Photography Equipment

I always use the best-available, professional-grade camera bodies, lenses, speedlights, studio lights, grip equipment, and computer gear, ensuring exceptional quality and reliability.

I also own like-quality backup equipment so work can continue when the unthinkable happens.

Really spectacular. Spared no expense. – John Hammond, Jurassic Park (1993)

This “what’s in my photography bag” inventory also serves as an educational recommendation guide that lists many “must-have” items for amateur, aspiring, and professional photographers.

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Table of Contents

Nikon

Nikon has been my preferred camera brand throughout my career. It has served me well; I’ve never been tempted to switch camera systems.

Nikon Cameras

The Nikon Z9 is Nikon’s latest flagship camera and is the best tool Nikon has ever produced.

For event photography, the Nikon Z9’s spectacular low-light performance is important when I’m photographing rapidly moving subjects in dark locations like hotel rooms, churches, reception halls, and hotel ballrooms. Its focus system is unparalleled, allowing me to capture higher percentages of in-focus images.

For most of my work as an event photographer, I simultaneously carry two Nikon Z9 camera bodies mounted with Nikon Z 24-70 and Nikon Z 70-200, respectively.

For my work as a commercial photographer, the Z9 produces 45-megapixel files with incredible dynamic range. These files are perfect when size matters or when deep cropping is helpful.

This camera also offers 100% silent operation when needed.

Also, although I charge camera batteries after every job, I’m always ready for long days. When I’m working remotely away from my Think Tank camera bag, I always carry at least one standby battery in addition to my in-camera battery.

Nikon Lenses

I use the Nikon 14-24mm when photographing interior or exterior architecture, landscapes, or spaces featuring wide vistas.

I use the Nikon 24-70mm and 70-200mm for event photography. Together, they cover a common and useful focal range. The Nikon 24-70mm is for near action and group portraits, while the Nikon 70-200mm is for remote candid work and individual or small group portraits.

I use the Nikon 50mm f/1.2 and Nikon 105mm f/2.8 for product photography because of their close working distance, incredible edge-to-edge sharpness, and focus-breathing performance.

I use the Nikon 85mm f/1.2, 50mm f/1.2, 35mm f/1.2, and 20mm f/1.8 lenses for portrait and editorial photography. Distortion and vignetting are almost non-existent, and the images are incredibly sharp.

When long-distance work is required, I use the Nikon Z TC-2.0x Teleconverter with my Nikon Z 70-200mm. That lens coupling doubles magnification while maintaining sharpness and clarity. This combination is especially useful in large churches, temples, convention centers, and event spaces that limit close access.

Finally, I use the Nikon FTZ adapter when mounting vintage or modern F-mount NIKKOR lenses on my mirrorless camera bodies.

Nikon Gear List

Profoto

Profoto offers professional photographers top-of-the-line flashes and light-shaping tools. I’ve used Profoto’s studio strobes exclusively during my photography career.

Profoto is the dominant brand in high-end studio lighting. If you watch major fashion or editorial behind-the-scenes videos, you’ll see Profoto equipment. You’ll also see that same gear when you visit my Houston studio.

I’ve selected Profoto over other brands because of its industry-renowned build quality. Its high-quality components and robust construction offer reliability and resiliency in extreme conditions.

This means Profoto studio lighting consistently performs flawlessly during demanding all-day projects and over an unusually long product lifetime. That quality also means Profoto keeps working when other brands might fail.

Also, when I’m on the road, Profoto lighting equipment is available in photography rental houses worldwide. This means that when my commercial or editorial projects require travel, I can rent familiar equipment anywhere.

Profoto Speedlights

Although bargain third-party flashes like Godox and Yongnuo work with Nikon cameras, I prefer robust build quality, high reliability, and fast recycling times over cheap imitations. These Profoto speedlights are also superior to the top-of-the-line Nikon speedlights that I’ve used previously.

With five speedlights, I am assured of lighting versatility whether I require a single off-camera flash or a complex studio lighting setup. Extra speedlights also provide a deep backup bench if lighting fails.

