My Photo Gear

Several people have messaged me asking what equipment I’m using, so I thought I’d answer everyone in a single post. Most of the pictures I’m putting up here were taken with a Canon 30D and a Canon 24-70 f/2.8L lens. Occasionally I rent lenses to try out and I usually note that when I post a photo taken with a rented lens.

With the arrival of our daughter, my wife and I grew increasingly frustrated with the overall poor quality of pictures our compact camera was taking. We decided to get a DSLR and give up the convenience and easy portability of the compact for the hulking size and weight of the DSLR if that meant better pictures. So far it has made a huge difference, both in terms of the picture quality and in portability. I try to bring the camera everywhere I go, and when you’re talking about adding that to child, stroller, diaper bag, etc, it’s a noticeable added weight. But when we get home and see the pictures it’s always been worth it.

That’s my nephew Dean, above. The compact camera would’ve wanted the flash on, but the speed of the Canon lens allowed me to get a good exposure without the flash, which is one of the main advantages for me. I hate the flat, deer in the headlights look of flash photography and love the look of natural light as shown above. In Apple’s Aperture software I increased the saturation a bit to give Dean a warmer skin tone and sharpened the image slightly, as all shots from the Canon are a bit soft. I shoot in RAW format, usually in Aperture priority mode, which I like because I can control the depth of focus. Notice how the background is blurry but Dean’s face is not? This is great for portraits because it makes the face stand out against the background. I don’t really want to notice that it’s my TV he’s standing in front of.

Of course the best thing is to have a photogenic subject. I have loads of good pictures of Dean. He’s a good looking guy.