Photography Gear Essentials: What I Use and Why

When it comes to capturing jaw-dropping images that make people stop mid-scroll, the gear you use plays a massive role. I’ve spent years honing my craft, learning what works and what doesn’t, so today, I’m pulling back the curtain on my essential photography gear—the stuff that gets me those crisp, story-telling shots every time.

Whether you're just starting or looking to up your game in commercial photography, buckle up. Here’s the gear that helps me transform ideas into powerful visuals for brands.

1. The Camera Body: Sony A1 – My Powerhouse

Let’s start with the heart of my kit—the Sony A1. This camera is a beast, plain and simple. With a 50.1 MP full-frame sensor and blazing-fast 30 fps burst shooting, it captures everything with insane detail. Why do I use this? Because in commercial photography, you’re dealing with top-tier brands that demand razor-sharp quality. Whether it's product photography, food, or an automotive shot, the Sony A1 delivers that extra punch, keeping every tiny detail in focus.

Backup Camera: Sony A7R IIWhile the Sony A1 is my go-to, my Sony A7R II is always by my side as a backup. It’s reliable, and with 42.4 MP, it’s a great option if I need a second angle or backup on critical shoots.

2. Lens #1: Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens – My Wide-Angle Solution

For those sweeping shots where I need to capture more of the scene, I rely on the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM. This lens gives me the flexibility to shoot landscapes, interiors, or even creative product shots where I need a wide perspective.

What it's perfect for:

• Interior Photography: Ideal for capturing large spaces and architecture with accurate detail and minimal distortion.

• Architectural Photography: Showcasing buildings and their environments.

• Wider Product Shots: When you need to emphasize the scene, not just the product itself.

  
  

3. Lens #2: Sony Sonnar T FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA – The Crisp All-Rounder*

The Sony 55mm f/1.8 is a prime lens that I absolutely love for portraits, product photography, and anything where I need that shallow depth of field with a sharp focus. It’s versatile and delivers stunning results with beautiful bokeh.

What it's perfect for:

• Portrait Photography: Perfect for headshots or lifestyle images, giving a clean and professional look.

• Business Headshots: Crisp detail with subtle background blur for a sharp, professional finish.

• Product Photography: Detailed shots of food, drinks, and lifestyle products with a beautiful shallow depth of field.

4. Lens #3: Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Prime Lens – Portrait Perfection

For portraits, the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is unbeatable. The longer focal length gives me that compressed look with flattering features, and the f/1.8 aperture ensures a beautifully blurred background that makes subjects stand out.

What it's perfect for:

• Portrait Photography: This is the go-to lens for capturing stunning, flattering portraits, perfect for fashion or individual shots.

• Lifestyle Shoots: Great for creating engaging, natural-looking images that tell a story.

• Sport Photography: Its speed allows me to freeze moments with athletes in action while maintaining a sharp subject and dreamy background.

5. Lens #4: Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS – Detail Master

For close-up work, like product photography or macro shots, the Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS is my secret weapon. It lets me get incredibly close to the subject and capture every tiny detail with precision, making it perfect for jewelry, watches, and other high-end product shoots.

What it's perfect for:

• Macro Photography: Whether it's food photography or the smallest details, like textures on packaging, this lens delivers.

• Jewelry & Small Items: Captures intricate details that are crucial for high-end products like jewelry, watches, or cosmetics.

• Product Photography: This lens is perfect for creating product shots that emphasize tiny details and textures.

6. Editing Power: iMac – My Digital Canvas

My creative process doesn’t end at the camera. For editing, I rely on my iMac. With its powerful processor and stunning Retina display, it allows me to see every detail in post-production and ensure that my images are top-notch before they go to the client.

7. Software: Capture One & Adobe Suite – The Magic Happens Here

For tethering and capturing images during shoots, I use Capture One. It’s the industry standard for ensuring that my images are coming through with the exact colors and tones I need. When it’s time to edit, I turn to the Adobe software package, including Lightroom and Photoshop for photography, and Premiere Pro and After Effects for video work. The full Adobe suite helps me refine images and videos, create graphics, and manage marketing elements for my clients.

8. Lighting: Godox AD600 Pro – The Sun in My Bag

Lighting can make or break your shot, and that’s why I trust the Godox AD600 Pro. This portable flash head packs a serious punch with 600Ws of power, perfect for everything from product photography to outdoor shoots. I can control it remotely, which means more flexibility and creativity when setting up my shots.

Why it matters:Lighting isn’t just about brightness—it’s about shaping the mood and feeling of your image. The Godox AD600 Pro helps me craft the perfect lighting environment, no matter where I am or what I’m shooting.

9. Modifiers: Softboxes and Reflectors – The Secret Sauce

Gear isn’t just cameras and lenses—modifiers like softboxes and reflectors are essential to getting that perfect shot. I use a 120cm octagonal softbox for soft, even light that flatters every product and subject. On the other hand, reflectors help me bounce light where I need it, adding dimension without introducing harsh shadows.

Why it matters:Modifiers control and soften light, creating a polished, professional look. This is especially crucial in commercial work where the aesthetic must align with the brand's identity.

10. Tethering: TetherPro Cable – Real-Time Feedback

When shooting for clients, I tether my camera to a laptop using the TetherPro Cable. Why? Because it allows me to instantly see my shots on a bigger screen and make real-time adjustments. This keeps me on track, ensures clients are happy, and saves time in post-production.

Why it matters:Efficiency is key in commercial shoots. Tethering streamlines the workflow, helps spot issues early, and keeps the creative process fluid and collaborative.

What it helps me with:

• Editing Photos: Color correction, retouching, and compositing in Photoshop.

• Video Editing: Professional-grade editing and motion graphics in Premiere Pro and After Effects.

• Marketing Assets: Creating banners, ads, and social media content through various Adobe tools.

The Bottom Line

Each piece of gear in my kit plays a unique role in bringing my creative vision to life. From the camera body that captures every detail to the lenses that create beautiful imagery and the editing tools that polish the final product, my equipment is carefully chosen to deliver quality every time. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your skills, investing in the right tools will help you grow as a photographer and create visuals that stand out in today’s competitive market.

With this gear, I can execute a wide range of services, from food photography to sports photography, portraits, interiors, architectural shots, macro details, and product photography for jewelry and small items.

If you're looking for guidance on building your own gear kit or curious about how each piece fits into commercial photography, this list is your map. Remember, gear alone doesn’t make a great photographer—it’s how you use it to tell your story. Now, go out and create something amazing!