I get a lot of the same questions from photographers/aspiring photographers so I decided to put the answers all in one spot.

WHAT CAMERA/LENS DO YOU USE?

Camera Bodies:

Canon 5D & Canon 5D Mark IIIs

Lenses:

16-35mm 2.8L

24-70mm 2.8L

70-200mm 2.8L

85mm 1.2L

Next on my purchase list:
35mm 1.4L
50mm 1.2L

Flashes:

A bunch of 600EX-RTs

WHERE DO YOU BUY YOUR CAMERA GEAR?

B&H – I buy almost all of my equipment from B&H. They have the best prices and excellent customer service!

I’M THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A PHOTOGRAPHER AND INVESTING IN PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT. SHOULD I GO WITH CANON OR NIKON?

I am a happy Canon shooter, but I know lots of happy Nikon shooters. Both are good systems. Canon image color and variety of AMAZING lenses are what make me jump for joy, but Nikon cameras have less focusing issues (so I’ve heard).

WHAT LENS SHOULD I GET?

That’s a tough question! My personal favorite is my newest prime, but starting with a zoom lens (24-70mm was one of my first lenses) might be a good place to start as a good quality, practical, versatile lens. If you’re going to shoot primes get ready to change lenses frequently!

SHOULD I GET BACKUP EQUIPMENT?

Definitely! That’s all I have to say about that!

I have a degree in Photojournalism from the renowned University of Missouri – Columbia journalism school. I also have a Political Science degree – just because. I have gradually made the switch from newsy/journalism to weddings, but I really do love both. I love telling stories. I love variety, it keeps me fresh and thinking in different ways. I also attended photography workshops and conferences, practiced, studied other photographers’ work, worked with local photographers, spent LOTS of time reading information on forums and blogs, practiced, practiced and practiced some more.

CAN I WORK/INTERN/SECOND SHOOT/THIRD SHOOT FOR YOU?

Feel free to send me your resume and a link to your portfolio. I’m happy to look over your portfolio and keep your information on file and will contact you if the need for an intern/second shooter arises.

DO YOU RECOMMEND GETTING INSURANCE/THROUGH WHICH COMPANY?

Yes. My policy is through PPA. Lots of photographers also use Usher & Hill.

I’M A PHOTOGRAPHER TOO! DO YOU WANT TO MEET FOR COFFEE SOMETIME?

I’m not much of a coffee drinker (!) but I’d love to grab some chai with you if there’s time in my schedule!

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE?

Yes. Get to the caribbean at least once in your life. amazing.

Photography-related?

Practice, practice, and practice some more. You can learn a lot from books, forums, blogs, webinars, etc., but you’ll REALLY start to figure things out when you get out and use your camera.

Analyze your photos/sessions and keep a journal where you keep a record of what you learn each time you shoot. I know I learn something nearly every time I shoot a session/wedding and it’s nice to have it recorded all in one place!