Emmett + Max

Emmett (3) and Max (1) gave me quite a workout this weekend! 

What's in Our Camera Bag?

We've had a lot of people ask us what's in our camera bag, (okay, like two or three people) and that got me thinking about how I always find it interesting to know what type of equipment other photographers use to capture their images, and how, often, they're getting these amazing photos on older equipment, "Pro-sumer" equipment, and with some badass non L-series lenses. That inspires me. It reminds me that getting that great picture isn't just about equipment, it isn't just about how much you spent to outfit yourself as a photographer, it's about heart. It's about vision. It's about creativity! 

I'm about to tell you what camera equipment helps me get the shot, but keep in mind, some of my favorite photos of mine have been taken on my iPhone. Yep, the iPhone. I know it's not trendy as a photographer to admit that, but it's true. Again, it's not about the equipment per se, and don't get me wrong, good equipment makes it easier, but having the creative spirit to find the beauty in every day objects and to see the loveliness that is the human condition, that's what really makes the photograph! 

So, here goes! 

Sam and Rob's Camera Bag: 

Canon 7D SLR - Love, love, LOVE this camera! Particularly for low-light photography.

Canon 85mm 1.8f - I find this lens a little too cropped in on the 7D for general use, but for head shots, or portraits of one or two people, the results are amazing! 

Canon 24-70mm 2.8f L Series Lens - My all-purpose go-to lens, particularly for weddings. 

Canon 50mm 1.4f - This lens is one of my favorites, though due to an unfortunate accident, mine is currently in need of repair. Know a good camera repair place? 

Canon 28mm 1.8f - This lens is also a great walk-around lens, and more versatile than you would think for its wide angle. 

Canon 100-300mm 4-5.6f - I'm not entirely sure why I still own this lens... But, if you're into bird watching, it doubles as a great telescope! 

Canon 28-135mm 3.5-5.6f - This is Rob's go-to lens for weddings. What it lacks in low light capability it makes up for in versatility! 

Canon 580EX Shoe-Mount Flash - Flashes are boring and I generally don't talk much about them, not the way I do lenses and camera bodies, but, as far as external flashes go, this one has served me well. We use this in conjunction with a flash battery pack during wedding receptions (when needed) to make sure we're not spending all of our time switching out batteries. 

There are other pieces of equipment of course, but even I'm not nerdy enough to want to go into my preferred brand of tripod (unless you beg me!) Perhaps in another post, I'll delve a bit more into what it's like being a professional photographer in the age of Instagram, but for now, I'm off to dream lovely dreams about lenses and f-stops and shoe-mounts, oh my! 

We Came to Rock Out - And Why Rocking Out by Proxy is Still Cool (Sort Of)

Maybe because it's winter, maybe because I'm feeling old, or maybe because I'm bored, but I've been thinking a lot today about when I used to be cool.

More specifically, when I used to be cool and go to shows. (I'll have to dig up pictures, it's hilarious.) Yeah, it was a short period in my life, but a good one. Perhaps that's why I relish the opportunity as a photographer to photograph shows. If I'm too much of a mom to rock out anymore, at least someone is up there giving it a go! And at least I get to take pictures of it, and thus, rock out by proxy!

This past year I had the opportunity to photograph one of my favorite bands (and a number of drag queens) at Madison's 3rd Annual Fruit Fest on Willy Street. Like every other time I've seen Girl In A Coma (GiaC), they left me in awe of their collective talent. I even talked with the guitarist for a minute and kept my geeking out to a bare minimum.

Prior to Girl In A Coma, I got to check out the awesome drag queen (and king) shows Fruit Fest had to offer.

Cazwell, who I'd never heard of but was pleased to be introduced to, also performed, and put on a crazy energetic show. (Seriously, I would have been in a puddle after about 15 minutes of jumping around such as I saw during his set.) 

Then, the long awaited Girl In A Coma set! Their music speaks for itself, so if you haven't heard them, check out the video link at the end of this post. *happy sighs* 

I wanted to stay and photograph more of the event, but truthfully, a bigger part of me wanted to get home to the nerdery to start editing pictures of some of my favorite rock stars and daydreaming about becoming a famous rock band photographer. So that's exactly what I did.

Girl In A Coma - As the World Falls Down (David Bowie Cover)