The Tools I Use -- and Why

I don’t believe great photographs come from great gear. They come from judgment, experience, and an understanding of light. The tools below are simply what I’ve chosen because they let me work quickly, reliably, and intentionally in real-world conditions.

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This list changes over time. The principles behind it do not.

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Camera Bodies

I use camera bodies that prioritize reliability, speed, and flexibility under pressure. These are tools I trust in fast-moving environments where there are no second chances.

• Nikon Z9

• Nikon D4 (legacy body and backup)

 

Lenses

My lens choices emphasize clarity, consistency, and practical focal lengths. I favor lenses that let me work decisively rather than chase coverage.

• Nikkor F 70–200mm f/2.8G VR II

• Nikkor Z 24-70 f/2.8 S

• Nikkor F 20mm f/1.8G

• Nikkor F 85mm f/1.8G

• Nikkor F 105mm f/2.8 VR Macro

• Nikkor Z 180–600mm

• Nikkor F 50mm f/1.8G

 

Lighting

Lighting — Flash

Flash is a precision tool. I use it to shape light, control contrast, and maintain consistency when available light isn’t cooperative.

• Nikon SB-800 (×3) speedlights

• Alien Bee R200

• Einstein 640ws

• Godox wireless triggers

• Vagabond Mini battery

 

Lighting — Continuous

Continuous light helps me see and refine light in real time, especially for portraits and detail work.

• ICE Light LED

• Torchlight LED

 

Modifiers & Light Control

Modifiers allow me to sculpt light intentionally.

• 28" and 43" softboxes

• 50" square softbox

• Shoot-through umbrellas

• Bounce umbrellas

• 64" PLM umbrella

• MagMod system with gels and cookies

• Westcott Omega Reflector

 

Support & Accessories

Reliable support gear matters when speed and safety are part of the equation.

• Flashpoint LTSP85ACH and LTSP10ACP light stands

• Bogen 3216 light stick

• Manfrotto 055MF3 Magfiber tripod

 

Metering & Color

Consistency starts with measurement. These tools help ensure predictable, repeatable results.

• Sekonic L-758 light meter

• X-Rite ColorChecker Passport

 

Software & Workflow

Post-processing is a continuation of the digital negative capture process, not a rescue operation.

• Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop

• Nik Collection

• iMac M1, 16GB, 1TB SSD

• MacbookAir M2, 8GB, 1TB SSD

• Crucial X10 4TB portable SSD

 

Storage & Media

I use professional-grade media chosen for reliability, speed and American ties when possible.

• Lexar, Sandisk and Delkin CFexpress cards

• Crucial SSD for portable backup