We aren’t total gear-heads like some. Don’t get me wrong, we love photography and technology. We definitely nerd out over new gear but largely see it as fun tools that allow our creative vision to come to life. Because we often get asked about gear and because we do enjoy talking shop, here are some of our thoughts on the gear we use to shoot weddings as well as some basic tips that we’ve picked up on after shooting over 100+ weddings as Gabriel Boone Photography.
[GABRIEL] You can see my list of go-to gear below. It’s pretty straight forward but here are a few practical photo tidbits I would add:
While online shopping can be fun but seeing things in person, being able to test it out and talk with people about it really make a difference. I love perusing the showroom at Glazers and Cameratechs here in Seattle. Glazers has any sort of photo gear you want. If they don’t have it, chances are they can get it. Cameratechs has counters of old cameras and gear just waiting to be loved. Beyond being able to try out gear and ask questions in person, I find that it’s great to actually build a relationship with the people you see on a regular basis. When I lived and shot in Los Angeles, getting to know the guys behind the rental desk at Samy’s Camera was great. There were all sorts of big productions crews coming in and out all day. I’d see guys loading 3 or 4 carts full of gear with 5 page invoices. I was just there to pick up one or two lenses or maybe rent a new camera body for the weekend. After about a year of stopping by regularly and being friendly they would vouch for me. I spent less and less time in line and had easier access to gear and hearing what was going on in the camera world and around town.
With that in mind, when I need a creative boost I rent a lens different from what I normally shoot or thumb through the Glazers film fridge and try to do something to break routine and inspire to create with a new or different method. For me, shooting film is a great way to shift the way I look through a viewfinder. I forces me to be very deliberate with each frame and really commit to composing a shot. I find that carries over when I go back to shooting my digital cameras.
Shooting weddings means committing to a long day of hard work and it’s mostly spent on your feet holding gear in hand. I think it’s important to have killer looking shoes. The challenge is finding killer shoes that are also comfortable. Whatever you choose, I highly recomend you buy some Superfeet Insoles
• Carry showercaps to cover your flash when in rains.
• Always keep a pen handy (Make it a nice one that you feel comfortable handing a client. Not a “free” pen that you borrowed from the bank.)
• For some reason when shooting weddings my lips always get chapped. Thus I have Burt’s Bees
• …next to the gum or mints because stinky breath is never a good thing.
• I like to keep a pack of skittles in my bag for that sometimes needed burst of energy
• Cheap hairspray gets pen ink out of dresses!
• Use a toilet seat cover to blog the shiny off your forehead
• Bow Ties help you look dapper
• Don’t be afraid to bust-a-move on the dance floor
MY GEAR (GABRIEL):
Quantum Q-Flash w/ Turbo Battery
Lowepro Stealth Reporter D300 AW Bag
Buy Local from Glazers or rent by the day from Glazers Rentals
Fujifilm Instax MINI 7s White Instant Camera
Powerex AA 2700mAh NiMH Rechargeable Batteries
I don’t recommend this equipment lightly. These are all items that I actually use. With that in mind, if you purchase any of these items from the links above I will get a small kickback which in turn helps purchase more gear to recommend to you in the future. So it’s really in your best interest. I just wanted to make that clear.
If you’re interested in learning more about photography we occasionally offer small private workshops. If you want to get your photo knowledge going right now I encourage you to stop by http://Zarias.com or http://Strobist.com. Both are great sites with killer photo knowledge.
Seattle: (206) 229-2436
Portland: (971) 533-7722
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