Profoto Studio Lights

I prefer Profoto B1 and B1X lights over the newer Profoto B10 and B10 Plus lights because the B1 and B1X provide faster recycling, more 500 Ws flashes per battery, better support for large light shaping tools, and compatibility with the Profoto Air USB and the Profoto Studio Air remote.

I own seven of these heads—an unusual quantity for photographers given the expense. However, those additional lights allow me to create lighting patterns that aren’t typical, which helps set my headshot photography and portrait photography apart from my contemporaries.

Profoto Light Shaping Tools

Profoto’s light shaping helps me create distinct lighting effects in any environment. Although I’ve purchased every major modifier over the years, some jobs demand a unique solution.

Profoto Air Remotes

Profoto offers an incredible system for communication between the camera and remote flashes. These devices always work, and that’s important for commercial photographers who demand perfection when working on demanding projects.

Profoto Gear List

Matthews Studio Equipment

When purchasing studio stands and grip equipment, I’ve always looked to Matthews Studio Equipment first. In 20+ years, they haven’t failed me, even when working under harsh conditions. I trust them most.

Their headquarters were near where I once lived, which meant fast shipping times and the occasional road trip when they sold discounted items. They have many competitors, but I prefer their gear over other studio stands and grip brands.

Matthews Gear List

Gitzo

My first professional tripod was a Gitzo, and my last tripod will be a Gitzo. Gitzo is the Ferrari of pro photographer tripods. It’s best known for its build quality, durability, and performance.

I’ve been using one of my Gitzo tripods (GT-5531S) for almost 20 years. I use it several times a week and it still looks new. Clients never believe me when I tell them I bought it in 2006.

Gitzo Gear List

Really Right Stuff

Really Right Stuff offers incomparable camera and lens support systems. I’ve used their ball heads, camera brackets, flash brackets, clamps, and panorama gear for 20+ years.

Their machined aluminum camera support systems are the lightest and most robust precision equipment available for photographers.

RRS Gear List

Cambo

Cambo is best known for its heavy-duty studio gear and view cameras. However, in my humble opinion, their best product is their studio stand.

Studio stands were popular with studio photographers who used heavy view cameras. Using a tripod was possible but prohibitively difficult. A studio stand allowed photographers to quickly and easily change camera positions without fiddling with a tripod.

Although I have a downtown Houston studio space, most photographers no longer maintain a studio, and these devices have become less popular. Since many new photographers haven’t worked in a studio, they don’t realize the incredible advantages of this gear.

With my Cambo stand, I can move more quickly and precisely than my contemporaries who use tripods, which means you spend less time and money working with me on your projects.

Cambo Gear List

Manfrotto

Manfrotto is my go-to supplier of grip gizmos that help me get my jobs done. Although they’re well known for their tripods and heads, their accessories are where it’s really at for photographers.

Manfrotto Gear List

SanDisk

SanDisk is trusted by more professional photographers than any other brand. I started my career with SanDisk cards and still use them today.

SanDisk memory cards provide high-speed transfers and proven reliability. They’re designed to withstand inclement weather, water exposure, and hard shocks. SanDisk is a Western Digital subsidiary, and its memory products carry a lifetime warranty.

For extra insurance, I use weatherproof/waterproof silver polyester identification labels on my SD, CF, and CFexpress cards. Every label includes my name, email address, phone number, and “REWARD” text. This preparation will pay dividends if an unlikely loss or theft ever occurs.

I’m incredibly risk averse; those cards are included in my backup workflow strategy. My capture and storage precautions ensure your photos are never misplaced, overwritten, or lost due to memory card or hard drive failure.

When I purchase new memory cards, they’re first tested with H2testw software. This hour-long test evaluates card capacity, write speed, read speed, and errors and identifies C and D flash memory that should have been destroyed. This means that I’m running reliable and authentic SanDisk memory cards.

My cameras use CFexpress cards, but I also own SDXC (SD) and CompactFlash (CF) cards that I supply to additional photographers when they work with me.

SanDisk Gear List

Think Tank Photo

Camera bags are like potato chips—one is never enough. When you require only the best roller bags, nobody does it like Think Tank Photo. Their products are the gold standard in gear transportation.

