My Gear
September 24, 2010
I get asked fairly often about my gear, and I’ve been intending to write this permanent post about it for some time. I’ve always hesitated a little because I think it’s important (especially among new photographers) not to focus too much on the gear, but rather learning how to use what you have to your best advantage (which can often turn out VERY impressive work). My personal rule of thumb is that I don’t “need” an upgrade until I understand the specific limitations of my current equipment, and through a thorough reading of the manual along with significant “field” testing, I determine that I can not accomplish what I want to artistically with what I have. My point is, there are far more important things to taking a good picture than having the best equipment. After coming across this fabulous blog post, I feel like I can safely let you read it, know exactly where I’m coming from, and then continue on with the Gear discussion. Deal? Okay, go ahead and click the link and read the article.
Did you read it? Great! 
Now, just for the record, I do NOT get offended by people asking what camera equipment I use. I’ve never had anyone make a comment to me in the same context as the writer mentions, but I think the point is a viable one all the same.
So …. here is what’s in my bag:
Nikon D700 w/ battery grip
Nikon D80 (backup)
Nikon 85mm f/1.8
Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Nikon 35mm f/2
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8
Nikon SB-600 (for personal use – I’m all about natural light for my sessions)
Combination of 8GB and 4GB CF cards
Expodisc (rarely used)
And the little things: extra batteries, lens cloth, lens cleaner brush, extra model releases, business cards, etc.
As far as bags themselves, I have a Lowepro Slingshot 300 for transport and a Shootsac to use while shooting along with a Pixel Pocket Rocket for cards. During a shoot I keep my Shootsac stocked with my lenses, lens cloth and brush, business cards, wallet, bottled water, a small cloth for client “blotting” as needed (especially in the summer), and bribes/toys for little ones if needed. I also have a custom camera strap with a lens cap pocket – I LOVE it! If you are misplacing those as often as I did, it’s a must-have.
My 85mm is my favorite lens – the bokeh is AMAZING – but I probably use my 50mm the most, it’s my workhorse. The 35mm is fairly new and I really love experimenting with it. I generally use the 24-70mm for family sessions (especially with little ones) to give me more flexibility.
And … I’m a PC! I use Photoshop CS4 and ACR for RAW editing – yes, all of you crazy Lightroom folks, you can Batch Process in ACR too!
Thanks for reading … hopefully somebody will find this useful!
Lindsay Macmanus: Thanks so much for the post. I totally agree with you and then article you mentioned. It takes a lot of work to learn the art of photography and what all goes into it. You have done a wonderful job with yours, I always love looking at your photos. They are amazing(and not by chance)!
Amy Henderson: Enjoyed reading your post and Erin's to. I think your work is fantastic!
Erin: This is great info to have. I was curious, do you have any posts about your processing routine? Do you ever use photoshop actions?
Elias: You Fan Nikon:)
Rebecca Dever: Holy guacamole, girl!!! You and I are peas in a pod right down to our gear. Except you have better style... much better style. LOL Just wanted to drop a line to tell you I adore your blog and your work. Xoxoxo, Rebecca
Stephanie: If that's what's in your bag, what bag do you use to hold all of that?
mary: Thank You so much for your post. It was very helpful. Your pics are fantabulous. Thanks for using a Nikon.
Christina Cranmer: Hello! I'm very interested in your website and I totally agree with the upgrades and such. It's about how you use them and your knowledge of the equipment. I do have questions though. I'm just getting out of college with a BA towards BFA I focus on Graphic Design and Photography, mainly photography. I prefer to use natural only because I love the final product and it creates a naturalist and realist image I think. I'm not very familiar with using lights and other equipment. I've used it before but not as much as I do with the natural lighting. I guess my question is that I basically have my Cannon EOS Rebel T3 with the 18-55 mm lens that came with it. I haven't had enough to buy a zoom lens but I'm working my way up. It's hard to be a college student with not much income to work with. How did you start? And I was thinking of just working in studios while saving towards another lens. Could I get by with using only two different type of lens? I mean there are certain lens I would like to get that would better and create easier images that I want. Or am I behind? And I know you use Nikon so I'm not sure how familiar you are with Cannon. I'm use to Cannon and that's what I've always worked with. :)
Lindsay: Sending you an email Christina!