Clay Cook
Commercial | Last Updated: April 4, 2024
I’m Clay Cook, an editorial and advertising photographer based in Louisville, Kentucky. I believe my passion for everything “creative” stemmed from my mother, who studied to be an interior designer, and the business side of me came right from my father, who owns and operates a successful flooring distribution company.
In December of 2010, I received my first DSLR camera, a Nikon D5000
as a Christmas gift. Never did I imagine it would completely change my life. Over the years, my kit has evolved from a single camera to a studio packed with multiple cameras, strobes, grip and more.
There are so many variables that go into what I use for every job or assignment. But, no matter the job, I’m always prepared with the proper equipment to get the project done, better than what the client hired me to do. Sometimes, I’ll just use a Canon 5D Mark III
and natural available light, other times I’ll use a Phase One IQ3 with multiple sources of artificial light. Every single piece of gear down to the binder clamp has a purpose in the studio or on location.
I am definitely a gear-head. I love any tool that I can use to become more efficient. But, I strongly believe that the gear does not make the photograph; it’s the eye of the photographer. I spent half my career focused on the gear but in a selfish manner I totally ignored the most important virtue of a photograph–the subject at hand. It’s not about the gear or the camera, it’s about your creativity, vision and ability to connect with people.
I started right in my small living room. With worn carpet, short ceilings and no storage, it was constant chaos and I was never comfortable, but it’s all I could afford, it’s all I could dream. But, the more I worked, the more I dreamt and the more I failed the more that dream became reality.
First Column-LIGHTING AND DIFFUSION:
(Top to Bottom, Left to Right)
Avenger G100-2 Sandbag (6)
Kino Flo Diva-Lite 401 Kit
(2)
Westcott 5-in-1 Reflector Kit
Profoto Umbrella White Small
Profoto Umbrella Shallow White Medium
Profoto Umbrella Deep White Large 51′
Profoto Softbox RFI 5′ Octa
Second Column-CAMERAS AND EQUIPMENT:
(Left to Right, Top to Bottom)
Mathews Triple Riser Stand with 4.5 Grip Head (15′) (2)
Think Tank Photo Pixel Sunscreen V 2.0
Avenger C-Stand Grip Arm Kit (10.7′) with Grip Head
(2)
Think Tank Photo Airport Commuter Backpack
Think Tank Photo Airport Navigator Rolling Bag
Light & Motion Stella Pro 5000
(2)
Steel Spring A Clamps
(2)
Steel Spring A Clamps
(7)
Avenger C-Stand Column
Profoto D1
(4)
Profoto B2 Head
(2)
Canon External Flash 600Ex RT
Profoto B2 250 Air TTL Power Pack with Battery
Profoto A1 AirTTL-C Studio Light
Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II USM Lens
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens
Canon EF 16-35 f/2.8L III USM Lens
Schneider Kreuznach 35mm LS Lens f/3.5
Schneider Kreuznach 55mm LS Lens f/2.8
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens
Canon 5D Mark III
Canon 5D Mark III
Phase One XF IQ3 Camera System with 50MP Digital Back
Profoto Bag With Binder Clamps
Profoto Grid Kit for Zoom Reflector 2
(Pack and 3 Grids)
Motorola Radius CP200 Radios
(4)
Pocket Wizard Plus III
(6)
Profoto Air Remote TTL-C for Canon
Vagabond Mini Portable Power Lithium Battery
Anker PowerHouse
Mamiya RZ67 PRO II
Tether Tools TetherPro USB 3.0
ProTapers Pro Gaffer Tape (3)
Profoto White Softlight Beauty Dish Reflector 20.5′ With Grid and Diffusion
Profoto Zoom Reflector 2
(2)
Benro S8 Pro Video Head
and A3573F Series 3 AL Tripod
Third column-GRIP AND APPLE BOXES:
(Top to Bottom)
Mathews Apple Box Quarter
Mathews Apple Box Quarter
Mathews Apple Box Half
Mathews Apple Box Half
Mathews Apple Box Full
Mathews Apple Box Full
Avenger 12×12’ Modular Overhead Frame
Avenger Grip Corners
Avenger Grip Dog Ears
Bottom Row-BACKDROPS AND CASES:
(Left to Right)
Oliphant Custom Backdrop 6′
Oliphant Custom Backdrop 8′
Savage Widetone Seamless Background Paper (Super White) 8′
SKB iSeries 3019 – 12 Waterproof Utility Case with Cubed Foam Interior
SKB iSeries 3019 – 12 Waterproof Utility Case with Cubed Foam Interior
Think Tank Airport International
SKB iSeries 3i-5014-6B-E
Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.
Includes limited-time discounts.
