Jared Gant
Wedding | Last Updated: April 4, 2024
Hey ShotKit peeps! I am Jared Gant of JMGant Photography, and I am a wedding photographer out of northern Colorado.
On top of being a photographer, I am a hard-core coffee drinker, lover of good music, and a family man through and through. I have two kiddos and an amazing wife of 12 years.
A combination of love for creating and love for people is what has drawn me to the wedding photography industry. I strive with every image to create something unique that tells the couple’s organic story as creatively as possible. And I get to do that while simultaneously having the front-row seat for the happiest day of their lives. It’s amazing.
Like many photog nerds, I have accumulated a lot of gear over the years and have evolved my system multiple times.
In the fall of 2017, I made the jump from Canon to Sony, picking up my first Sony a7R III
and Zeiss 55mm
. At first, I wasn’t sure if this was simply going to become a personal camera, but after just a few weeks of ownership, I caught the bug and made the complete conversion to the Sony native system.
Cameras
Sony a7R III
(x2)
Sony a7 III
(on its way)
These camera bodies really are spectacular for a number of reasons, but my two favorites are the electronic view finder (EVF) and the incredible autofocus system.
These features have changed the way that I shoot. Being able to see your exposure live minimizes the amount of chimping to check exposure and, even more often, white balance. The eye AF is incredibly accurate, and nails focus with near perfect accuracy every time.
Lenses
Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM
Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro
Zeiss 55mm f/1.8
Most of the time, I shoot with two camera bodies, one under each arm.
Usually during the bridal preparation, I shoot with the 16-35mm
and 90mm
. Using this pair allows me to capture all the details and jewelry while also being able to photograph the room’s energy and excitement while everyone’s getting ready.
Later on, while shooting couples portraits and the wedding ceremony, I’ll switch over to the 24-70mm
and 70-200mm
. This massive focal range allows me to work quickly and proficiently.
I’ll continue to use this pair until the open dancing, at which time I usually pack away one of my camera bodies and shoot with a single camera and the 16-35mm
for the rest of the night. Shooting with just a single camera saves my back and allows me to move quickly around the dance floor.
Lighting
Flashpoint Evolv 200 TTL (x3)
Flashpoint Zoom Li-on R2 TTL
(x2)
Flashpoint R2 Pro Transmitter
(x2)
I love creative lighting and using light to enhance a photo.
The Flashpoint brand is simply a rebranded version of the Godox lights and is my go-to for all my lighting needs. I am a huge fan of the eVOLV 200
because of how compact it is for such a powerful light.
Light Modifiers
MagGrid
, MagSphere
, MagGel
, MagBeam
MagBox
To be completely transparent, I am a MagMod Ambassador and use nearly 100% MagMod modifiers for everything. But I’m Ambassador for a reason: I love the MagMod products. The MagMod eco-system is compact, durable, and allows me to quickly control the light in any situation.
Misc
Manfrotto 1004 BAC Light stands
Pelican 1560
and 1510
Holdfast Money Maker
Peak Design Slide lite
All these other miscellaneous pieces of equipment play a large roll in any wedding day.
After having tried several different types of light stands, I have finally found one that I love. The Manfrotto 1004 BAC
light stands are tall, well balanced, and, best of all, stackable. Yes, that’s right, they stack and actually attach to each other. Carrying in four light stands has never been easier.
I have been using the Pelican 1560
case for over 6 years now. Pelican cases are nearly indestructible, are waterproof, and come with a great warranty.
If you want to look great while carrying two cameras, look no further than the Holdfast MoneyMaker
. This leather harness is not only beautiful and comfortable but will also last a lifetime.
Once I go to a single camera, the Peak Design Slide Lite
is my go-to strap. My favorite feature is the quick adjustability allowing me to tighten the strap around my neck or wear it loose across my body.
Software
Lightroom
Photoshop
JPEGmini
Later
Pass Plus Galleries
DVLOP
Fundy
My ShotKit wouldn’t be complete without mentioning all the amazing software I use to keep things running smoothly on the day to day.
It would be nice if being a photographer meant always having a camera in hand, but that’s certainly not the case. Behind the scenes, these programs run the show.
Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.
Includes limited-time discounts.
