Photography Gear | 2022 Update
What I carry now:
This is the number one question I get on social media. “What gear do you use?” While I believe gear is important, understand that being creative, knowing your editing software, understanding light, and position while shooting all play a role in photography. That being said, here is what I currently use in my business as of 2022!
Camera Bodies:
Canon EOS-1DX
I bought my Canon used from a friend. This is my go-to camera body for every project, including rodeos and weddings. I will be purchasing a backup 1Dx this year.
Canon EOS R6
The Canon EOS R6 is a versatile full-frame mirrorless camera that offers UHD 4K video capture, 12 fps continuous still shooting with a mechanical shutter, and 5-axis image stabilization.
Lenses:
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II
Can you go wrong with this lens? This is my number one right now for every project.
Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports for Canon
Great rodeo lens! This lens is a bit heavy so when I can I use my monopod.
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens - Fixed
I bought this lens off Amazon over a two years ago. I have to say, for the price I love this little guy. I use the 40mm for weddings, ranch photos, and for fun.
Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM for Canon Full Frame Mirrorless RF Mount
This was my first lens for my R6. I will be looking to upgrade lenses this year. For the price, the quality for especially video gets the job done.
Rental Lenses:
Canon 50mm f/1.2L
When this lens is right, the shots are spectacular and the background blur is awesome, just like the 85 f/1.2. But it’s more finicky and more difficult to get those shots with this lens.
Canon 85mm f/1.2L II
The Canon 85mm f/1.2L II is a remarkable portrait and still-life lens. It’s also slow to autofocus. This is a portrait lens and a still life lens but NOT a sports lens.
Canon 400mm f/4 DO IS II
I rented this lens just for fun for the Bucking Horse Sale last year. It was fun to play around with. Would be a great choice for a larger arena, or even a big commercial shoot.
Canon 200-400mm f/4L IS with 1.4x Extender
I really like this lens for large outdoor arenas. I rented this lens for Art of the Cowgirl summer event in Bozeman, MT. It worked really well for the Ranch Rodeo especially when girls were roping on the opposite end of the arena.
Adapter:
Canon EF-EOS R Mount Adapter
The Canon EF-EOS R Mount Adapter lets you use almost any Canon EF or EF-S mount lens on the RF mount Canon EOS R camera body.
Flash:
Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT
The Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT is Canon’s flagship hot shoe flash.
Retired lenses:
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
I no longer use this lens, and I actually sold it recently. However, when I first started with the 1DX this was my go-to lens. It worked really well for outside, daytime rodeos.
Other/ Travel / Gear Bags:
CURMIO Carrying Case for Apple 21.5" iMac Desktop Computer
I travel often and needed a little piece of mind when hauling my desktop. I really like this case but I am still careful where I store my iMac.
36 Slots SD Card Case Micro SD Card Case CF Card Holder Memory Card Holder Storage
I had CF cards stored in all kinds of places in my pelican case. Buy one of these little nifty holders for both CF and SD cards.
Cayer BV30 Heavy Duty Video Tripod
I use this tripod for video work.
PHOPIK 79 inches Carbon Fiber Camera Tripod Monopod with 360 Degree Ball Head
USB C SD Card Reader, Unitek Aluminum 3-Slot USB 3.0 Type-C Flash Memory Card Reader
Black Pelican 1510 case with TrekPak dividers, mesh lid Organizer
This is my go to for packing gear.
Lexar Professional 1066x 64GB CompactFlash CardMake it stand out
I have been using these cards and haven’t had any issues with them. Note: you will need a card reader for a CF card if you are not familiar. Funny story, I went to shoot a rodeo in Great Falls, MT and spent the whole afternoon driving around town looking for a CF card since I had left mine at home. Long story short, finding these cards and card readers in person, (especially in Montana) isn’t usually an easy task!
K&F Concept Professional Camera Backpack Large Size Photography Bag Compatible with Camera DSLR, 13.3'' Laptop,Tripod (Grey)
I use this bag as a secondary setup, or if I’m riding a broke horse with my camera. It’s nice and sturdy and I like the look of it. It is a bit harder to unzip when your are riding since the whole back comes unzipped for your gear. Other than that this bag is super comfy and it gets the job done if you have a simple setup.
Other Gear / Editing:
Computers: MacBook Pro & iMac
Editing Software: Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Lightroom Classic, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Premiere Pro
Graphic Design / Marketing: Canva, Adobe InDesign
Website: Squarespace
CRM: Dubsado
Gallery Delivery: Pixieset. Dropbox for Video
iPhone Apps: Lightroom, DropBox, Canva, SCRL, Preview, DJI Fly, Genius Scan
Want to learn more?
Keep an eye out for upcoming mentor sessions as well as workshops.
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