Photography Equipment
I have been reluctant to write this article because talking about photography equipment can be overwhelming and, in the past, not very relevant to our clients.
However, over the last couple of years, as technology improves and more of our clientele are familiar with technology, we have increasingly gotten questions about what kind of equipment we use.
Why does it matter?
First and foremost, we hear people in the photography community say that the photographer behind the camera matters the most. I agree with that sentiment. However, two similarly skilled photographers with different tools consistently deliver different results.
Furthermore, each camera manufacturer offers a set of products to meet different requirements. Some offer cameras that are biased more toward speed, while others offer better resolution. And to make things even more complicated, some cameras have a video bias, while others are strictly photography related.
So being a wedding-focused studio, I need options for both speed to capture moments and resolution to capture and edit beautiful portraits.
Furthermore, my camera system needs to have a high dynamic range, which is the difference between the brightest and darkest points its sensor can capture.
Another crucial consideration is the camera’s low light performance. Weddings often take place in low light, so a camera’s low-light performance is critical to me.
Backup Equipment
We need multiple cameras. It is unacceptable for wedding photography to come to an event without having backup equipment that is equal in quality to my leading equipment.
Disclaimer
My photography gear and preferences over the years have changed. I have photographed with Canon, Sony, Panasonic, & Fuji systems in my wedding photography, so understand that whatever I am currently using that is listed below, may change over time.
My Wedding Photography Equipment
Despite the above, no matter which camera brand I am currently using at the time, I always invest in multiple of whatever flagship model the camera brand is offering.
Canon Cameras
- Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Digital Cameras (x2)
- Canon R3(x1)
The Canon R5 was announced in July of 2020. This camera was long-awaited and came with some of the best specs possible when announced.
45-megapixels, High speed, excellent low light performance, high dynamic range, and spectacular autofocus. This camera indeed does have it all. I typically bring two of these to a wedding, and Jen has her own. These cameras also include a silent shutter, so I am not distracted from your event when capturing ceremonies or speeches.
These cameras also serve as great video cameras.
As a wedding photographer, this camera is the best I have ever used and contains incredible features that will serve my clients for years.
These Canon cameras are full-frame.
Canon Lenses
- Canon RF 15-35mm F/2.8
- Canon RF 24-70mm F/2.8
- Canon RF 28-70mm F/2.0
- Canon RF 24-105mm F/4
- Canon RF 70-200mm IS F/2.8
- Canon RF 35mm F/1.8
- Canon RF 50mm F/1.2
- Canon RF 85mm F/1.2
- Canon RF 100mm F/2.8
I have a wide range of lenses to cover a variety of situations. When Canon released its first mirrorless camera, the EOS-R, I began transitioning from their previous generation EF lenses. Today, we only use RF lenses as they are the best quality lenses on the market from any manufacturer.
I use the RF 24-70 F/2.8 for weddings, while Jen prefers the RF 28-70 F/2.0 for the bulk of the day. The versatility of this lens allows me to capture moments and create great compositions.
We also have an RF 24-105 F/4 that we primarily use for video.
The Canon RF 70-200mm F/2.8 is my lens of choice for capturing ceremonies when space allows. It lets me capture candid moments without being too close to my subjects.
Most of our “cinematic” imagery utilizes wide-angle lenses, so I use the RF 15-35mm F/2.8 for these images. You will also see me using this lens on the dance floor.
I also use all of the Canon RF Prime lenses. Namely the RF 35mm F/1.8, RF 50mm F/1.2, and RF 85mm F/1.2.
Lastly, the Canon RF 100mm F/2.8 IS Macro is used for ring shots and many portraits.
Fuji System
- GFX100s
- GF 110mm F/2
- GF 63mm F/2.8
- GF 45mm F/2.8
- GF 23mm F/4
I have been using the medium-format Fuji GFX system since 2007. Many of my award-winning images were created using the platform.
The advantage of a medium format camera is that the sensor is more prominent in size than a Full-Frame camera, and advertising agencies or commercial photographers typically use these cameras.
The 100-megapixel sensor gives an outstanding resolution. When coupled with the larger sensor size, the GFX gives my images a unique characteristic that can only be described in the photography industry as “The Medium Format Look.”
Coupled with the outstanding Fuji Colors, the GFX will never leave my camera bag, at least not until a newer GFX camera is released.
I have very high regard for Fuji cameras; from their legacy in film to their excellent modern cameras, I could see myself shooting solely with Fuji cameras one day when the correct system is released.
Profoto Lighting
- Profoto A10 (x8)
- Profoto A2
- Profoto B10 (x2)
- Profoto B10+ (x2)
- Profoto B1x (x4)
- Profoto B1 (x2)
- Profoto B2
- Profoto OCF Softboxes (Full Line x 2)
- Profoto RFI Softboxes
- Profoto Clic Softbox
- Profoto Clic Magnetic Modifers
If you're in the market for new lighting, you may consider Profoto. But what is Profoto, and why is it so popular? In short, Profoto is a Swedish company that makes high-end lighting equipment.
Their lights are used by professional photographers worldwide, and they're known for their quality and durability. However, they're also quite expensive, so some photographers may hesitate to invest in them. However, as a wedding photographer, reliability is critical for me, and if it is for you, Profoto is worth considering.
Their lights will help you take your photography to the next level and last you for years. So, if you're looking for the best, Profoto is the way to go.
I have been a Profoto Legend of Light for seven years, and their products are responsible for not only the look you see in my images. Above, you will find a comprehensive list of all my lighting equipment.
Camera Bags
- Think Tank Airport Security V2
- Think Tank Logistics Manager 50
- Thinktank Messenger Bag
Camera Straps
- RL Handcrafts Pro-DLX - Tan
- Holdfast Moneymaker – Black
- Peak Design Strap
Computer Equipment
- Apple Mac Pro 7.1 16-core processor
- Apple Macbook Pro 16” M1 Max Processor
- Apple Pro-Display XDR Monitor
- Apple Studio Display Nano-Texture (x2)
- Apple Mac Mini M1 (x2)
- Apple Macbook Pro 13” M1 (x2)
- Apple iPad Pro M1
Software
- Capture 1 Pro
- Adobe Lightroom
- Adobe Photoshop
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Imagen LR Assistant
- Aftershoot
- Elevate Color Pack Presets
- Pixellu Smart Albums
- Photo Mechanic Plus
- Datacolor Spyder-X Elite
Storage
- QNAP TVS-872XT 128GB NAS (x4)
- Seagate Ironwolf Pro Drives
Audio Equipment
- ATEM Mini Display Switcher
- RODE Podcaster
- Tascam DR-100 (x3)
- RODE Connect Pro
- Shure SM7B
- RODE NT-2
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Michael Anthony Photography
8430 West University Dr. #209 McKinney, TX 75071 |
(800) 380-1217
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