Let’s talk about photography gear

Ok, I figured I would eventually write something about my gear. I mean, it’s the stuff that allows me to do all this crazy work! When I started this last December, I actually didn’t have ANY idea what I was getting myself into. I promise there is a reason I’m writing all this so stay with me to the end!

I owned a Sony a6300 (still do) and started watching videos on what other photographers used to take their photos with. I was thinking I would probably buy a (hopefully) inexpensive new lens and then go to town. WRONG!! Since I knew I was going to end up printing my images, I did lots of research which included reading reviews and watching YouTube videos. I just wasn’t seeing the lenses that would work well on that current camera. So, after watching this VERY influential video, (https://youtu.be/wTrC9-KR2Z4), I ended up bidding on and winning a Sony full frame a7riii and a 24-105 mm lens (https://youtu.be/EpexxDFzy6g).

My gear acquisition spiraled from there. I should say that photography gear can get pretty expensive so I have been very careful with what I have purchased. My camera came with an L-Bracket so it would be super easy to take it on and off my tripod – think time and energy saver! Only problem, I now need a tripod head to mount it to. I know what Nick Page in the video was using so I started there and did more research. I’ll spare the boring details but I now own a REALLY nice and STURDY tripod and ball head that should last quite a while. In fact, I have used it in so many different types of conditions and I haven’t had any problems. I’m at the point now where I need to clean it so I’ll need to watch this video while I do it, https://youtu.be/04xQDPutxn0.

I had been happily carrying my smaller camera and 1 lens in a cute protective sling bag whenever I used it. Now that I had this new, bigger camera and lens and a tripod, of course I needed a way to conveniently carry it all. So, more video watching and website searching! I wanted a bag that I could keep my necessary gear in and have it be comfortable while hiking and doing photo walk-a-bouts. I settled on the smallest backpack made by Shimoda. It had just the right amount of features and a handy side pocket to carry my tripod. Now I keep everything in that bag and I’m always ready to go!

As I continued to learn more about different ways to take photos and some of the other lenses various photographers used, I wanted to make sure I was prepared for almost anything nature presented to me. I did end up buying an 18mm prime lens to go a little wider than 24mm. My most expensive, last and BEST lens purchase was a 100-400mm telephoto. This is a lens that makes other people think I am a total professional photographer. LOL! If they only knew! I bought it on eBay (used is a great way to buy these things) and had it shipped to a friend in Utah. So, on our first trip after I made this impossible goal, I retrieved my new lens and went to town at the top of a ski resort right at sunset. I think someone there thought I was a really experienced photographer. I didn’t even know how to use my lens!!! BUT, I did get quite a few images I like and can’t wait to go back at the end of the year. Now I “need” gloves so my fingers don’t freeze. I’m foreseeing a Christmas gift in my future…

Ok, my last bit of gear are my filters. I also did lots of research because I didn’t want to have lots of extra stuff that I didn’t use. I ended up with these filters from Breakthrough Photography: a circular polarizer and a 3 & 6-stop neutral density filters. Whew! Besides some other trappings for cleaning, this is what I’ve got. It sounds like a lot when I write it all out but it all fits in my bag with room to spare and I love it!

One thing I have done for myself is that I (almost) always make sure I reset everything when I get back from taking photos. I clean everything, charge my batteries, import my photos and back them up, put back any filters I used and wipe down my lenses and camera. I want to make sure I’m prepared to grab my bag and go when the I get that feeling I need to go. Here are some things I’m proud of myself for doing:

1. Purchasing quality items and being thoughtful about it
2. Buying just what I need (I’ve used everything I own)
3. Learning about what each piece of my gear does and how to use it
4. Keeping it clean and cared for
5. Being prepared for the next adventure

So far I’ve made a few images I’m pretty proud of and a TON that I like to laugh at. But, this is my journey.

-Brie