Frequently Asked Questions
— GEAR —
What Type Of Camera Do You use?
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- iPhone 4s
What Lenses Do You Use?
- Canon 24mm f/1.4L
- Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8
- Canon 50mm f/1.2L
- Canon 85mm f/1.8
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II
What About Lights? Light Stands? Triggers? etc.
- Canon 600 EX-RT Speedlites
- Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Head A Pro Set
Do You Use a Tripod?
Not so much. But when I have to, I use a Manfrotto 190CSPRO-4 Carbon Fiber Tripod
What type of Bags Do You Use?
- Think Tank Airport Security Bag
- Think Tank Lens Drop
- ONA Camps Bay Backpack
What About A Computer?
- Macbook Pro 15” – My everything work station
- 120 GB SSD from OWC
- Anti-Glare High resolution screen
- Apple Cinema 23” LCD Monitors
- LaCie 2TB Thunderbolt Harddrives 7200 RPM
Any Other Gear?
- Capture Camera Clip System by Peak Design
- Genus ND Filter
- Nocturnal Lights Pro AA + AAA Battery Charger
Do You Bring Backup Gear?
Absolutely! If you can’t afford to purchase the needed backups, you should rent.
— OTHER —
I’m Looking To Get Started; Can You Recommend A Cheap Lens Or Camera Body?
The gear you use has little to do with how good of a photographer you are, if you don’t know how to use it properly. With that said, I recommend investing all that you can into quality glass. You will notice more improvement in your work with better lenses than you will with better camera bodies. But as they say… you get what you pay for. When I first started I liked using zoom lenses, and have since favored prime lenses for many reasons. As for affordable prime lenses, I am a fan of the Canon 85mm 1.8, and Canon 50mm 1.4 – If you want a zoom lens, and still have a tight budget, it probably doesn’t make much of a difference? I’m not very knowledgeable about equipment for hobbyists.
Point And Shoot Recommendation?
We are at an interesting point in time, where I believe smart phones will soon replace point and shoot cameras. I take tons of pictures on my iPhone 4s, and am sometimes amazed to see how good the images turn out! With that said, check out FUJI, Panasonic Lumix, or Canon Powershot line.
Who Did Your Website?
Design – Brendan Pittman
Program – Jason Leo Durbin
Portfolio powered by Vizulium
What Editing Software Do You Use?
Printing Company? Album Company?
Online Proofing?
Zenfolio – who now powers the new Millers Storefront.
Where Do You Buy Your Gear?
Almost all of my purchases have come from B&H Photo or Amazon. I have also purchased computer equipment from Newegg and OWC. This has made it easier to keep up with my purchases over time, especially during tax season!
Did You Go To School For Photography?
Nope. I graduated with a degree in Marketing Management at The University of Arkansas, and have been more-or-less self taught. Passion and Ambition can make all the difference in the world. I set a goal for myself early on that I wanted to reach 10,000 hours before anyone else my age (Outliers: Malcom Gladwell).
Do You Ever Need An Assistant?
Yes and no. If you ask me via Facebook or Twitter, my answer will likely be no. I don’t need help at every shoot, but when I do, I will remember to ask the people who showed the most initiative.
How Can I Learn More? Do You Teach Workshops?
I currently offer one-on-one workshops, and will soon be offering group workshops. If you are interested, and want me to come teach in your home town, give me a shout!
