Curious about the equipment I use? Here’s the whole list with links to see detailed information.
(These are affiliate links)
THE BEST MAIN CAMERA BAG
Thinktank Streetwalker Pro V2 rolling backpack - (Adorama) - (Amazon)
Durable, Versatile, Configurable. This is the ultimate camera bag! I bought this in 2023 and love the convertible aspect. It makes the way I work much easier. It’s a good size bag that can be customized to suit your needs. It’s been on a lot of road trips and performed above expectations. I’m a believer in, “buy it right, but it once” when it comes to equipment. This fits the bill and you can grow into it too. With nearly a 5/5 star rating and over 400 reviews between Adorama and Amazon - you can’t go wrong with this bag.
HEADSHOT BACKDROPS
Westcott 5x7 X-Drop Backdrop Stand - (Adorama)
This has been my backdrop for headshots since 2019 and it’s still going strong. It has been all over North Alabama and still performs flawlessly to this day after dozens and dozens of setups and takedowns.Westcott 8x8 X-Drop Backdrop Stand (Adorama)
I got this in 2023 when I started doing volume dance photography for dance school. It is even better constructed than the 5x7, and as a bonus this one does BOTH sizes, so technically you can just use one. However, it’s a little more bulky than just the base 5x7.
CAMERAS
Nikon Z8
Purchased in Dec 2023, the performance of this as a photo/video camera is incredible.Nikon Z6 - Z6II
Purchased in 2017, I have 2 original Z6’s. The Z6II is even better and I’ve linked it above since the Z6 is now discontinued.
LENSES
Nikon 14-30 F4
An affordable ultra wide angle for those sweeping creative shots. This is essential in my bag! 82mm filtersNikon 24-70 2.8 S
My main event for weddings and work that will be low light. 82mm filtersNikon 24-120 F4
I got this an an all around lens for general shooting. Plus it has 77mm filter threads which lets it work with all my filtersNikon 24-200 F4-F5.6
I got this for when I’m working at the rocket plant or industrial area and can’t change lenses, but need max flexibility.Nikon 26 2.8
A tiny lens great for street or indoor photography. The 28mm on DLSR was fun, and this is even better.Nikon 35 1.8 S
A great standard prime lens, I tried the 35/85 combo at weddings for a while.Nikon 50 2.8 Macro
An affordable way to get into macro, and what I use for wedding detailsNikon 50 1.2 S
I use this for events when I need to obliterate the backgrounds that have distracting junk in them. 82mm filtersNikon 85 1.8 S
Part of the 35/85 combo, but I use this for portraits when I need to travel light.Nikon 70-200 2.8 S
My all time favorite lens. It’s heavy but the results out of it are worth it. 77mm filtersNikon 500 F5.6
My go to lens for distance! Stunning.Nikon 180-600 Z
This has effectively replaced my 500 PF. It weights a bit more, but the versatility is worth it.
LIGHTING
Nikon SB 700
I recommend having one branded flash because I believe you’re more guaranteed it will work.Godox TT600 (4)
A super affordable way to get into OCF. That’s why I have 4!Godox AD200 (2)
Powerful, inexpensive, versatile. All the reasons I love this light and between my friends and I, we have a ton.Godox X-Pro N Trigger
Gotta have a way to make the lights work and this is what I use.
MODIFIERS
Magmod Octabox 24”
My first and still most used portable softbox. Quick and easy setup is what I love.Magmod Octabox 42”
My second much larger softbox that I use for headshots.Magmod Stripbox 36”
My first ever strip box, pefect for edgelight, backlight, and creative light.Magmod Sphere (2)
The first ever Magmod I got in 2017, and I still use these 2 all the time.Magmod Bounce (2)
The second thing I got, I use it less, but it’s still usefull for on camera flash.Magmod Grid (3)
Essential for controlling light spill. The more you stack the narrower the beam.Magmod Gels
These open up an endless world of creative possibilities and I use them regularly.Magmod Snoot
Essential for creative shots where an extremely narrow spot of light is needed.
SUPPORT
Manfrotto 190Go
My favorite travel tripod. Sturdy support.Manfrotto BHQ2 Tripod Head
The perfect ball head to pair with the tripod legs.Impact 10’ Light Stands (2)
I’ve had these since 2016 and they are my workhorses when I need to go high with flash.Manfrotto 5001 B Nanostands (2)
These are my daily drivers and what I travel with.
Drone
I bought this expanded kit in Dec 2023 and it’s so fun with great image quality.
Video
Sony X70 4K camcorder
Lots of pro features in a small package. What I use for dance recitals and wedding ceremonies.Sony CX900 camcorder
Additional camcorder for weddings.
Video Lighting
Godox SL60W
A good sized LED light.Aputure AL-M9 mini LED
Essential for helping with low light focus issues. This is always in my pocket. Super bright and small.Yongnuo 360II Light Wand
Somewhat small and portable LED light want. I use this quite a bit for creative stuff. Fits into the side of my bag.
Audio
Tascam DR 10 Pocket Recorder (2)
Small and perfect for interviews and weddings.Tascam DR 40 Field Recorder (2)
I put these near the piano, string section, or harp at weddings etc.Sennheiser G3 Wireless Systems (3)
Before I got the DR10, I used 3 of these at weddings. Still awesome.Sennheiser ME66 Shotgun mic
I’ve had this since 1999 and it’s still my go to shotgun mic!Sennheiser MKE400 Shotgun mic
Super small and what I’ll take when traveling for content creation etc.
Video Support
DJI Mini 3 Gimbal
I use this for weddings and content creation. Super small, easily packable and holds my Z6 with a 14-30.Manfrotto 755XB (2)
Lightweight and sturdy video tripod base
LEGACY GEAR
Nikon FX
Nikon 14-24 F2.8
An oldie but a goodie. It’s just so bulky that I ever carry it out anymore.Nikon 70-200 F2.8 VR2
This was the first pro lens I ever got and I still keep it as a back up. Solid and awesome!Nikon 50 F1.4D
Nikon 28 F2.8D
Tokina 100 F2.8 Macro
Nikon DX
Nikon D7200
Nikon 35 F1.8
Tokina 11-16 F2.8
Bags and Cases
Tenba HDSLR Roadie Backpack
Lowepro Fastpack 250 AWII
Sal Cincotta Bug Out Shoulder Bag
Pelican 1650 Wheeled Case
Pelican 1510 Briefcase Style
Stands
Benro A570T/BH0 Travel Tripod Head Combo
Benro PP-1 Tabletop Tripod
Benro MC-96EX Monopod
Flashpoint Nanostands (2)
Video Stuff
Switronix Torch LED (3)
Sony HVL20 (3)
Comer 1200
Comer Torch LED (3)
Manfrotto 561 BHDV Monopod
Glidecam HD2000 Gimbal Stabilizer
Konova K2 Slider
Canon XA20 camcorder
Canon HV40 miniDV camcorder
Canon Vixia mini camcorder