I am often asked what camera I use or what types of lighting I bring to my photo shoots. This page is updated regularly with my favorite photography gear.  Along with each is a link to where I recommend to purchase if you are interested in making the investment. Links are affiliate programs and will pay me a small percentage of your sale. Thanks for checking it out.

Side note: I practice photography on a freelance basis and operate on a small budget. I only buy what I can afford. Making good photographs has more to do with your eye and creativity rather than the price tag of your gear. I will add to my collection as my skills outgrow the ability of my gear.

Camera Body

Nikon D7000 – I absolutely love this camera. It’s considered a “prosumer” body and has all of the features you would find on many full frame professional camera’s. It is one of the most highly rated and raved camera’s in the last few years. I recommend purchasing it as a body only and buy the lens that fits the type of photography you will be shooting rather than wasting money on the kit lens. I got mine at B&H.

Want list: Nikon D4 and D800

Glass (lenses)

Nikon 35mm 1.8 – Perfect lens for low light environmental portraits and indoor shots. At an aperture of 1.8 you can get in close and just blow out that background.  I got mine at B&H.

Nikon 50mm 1.8 – This is the lens I use the most. I find 50mm on a crop body is the perfect length for 90% of portraits.  With an aperture set at 1.8 you can shoot as the light is getting low and get crisp and colorful bokeh. My favorite Nikon glass, and probably the cheapest. I got mine at B&H.

Nikon 70-200mm – I purchased this lens along with my old D60. It is a decent zoom. Its good for when I travel as a way to get good pictures from a little distance. There are much  better zoom’s on the market. It all depends on how much you want to pay. I got mine at B&H

Lighting

As a strobist I am a big fan of speedlights. They are lightweight, pack a heavy (bright) punch, and allow great creativity when making your image.

Nikon SB-700 (speedlight) – As a strobist, this speedlight is perfect for just about any lighting need. It works quickly and smoothly with my D7000 via TTL & CLS. Why so expensive compared to the Yongono you ask? It takes the guess work out of on & off camera flash by using Nikon’s Creative Lighting System, meaning it will adjust your flash power for you. Well worth the money. I got mine at B&H

Yongnuo YN-560 (speedlight) – This is my second and backup speedlight. No TTL or CLS but CAN be fired as a slave from my SB-700 as a fill light or backlight. Its the best cheap light on the market. I got mine from Amazon.

Yongnuo RF-603 Wireless Triggers – I use these for outdoor portraits so I don’t have to worry about the line of sight or other interference issues of the CLS system. They are cheap and reliable. I got mine from Amazon.

Fancierstudio 1000 Watt light system - This is an inexpensive kit for portraiture. A decent 3 light system with background. I currently use speedlights for key lighting however, however these lights are bright and balanced for the sun and make for great studio options. I got mine at Amazon.

Other Goodies in my Bag

Tiffen 0.9 ND filter – this 3-stop filter is great for bright situations (beach, mid-day shoots) and to slow down shutter in environmental photographs (smooth water). A great $15 investment. Get it at Amazon.

Nikon wireless shutter release – to shoot long exposures on tripod & self portraits. Get one at Amazon.com.

Hardware / Editing

20″ iMac – I purchased this computer years ago. Great screen for color retouching. Still runs like a charm.

Apple Aperture 3 – I know many photo professionals swear by Lightroom. I have tried it and dont have a bad word to say. However, I love Aperture for its ease of use and how it integrates with all my other Apple products (iPhone, iPad, iMac, iCloud…). It is a great application to task ALL photo post production: import, organize, edit, share, print, export, and archive.

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Just as important as your gear is the knowledge of how to use it. I recommend the following books to learn more about putting your camera and equipment into practice.

If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact me.