for hours, but I’ll try to keep it short. My 35mm is phenomenal for wide shots at weddings, events, and far-away portraits that feature landscape elements. The wide-angle and fast aperture is also great for indoor receptions in tight, dim rooms. The same can be said for my trusty 24-70mm when outdoors. I love this lens for wedding ceremonies because it allows me to switch quickly between capturing large establishing images and tighter, more intimate shots. This is great for me because I don’t mind getting up close and personal during ceremonies - photographers who would prefer to stay farther back from the action might prefer a 70-200mm telephoto lens for optimal zoom.
Where would I be without my 50mm? A staple for many photographers, the so-called “nifty fifty” is a popular first “real lens” for a reason: it’s the perfect “in the middle” option. The f-stop range and medium focal distance makes it useable for portraits, events, and lots of things in between. It was one of my first lenses and it still comes in handy all the time.
My Z series 85mm lens is the queen of portraiture. The creamy f/1.8 bokeh combined with the near-telephoto compression effect creates crisp separation between an insanely sharp subject and gorgeously blurred background. This has got to be my favorite piece of glass for this reason. The fast aperture makes it great for shooting indoors or at night as well.
My 35mm, 24-70mm, and 50mm lenses are all F-Mounts, meaning I can only uses them on my D750 DSLR camera. So, when I need to use them on my mirrorless Z6ii (Z-Mount), I use the Nikon FTZ II adaptor.
I almost always use my Godox Thinklite as a fill light during portrait shoots - they provide an extra pop of light to separate my subject from the background and create lovely catchlights. I always use my Selens magnetic silicone sphere (a gift from a close friend and fellow photographer) to soften and diffuse the light. To create my desired effect, I put the setup off to the side in front of the subject on a light stand with a Bowens mount. While shooting weddings, I attach the flash and modifier to my camera’s hot shoe at a slight angle to bounce the light off the ceiling.
As far as other accessories, I prefer my bright red Brevite Jumper backpack (also a treasured gift) and Coiro skinny dual harness for carrying gear. I always make sure to carry extra batteries for my camera and flashes, memory cards, lens cloths, a grocery bag to shoot through if it rains, and a watch. I also pack tissues, bobby pins, lint rollers, etc. in case my clients need them. It’s all about being as prepared as possible, including being prepared to improvise if necessary.
To inquire about a session, please fill out the form linked here and on my contact page.