Think Tank’s padded bags reliably transport my equipment, so it always arrives safely. Their lightweight and amazing portability make on-location work easier. Instead of lugging heavy gear, I can dedicate more energy to your photography.

Think Tank Gear List

RL Handcrafts

Over the last twenty years, I’ve tried dozens of single-strap and dual-strap solutions—then I found RL Handcrafts. There’s no better dual-strap system available anywhere. If you’re a professional photographer who uses two or more cameras simultaneously, you’ll find no better strap solution.

Long-term comfort, excellent weight distribution, and reliability are three strap characteristics that matter most, and RL Handcrafts excels in all three areas. I value these straps so much that I own a backup set just in case my main set ever fails.

RL Handcrafts Gear List

Schneider-Kreuznach B+W Filters

I pick a Schneider-Kreuznach B+W filter when I need a lens filter. If I’m going to put another piece of glass in front of an optically pure lens, I want to make sure that what I’m adding isn’t detracting from my image quality. B+W filters meet that impressive demand.

I also use Amazon Basics UV filters as sacrificial lenses when working in extremely harsh environments because I prefer broken filter glass over broken lens glass.

Filter Gear List

Tethering

Tethering is when I connect my cameras to computers, tablets, and phones. When I take a photograph, that image is transferred to those devices, aiding in reviewing composition, focus, and exposure and assisting in collaboration with clients, art directors, agencies, and models.

Another advantage of tethering is I can control my camera remotely. That’s especially useful when I need to position a camera in a difficult-to-access location during project photography.

Although I most commonly use tethering as a product photographer, I also sometimes employ tethering tools as a commercial photographer when I work with art directors or when I work as an editorial portrait photographer alongside photo editors.

Tethering Gear List

Notable Accessories

These photography product accessories make my job easier. Choose some of these accessories if you want to do better work and look great in front of clients.

Notable Accessories Gear List

Hardware & Software

I’m an unapologetic computer geek. I get more excited about new computing gear than I do about new cars. And that’s why my systems are extreme. That’s my story—and I’m sticking to it.

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Primary Computer

Maingear has been my preferred computer builder for 15+ years. Although I have the skills to build my own box, Maingear excels in this area and I’d never take my business elsewhere. This is my fourth Maingear system.

Primary Computer Gear List

Display

Eizo ColorEdge monitors are the best color-managed viewing systems available to photographers. They’re stupid expensive but crazy good. There’s no better monitor when I’m correcting or retouching photos.

Display Gear List

Input Devices

Using these varied input devices, I provide the world with text, voice, and video. If you’re looking for a “best of” list, this is it!

Input Device Gear List

Storage

These computers store my photographs. If my house caught fire tomorrow, I’d grab these machines first (after my wife and our dogs). Although I tried Synology once, I’ve settled on QNAP NAS devices for my most important data.

Storage Gear List

Connectivity

I move lots of data on tight schedules. That means I need great networking gear. I’ve experimented with many of the best systems, but I’ve landed on these devices.

Connectivity Gear List

Output Devices

Output devices are more than just printers. Audio and light sources are also important for workflow productivity.

Output Device Gear List

Tablets

I use tablets for tethering applications where clients can view my photography as they work alongside me. I also use them when remotely controlling cameras.

Tablet Gear List

Backup Power

I imagine you don’t want to lose your work when the power goes out. Well, me neither. That’s why I’ve invested in these systems, which allow me to continue working even when we lose electricity.

Backup Power Gear List

Desk Organization

I’m known for being organized and my desk is no exception. I’ve spent countless hours improving my workspace for maximum efficiency.

Many of these tools help me present professionally when I’m offering one-on-one website consulting, during online presentations, and when I’m participating in commercial photography production planning meetings.

Desk Organization Gear List

On-Site Mobile Computer

This notebook was once my main workstation; it’s that powerful! Now, it’s relegated to my travel and tethering computer. It’s also my backup in case my main computer experiences issues.

Backup Mobile Computer

I’ve had this computer since 2012, but I still keep it around as it’s a great lightweight travel computer perfect for situations where I’m presenting one of my PowerPoint conference decks and weight is an issue.

Notable Software

These tools help me create better work, which you can witness in my various photography portfolios.