Gear Heads

When you first start photography, it is very easy to get lulled into purchasing everything you see thinking that you need these to be a better photographer. This is especially true when you don’t progress as fast as you think you should and want to blame it on the camera, lens, or some other form of equipment. However, I have seen really captivating pictures that have come from an old Kodak, cell phones, and an inexpensive point and shoot. The one thing they all had in common was something that really captured my attention, usually the subject. That being said, a good camera and lens does make a difference for me.

Over the years, we have gotten it down to our basics. We use a good digital camera. Presently, we are shooting with the Canon 5d Mark IV. We use a strong and stable tripod. Hint – carbon ones are much lighter to tote around.

The biggest expense we have incurred is having good glass (lens). You need a basic lens, we call it our walkaround. This could be a prime or a more flexible zoom lens. We added a wide angle and a more powerful zoom we call “Big Dog”.

Other items that are helpful are a good camera bag, a comfortable camera strap, a polarizing lens to help cut glare, remote shutter release to help avoid camera shake, lens cloth, and extra batteries. We rarely carry a camera bag to a shoot. The polarizer pretty much stays on our lens, and everything else needed for that shoot goes in our pockets along with a water bottle for hydration.