My Gear

My Gear: Tools of the Trade
As a photographer with a deep love for capturing life’s moments—whether it’s the raw beauty of a family on a Carlsbad beach, the adrenaline of a surfer carving a wave, or the serene vastness of the ocean under a starlit sky—I rely on top-tier equipment to bring my vision to life. My gear is an extension of my creative process, meticulously chosen to deliver stunning results across diverse settings, from intimate portraits to dynamic underwater shoots. Here’s a look at the tools I trust to create images that resonate.

Cameras: The Heart of My Craft
At the core of my setup are the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6, two mirrorless powerhouses that offer unmatched versatility and image quality. The R5’s 45-megapixel sensor is my go-to for high-resolution portraits and detailed landscapes, ensuring every nuance is captured with precision. Its fast autofocus and 8K video capabilities make it ideal for everything from editorial shoots to cinematic projects. The R6, with its 20-megapixel sensor and exceptional low-light performance, is my workhorse for fast-paced action shots, like surfing or candid moments during family sessions. Both cameras are rugged, reliable, and perfectly suited for the dynamic environments I often find myself in—whether I’m on a boat chasing the horizon or in a studio crafting a timeless portrait.

Lenses: Framing the Story
My lens collection is built to cover every scenario, delivering sharp, vibrant images that tell a story. For portraits, I lean on the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM and Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, which produce creamy bokeh and razor-sharp detail, perfect for isolating subjects and creating that dreamy, intimate feel. These primes are my secret weapons for making clients feel like they’re in a magazine spread, even if they’re nervous in front of the camera.

For versatile shooting, the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM and Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM are my go-to zooms. The 24-70mm is a storytelling lens, ideal for environmental portraits and wedding coverage, capturing both wide scenes and tight compositions with ease. The 70-200mm excels at compressing backgrounds and isolating subjects, making it a favorite for outdoor family shoots or dramatic telephoto shots during golden hour.

When I need to go wide, the Canon RF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM and Canon RF 14mm f/2.8L USM deliver breathtaking perspectives. The 16-35mm is perfect for sweeping landscapes or architectural shots, while the 14mm’s ultra-wide angle shines in tight spaces or for bold, creative compositions that pull viewers into the frame. These lenses have captured everything from the vast Pacific during my 23-day sailing adventure to cozy indoor family moments.

Underwater & Surf Photography: Diving into the Deep
Living near the ocean and drawing inspiration from my time sailing across the Pacific, I’m passionate about capturing the world beneath the waves. For underwater photography, I use an AquaTech Elite II housing paired with my Canon R5 or R6. This rugged, precision-engineered housing allows me to take my cameras into the surf or coral reefs, capturing vibrant marine life and ethereal underwater portraits. The dome port ensures distortion-free images, whether I’m shooting divers or fish in crystal-clear Hawaiian waters.

For surf photography, I rely on my trusty Del Mar housing, an older but battle-tested piece of gear that’s been with me through countless sessions. Its compact design lets me swim out to the lineup and shoot surfers in action, freezing the spray of a perfect wave or the intensity of a carve. Paired with the RF 70-200mm or 24-70mm, this housing delivers tack-sharp images that bring the energy of the ocean to life.

Lighting: Sculpting the Scene
Lighting is where the magic happens, and I’ve curated a setup that’s as flexible as my shooting style. For on-location shoots, I use Canon Speedlite flashes (like the 600EX II-RT) primarily off-camera, triggered wirelessly to create dynamic, natural-looking light. Whether I’m bouncing light off a reflector for a soft glow or using a gel for a dramatic effect, these flashes are lightweight and perfect for fast-moving sessions like beach portraits or weddings.

In the studio or for more controlled setups, I turn to my Paul C. Buff Einstein E640 and Alien Bee B800 monolights. The Einsteins deliver consistent, powerful output with lightning-fast recycle times, ideal for high-volume shoots or creative lighting setups. The Alien Bees are versatile workhorses, offering reliable performance for everything from headshots to fashion editorials. I typically use 1 to 4 lights, depending on the mood, paired with modifiers like softboxes, octaboxes, beauty dishes, or grids to shape the light precisely. Reflectors—gold, silver, or white—are always on hand to bounce natural or artificial light, adding warmth or fill as needed. This setup allows me to craft everything from soft, flattering portraits to bold, high-contrast images.

Studio Setup: A Creative Sanctuary
My studio is a space where clients feel at ease and creativity flows. Depending on the project, I configure 1 to 4 lights with a mix of modifiers to suit the vibe—softboxes for gentle diffusion, grids for dramatic focus, or bare bulbs for edgy, high-key looks. Reflectors are a staple, helping me fine-tune the light without adding complexity. The Canon R5 or R6, paired with the RF 50mm or 85mm, ensures every shot is tack-sharp, while the Paul C. Buff lights provide the power and flexibility to bring any vision to life. Whether it’s a corporate headshot, a family portrait, or a creative editorial, my studio is built to deliver results that exceed expectations.

Why This Gear Matters
Every piece of equipment in my kit has been chosen for its reliability, performance, and ability to adapt to the unpredictable. From the rugged Canon R5 surviving saltwater spray during a surf shoot to the AquaTech housing protecting my camera in 20-foot swells, my gear is battle-tested in the field. It’s allowed me to capture priceless moments—like the joy of a family laughing together or the fleeting beauty of a dolphin breaking the surface during my sailing journey. For me, photography isn’t just about the gear; it’s about using these tools to tell stories, preserve memories, and create art that lasts.

Ready to Create Together?
Whether you’re dreaming of a family session by the sea, a portrait that captures your essence, or an action-packed surf shoot, I’ve got the gear and the passion to make it happen. Let’s connect and turn your vision into reality. [Contact Me](#KINDLY CHECK YOUR GEAR!