How Important Is Photography Gear?

One of the questions I get most often is: “what’s in your camera bag, KT?” I get it. We all want to peek behind the curtain and see how “the magic” really happens! Which is why you’re getting a sneak peek inside my camera bag.

But before I do, let me be clear: I have a very specific philosophy on photography gear. It’s my firm belief that you don’t need the most expensive, newest, best photography gear to BE an incredible photographer. 

Here’s why…

(If you simply cannot wait, snag my Complete Gear List here by joining The Abundance Plan Waitlist.)

Why You Don’t Need to Get Hung Up on Photography Gear

Back when I was a photographer’s assistant, I had the opportunity to work with some of the best fashion photographers in New York, LA, and Miami—including legends like Patrick Demarchelier.

What I found remarkable about working with Patrick was that he used whatever photography gear was placed in his hands and gave it minimal thought.

Of course, he had great assistants and techs who ensured things were set up to his preferences—and that he didn’t have to fuss with many technicalities. 

But without fail—no matter what photography gear Patrick used—once the images started pouring onto the screen, they were what I’ve come to expect from his work—consistent, breathtaking and powerful. Even the unre-touched, uncorrected images were undeniably beautiful. He was simply that good.

It’s easy to get hung up on the tools of the trade. It’s the myth that if we get a fancy camera and the same lens the “industry greats” use, then, suddenly, we’ll be able to produce outstanding work. I’m sure you’re thinking that Patrick had some special custom-made Phase One kit, or something similar that spits out unfairly beautiful images with every click. I did too. 

But for the record, at that time, Patrick shot a Canon 5D Mark IV—with a variety of lenses.

I had the exact same camera, used it for years, and—given the same ingredients,—I highly doubt I could match his results. It wasn’t his photography gear that produced his high-quality photography—it was Patrick himself. It was his artistry—and his some odd 40 years of experience—that made his work phenomenal. 

What I’m saying is: Patrick Demarchelier didn’t get hung up on photography gear, I myself don’t get hung up on photography gear, and neither should you.

Photography gear is important, and will change every year, but what you should really focus on is your craft, your mindset, and your business.

Inside my signature course, The Abundance Plan, that’s exactly what we cultivate: your unique vision, creativity, and strategy that will build the photography business of your dreams.

When you join the waitlist today, you’ll be first in line when enrollment opens. 

But if you’re like me, in spite of me telling you that photography gear isn’t the most important thing about your photography business—you still want to know what photography gear I use—keep reading!

A Sneak Peek of the Photography Gear I Use

I have a complete photography gear list available inside my course, The Abundance Plan, but I am more than happy to share a few of my favorite pieces HERE. Keep reading!

Camera Bodies

MY CONSTANT COMPANION: CANON 1V

This is a 35mm film camera that I always use for detail macro shots with a 100mm lens and Fujifilm 400H 35mm color film. Later in the day, I will use the 70-200mm for the first look, ceremony, and toasts. For these shots, I prefer to use Ilford Delta 400 black and white film. I also love this camera with a 50mm or something wider and black and white. It’s the perfect combination for those in-the-moment, photojournalism shots.

My Dependable Digital: Sony A1

We use the Sony A1 bodies as our primary digital bodies. The A1 is Sony’s top-of-the-line mirrorless camera.We have really enjoyed making the transition from Canon to Sony. 

You can find all the lenses I use with each of these cameras—PLUS my list of Contax bodies by joining The Abundance Plan waitlisthere.

Lighting Gear

Flashes

(3) Sony HVL-F60RM Flashes
(1) Canon 580 EXII flash for the 1V
(2) Quantum Turbo SC battery packs 
(1) Profoto B2 kit that we mount on a light stand to help add a pop to the dance floor
(2) Profoto B10 heads we only use these for emergency lighting situations where we need a strobe to light our subject. These come in handy in a really dark indoor space when we are forced to shoot family formals inside. 

Tripods, Light Stands, and Modifiers

(2) Manfrotto carbon tripods.
(2) Bogen 410 Geared tripod heads.
(2) 6’ aluminum light stands.
(2) Photoflex LiteDisc modifiers – one translucent, one silver/white reflector.
(2) Photek Softlighter umbrellas for Profoto heads – medium and large.
(2) Westcott Scrim Jim kit – one 4×6 and one 6×6 with scrim and bounce.

Ready to Get the Missing Pieces to My Photography Gear List?

Join The Abundance Plan waitlist and get my complete Gear List.

Want to know *exactly* what we’re shooting with and when? 

Here’s a snapshot.

Detail Shots

Contax 645 with 80mm lens for invitation, shoes, dress, etc. 
Sony A1 with 50mm lens to backup all Contax shots on digital.

Getting Ready

Contax 645 with 80mm lens for couples getting ready portraits.
Sony A1 with 50mm lens to backup all Contax shots on digital. 
Canon 1V with 100mm lens for capturing smaller details like the rings.

First Look/Couple Portraits

Contax 645 with 80mm lens for couples portraits.
Sony A1 with 50mm lens to backup all Contax shots on digital. 
Canon 1V with 50mm lens for capturing couples movement/walking.

Bridal Party Portraits and Family Formals

Contax 645 with 
> 80mm lens for group photos.
> 45mm lens for extra wide group photos.
Sony A1 with 50mm lens to backup all Contax shots on digital. 
Canon 1V with 70-200mm lens for capturing close-ups of group photos and off-camera moments.

Cocktail Hour

Contax 645 with 
> 80mm lens for details and guest shots.
> 45mm lens for extra wide cocktail hour setup shots and scene shots.
Sony A1 with 50mm lens to backup all Contax shots on digital.

Reception

Contax 645 with 
> 80mm lens for details and dancing (with 3200 speed film and video light).
> 45mm lens for extra wide reception setup shots and night shots (on tripod).
Sony A1 with Flash and 50mm lens to backup all Contax shots on digital. 
Canon 1V with flash and 50mm lens to capture b/w of first dance.

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The Bottom Line on Photography Gear

The truth is, I am not a purist to any photography medium or a loyalist to any photography brand. I’m a hybrid shooter through and through. 

On most wedding days, you will find me with at least three cameras strapped around my shoulders—looking like the world’s shortest Robocop. I love what the different mediums provide and have mastered shooting digital and film in most situations—family formals, ceremony, dances, cake-cutting—all the formalities.

Since my situations and needs constantly change and evolve, so too does my photography gear.

Want to Tour My Photography Gear Bag For Real?

If you want to know  exactly which camera and lenses I’m using right now for every possible shot at a wedding, you can get the inside scoop on the specific photography gear I use in every photography situation—including emergency lighting situations.

I’m even taking you on a video tour of my camera bag, so you can actually see the equipment with your very own eyes.

All you have to do is join The Abundance Plan VIP Waitlist—where you’ll get tons of guidance based on my proven path to success. You don’t have to waste any more time guessing what the best way forward in your business is. 

It’s all waiting for you—access and resources to build an abundant photography business and that COMPLETE photography gear list!

Because, while the tools don’t make the photographer…

They sure can help.

Get my complete Photography Gear List and take a video tour inside my camera bag by joining The Abundance Plan waitlist below!