Camera Equipment
I believe in full transparency with my photography business, that’s why I am always an open book to anyone if they have questions. I also love helping in any way I can so I thought I would put together a list of some of the equipment I personally use. You can click on any of the images and it will directly take you to an Amazon page, full disclosure they are affiliate links.
I also teach photography classes where you can test out any of this equipment if you want.
PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES
Equipment List:
I currently shoot with the following camera bodies:
Canon 5D mk III
Canon 6D
Canon eos 3 (35mm film)
Pentax 645 n (Medium format film)
This is THE lens. Whenever I get asked what equipment someone should invest in I always say to start with a 50mm lens. I have personally had the 1.8, 1.4 and the very expensive 1.2 but this is the one I have on my camera 90% of the time. Its lightweight, affordable (if i ever need to replace it) and you cant see much of a difference between the other lower aperture options.
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I also have the following lenses:
100mm (Ring shots and lots of blurry background)
85mm (Portraits)
35mm (Storytelling shots, lots in the frame, family photos)
24mm-105mm (Large group photos, landscape)
70mm-200mm (Ceremony shots, this is my second shooters favorite lens)
Instant film camera hybrid. So this little camera is a new/late addition to this equipment list but I thought since I shoot film it would be a great keepsake of an event to give a client on the day. I then can make multiple copies, view and edit options before printing and send them out electronically! super fun and a great way to share film.
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This is the film you need for this Fujifilm Instax Mini camera:
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This is a newer, updated version of my camera roller bag but it has some of the same great features that I couldn’t live without. All of the lens slots are customizable, so you can made the bag “fit” what you need it to. It also has this great option to turn it into a backpack. I have definitely used this when out in the woods with my gear.
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Equipment is pricy and when you have it all together in one bag it’s a little nerve-wracking. I have found adding an Apple AirTag into a hidden pocket of my bag helps put my mind at ease.
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A light meter is essential for shooting medium film. I have tried the phone app versions, and the less expensive versions but the Sekonic is hands down the best option. They also hold their value so if you want to re-sell them there is a fairly good market. You can also try to find them second hand on Facebook but you have to be fast on the messenger with that one. (film camera only)
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I use these Panasonic batteries for my Sekonic film light meter and they last forever! (film camera only)
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These macro filters were one of my first purchases, before many of my lenses. I still use these on my film camera all the time and they are perfect! I got them in my largest lens size so I don’t get any vignetting on the images. I just use this adapter ring to fit my 75mm film lens, you can find it here.
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This defuser disk might be one of my most used items. I love that its an all in one (white, silver, gold, black). I have also made a cover for it that I use for all of my detail shots at wedding. The Okanagan it bright so I am constantly having my assistant using it to remove some of the harsh sun off the subject. It also works as a fan and a place to put items that you don’t want to get dirty. This one is the perfect size, anything smaller wouldn’t be as useful and larger ones turn into kites with the slightest bit of wind.
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I have a few of these continuous video lights that I have on hand for darker getting ready rooms, product photography, events and receptions. Its great because you don’t need to bounce your on camera flash off of something, especially if the room has a lot of warm wood tones, or has high or black ceilings. They are dim-able and you can change the colour temperature of them. Extra batteries for these is a must and you can find those here. I also have an extra changer I keep in my car, just in case, you can see that here.
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Off camera flash speedlights. I will be the first to tell you that flash is my least favourite thing about photography, but it is a necessary item to make sure you have enough light for your scenario.
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I am all about soft natural light, so this is something I picked up to help with that. It goes over your off camera flash and defuse the light. You can have it on a stand or it come with a handle and you can have your assistant move it around your subject for you. Its very well made and gives beautiful defused light.
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I have since upgraded my on-camera flashes, and let me tell you that this little piece of equipment is not all created equal. These round head flashes create an even lighting look to your photos (no shadow on the bottom of a subject) and they are super easy to use and adjust on the fly. You just move the button wheel at the back for more or less light. I now use the Newer NW-670 TTL flashes to light up the background or have behind my subjects while dancing.
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Flash batteries. I also picked up an extra battery with a charger so I always have a backup, however after shooting with these Newer Z1-C flashes for a few weddings I can confidently say that they last at full power for at least 2.5 full wedding days!
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Light stands, you need em and I haven’t had to replace any of these “very” affordable ones and I have had them for years at many weddings and photo shoots.
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This item is a little more fun, and a new addition for me. Its a tripod stand for your phone. Its super lightweight and comes with its own bag. I use this when I do surprise proposals so I can send a video to you right after. I have also used it for some behind the scene shots and a first look.
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This is definitely a less used item in my kit, but it gives you so many options to play around. I was looking for an ND filter but this set comes with an adapter (so it will fit on all of your different lenses) and some fun colour options. You wont want for anything else with all of these addons. These filters are the key to getting great ladndscape photos and being able to get those slow shutter speed photos (soft waterfalls).
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Film stock:
Kodak Portra 400 (35mm & 120 medium format) I use this film stock when I am in open shade, on overcast days or indoors. I rate it for 200 (box speed) and meter for the shadows.
Kodak Portra 160 (35mm & 120 medium format) I use this film stock when it is sunny outdoors. I rate it for 160 (box speed) and meter for the shadows.
