Behind the Lens: The Gear That Helps Me Capture Your Story
- claw522
- Nov 8, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 15
As a photographer, having gear I can trust makes all the difference in capturing your story — the laughter, the little glances, the once-in-a-lifetime moments. I get asked a lot about what I use, so I wanted to give you a peek behind the scenes at my favorite tools and why I love them.
My Camera: The Nikon D850
At the center of my kit is my Nikon D850. It’s a full-frame DSLR that lets me capture every detail and color beautifully. I shoot in Kelvin to keep skin tones and natural light consistent, and always in RAW so I can make edits without losing any quality.
One of my favorite features? Dual card slots. On a wedding day or during an important session, it gives me peace of mind by letting me:
Save photos to two cards at once for instant backup
Swap cards mid-shoot without missing a moment
Reduce the risk of losing memories to a card failure
Because once a moment passes, it’s gone — and I take that seriously.
Lenses I Love
I keep my lens lineup simple but versatile:
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art — My go-to for dreamy portraits with soft, creamy bokeh.
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX — Perfect for wider shots that tell more of your story.
Aerial & Action Gear
For capturing unique perspectives and dynamic movement:
DJI Mini 3 Pro — This little drone lets me get breathtaking aerial shots for elopements or scenic portraits.
GoPro HERO 13 — A small but mighty camera for behind-the-scenes moments or adventurous locations where a big camera can’t go.
Editing Magic: Lightroom, Photoshop & Topaz Sharpen
After a session, I bring your images to life in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. I handle everything from color correction to retouching and fine-tuning the mood of each shot. Sometimes, I use Topaz Sharpen AI to rescue those fast-paced moments that might have a touch of motion softness — so every shot is crisp and full of life.
Always Ready: Practical Gear I Bring
No matter the location, I like to be prepared:
Portable Changing Tent — Privacy for outfit changes.
Light Reflector — To bounce natural light and create flattering shadows.
Godox TT6600 Flash with Soft Covers — Soft, natural-looking light when needed.
Tripod — Stability for portraits or time lapses.
Rain Cover — Because sometimes weather surprises us.
Stool — For getting the perfect angle without straining.
Organic Bug Spray & Bug Sucker — Safe, effective, and a little peace of mind outdoors.
Little Extras That Make Sessions Fun
Depending on the session, I might bring florals, fabrics, picnic setups, or even color smoke bombs — especially for styled elopements or editorial storytelling. These touches help your photos feel playful, personal, and truly “you.”
Must-Have Essentials
Some things I never leave home without:
Backup batteries & chargers — because running out of power is a no-go
Portable phone charger — you never know!
Lens cleaning kit — clear lenses = crisp images
Water, snacks, and a small first aid kit — to keep energy high and everyone happy
Photography isn’t just about the gear — it’s about connection, storytelling, and capturing moments that make your heart skip a beat. But having the right tools ensures I’m ready for anything and can deliver beautiful, timeless images no matter the conditions.
Curious to see these tools in action? I’d love to capture your story — whether it’s a wedding, maternity, or elopement. Let’s chat and plan your session!



