WHICH CAMERA DID YOU USE?
Below are my basic cameras and setups. It’s all linked directly to Amazon so you can buy directly from there! I receive a small affiliate payment for whatever you buy, so thank you!
If you have the cash, you can buy EQ that is more up-to-date - but honestly, you don’t need much gear - just some ideas, vision, and willingness to experiment!
One important note about tech questions: Unless we are close friends or colleagues, please do not ask tech questions about how I shot this or that. I do not talk shop so those questions just go ignored.
THE BIG GUY: $5k+
I’m a bit old school. This is a DSLR. I have owned DSLR’s for 20 years after leaving film. I have used mirrorless and may get one down the road, but I like the vibe of a DSLR.
• Canon 5d Mk4 $2,500
• 24-70 2.8 USM Lens $1700 - but save some $$ and get the Sigma instead
• GoDox flash $180 - it’s the same flash as a Canon speed lite, but with GoDox branding.
THE LITTLE CAMS: $500-1,000
These are my everyday carry. A good chunk of my work is handled on these compact cameras. The GR3 is more professional, however, I shoot campaigns and work for musicians and fashion brands using the TG6.
• Olympus TG-6 $500
I found this camera a few years ago and suggested it to literally everyone I work with. I have at least 15+ friends who own this camera based on my suggestion (photographers, models, makeup artists, etc). Recently I was at a diner with friends and we all pulled out the TG6/7. Every single one of us owned one.
You can be ROUGH with this camera. It is also waterproof, I have taken this into the Pacific Ocean, pools, streams, hot tubs, and more. It’s pocket size so you can throw it in your pocket or bag and bring it everywhere without worrying about it. It’s snappy and reponsive.
• Ricoh GR3 w/ Pentax Flash $1,100
Just be careful. My first GR3 was killed by dust. Take really good care of this camera - it’s not for people who are rough on their equipment.
WHAT SHOULD MY FIRST CAMERA BE?
If you’re looking for a new camera, check the above, or check the list below! There are a few options for almost every budget.
Olympus TG6: $500. I know I mentioned it before but I’ll put this on a list for people looking for their first camera. Get it in black if you want to bring it out to events, and get it in red if you are like me and constantly lose shit ore go under water.
Canon T7: This is a GREAT starter camera for under $500. Perfect for someone who wants something they can grow with. This is a DSLR so you can add flashes and new lenses as you get more serious.
Canon 2000D Gear kit: Camera plus a couple of lenses and a bunch of extras. $640. Not a bad starter kit!
Fuji X100v: Super sweet camera. Another one that is easy to use. $2,400 and it will last a super long time.
Leica Q2: Some friends own these. They’re snappy point-and-shoot cameras. Just point at what you want, snap the shot, and you’re done! the 28mm lens is great at capturing wide scenes and it’s easy to carry everywhere. I will probably end up with one at some point. $5,000 but it’s a camera you’ll have forever.