Hello, from the Midwest! I’m Meg; a wedding and portrait photographer located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (aka Brew City). My wedding season is limited up here as many couples choose to avoid the colder months, but luckily I’ve been able to fill my slow season with my love for portraiture.
I’m a minimalist at heart, so I travel light, guys! When I had first started getting serious about photography, I found that I had invested so much money in gear that rarely saw the light of day. I felt like I wasted too much valuable time keeping track of it all, so I de-cluttered. What you see here is what I was able to narrow it all down to. My most commonly used. My favorites. My work horses.
Canon 5D Mark III
– I can’t imagine shooting a wedding or any session for that matter without the dual card capability. It gives me peace of mind. The colors are stunning. The ISO is great. And while I’ve been tempted by the Mark IV
, I haven’t found the need to upgrade just yet.
Canon 5D Mark II
– My back-up camera. I shot with this as a main body for 2 years, but after using the Mark III
, I can’t say it compares. Aside from being a backup, I will use it every once in a while if I’m in a situation where I feel the need to shoot with two different lenses.
Canon 50mm f/1.2L
– I love to shoot with this lens wide open. I use it most often for portraits and details. Perks: The bokeh it creates is incredible; It’s extremely fast; And it’s sharp as hell. Oh, and the sun flare…amazing.
Canon 35mm f/1.4L
– I use this for portraits as well, but I find myself using it most for those photojournalistic moments. Ex: the beginning of a wedding day when the bride and groom are getting ready, or at night after the party has started. It’s a phenomenal storytelling lens.
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
– My assistant and I nicknamed this lens Biggie Smalls. It’s quite heavy, which is why it stays in my bag most of the wedding day. But I do love this lens for its ability to allow me to work incognito. I primarily use it for ceremonies, and while I typically prefer prime lenses for everything else, I wouldn’t be able to capture intimate moments in the same non-intrusive way with any other lens.
Canon 600EX-RT Speedlites
– While I mainly use natural light for portrait work, these are a must-have for me during wedding receptions. Especially first dances. I will back-light the couple with one of these on a light stand along with a CowboyStudio Trigger and Receiver
. I always try to get the couple to come outside for one after-dark shot as we’re leaving. It makes for a great ending image to their wedding day story. Lastly, I’ll use one of these on my camera during the reception party when everyone is dancing. I’m a big fan of dragging the shutter to enhance the drunk party atmosphere.
CowboyStudio Trigger and Receiver
– They don’t last forever, but for $25, I don’t mind investing in a new set every year or so.
Hoya Close-Up Filter Set
– If you don’t have the means to invest in a macro lens, these are amazing. Great for details shots like rings, invites, jewelry, etc.
Think Tank Memory Card Wallet
Think Tank Rolling Camera Bag
– Perfect carry-on size for destination shoots.
9.5’ Impact Light Stand
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