Owen Amantillo

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Hi everyone! Owen Amantillo here. I am a wedding photographer based in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, Banff, Alberta, Canada.

I specialize in weddings, engagements, elopements and sometimes outdoor portraits.

Initially capturing the amazing landscapes of the Rocky Mountains 7 years ago, I have since moved on to capturing people and their story.

I use a two-camera system almost all the time on a HoldFast 2-camera harness, and I have a third camera in the bag just in case something happens along the way.

I have been a loyal Nikon shooter since my first camera, the Nikon D5200. I tried and owned a Sony A7 for about a year but it just did not work for me. I will stick with Nikon even if I go the mirrorless route in the future.

Here is my current gear:

Nikon D750 (x 1): My main (go-to) camera. I just love what this camera brings to the table. Dual card slots, excellent dynamic range, spot-on autofocus and useable ISO 12800 (in certain situations and lighting) are just some of the highlights of this camera.

The file size is manageable and has a little bit of room for cropping if needed. Pair this with the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 and this will probably be the only camera setup you’ll ever need for pretty much any situation.

I usually pair the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 or Tamron 35mm f/1.8VC with this camera.

Nikon D800 (x 1): My second camera. This is the other camera on my two-camera system. I sometimes use it as my main camera if I shoot outdoor portraits, a slow-paced photo shoot (e.g., an engagement) or if I need the 1/8000 shutter speed against the sun.

If I want landscape or detailed shots I’ll grab this camera as well. 36 Megapixels, dual card slot, excellent dynamic range, good autofocus and useable ISO6400 are some of the nice specs of this camera.

I often pair it with the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 VC, Nikon 16-35mm f/4G or Nikon 85mm f/1.8G.

Nikon Df (x 1): My travel/fun/backup camera. I always bring this with me in any photoshoot and it just sits in the bag in case I need it.

The files are beautiful and manageable (Nikon D4 sensor). Having 1 card slot and a not-so-accurate autofocus in dim situations, it’s a little bit of a bummer for me, especially for weddings.

It has the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G almost all the time and I occasionally use the Nikon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D for travel and Macro shots (has a 1:2 Macro mode).

Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G (Non-VR): My workhorse lens. I use this with the D750 if I have a wide area to cover (outdoor ceremony and reception). Very fast and accurate autofocus and the files are sharp and beautiful.

Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8VC (G1 version): If I use the 24-70mm f/2.8 lens on the D750 I use this lens with the D800. With this setup I have good coverage. It’s an underrated lens and the Vibration Compensation works well. The files are sharp, beautiful and the autofocus is pretty fast and accurate as well.

Tamron 35mm f/1.8VC: I use this lens with the D750 for indoor locations (churches, reception room etc.) or for engagement photoshoots where I can be more creative. Pro-grade, sharp, light, fast, and it has that vibration compensation if needed.

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G: If I use the Tamron 35mm f/1.4 on the D750 I use this lens with the D800. This lens is also underrated. It is light, autofocus is accurate and the bokeh and sharpness are great. Good bang for the buck lens option.

Nikon 50mm f/1.8G: I have never been much of a fan of the 50mm range, but I have this as a backup and often paired with the Df. I prefer the 35mm range to give more story to the photos. This is a good sharp, fast, light, inexpensive prime lens.

Nikon 16-35mm f/4G VR: Often paired with the D800 for my landscape photography needs. I also use this once in a while for weddings if I need that extra wide coverage, but I only use the 18-20mm mark and avoid the 16mm for severe distortion. Sharp, wide, and it has vibration reduction if needed.

Nikon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D: This is my travel lens often paired with the Df. There is nothing else I could say but this old “D” lens is pretty sharp. It has a good useful range that covers a lot for a single lens. I use this for macro shots if needed in weddings as it has a 1:2 macro mode which is pretty close and handy.

Nikon SB-900 (x 1): for indoor shots when it’s too dark. Often found on top of the D750 and 24-70mm f/2.8 combo.

Nikon SB-700 (x3): I use this with the remote triggers to light up the indoor venue if needed, and for creativity as well.

Promaster rechargeable batteries: I use these for the flashes and it’s very convenient.

Yongnuo remote triggers: For indoor venues or for creativity purposes.

Lightstands (x 2): For indoor venues to hold the flash.

Benro Monopod (x1): I love using natural light as much as possible but if I need to fight the sun and I have an assistant or second shooter holding this I’ll put a remote flash on it.

Holdfast Camera Swagg: Holds my two-camera setup almost 90% of the time.

Black Rapid Sport: For travelling and fun shots.

Hoodman Hoodloupe: When I’m out shooting landscape in open sun.

Video light: I don’t shoot video but I use it to light up the scene before taking the shot.

Lowepro Pro runner BP 450 AW II: Not in picture. This bag carries my main cameras and lenses.

Lowepro Sling bag: Not in picture. It carries the Nikon Df, 50mm f/1.8 and 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5.

Golla bag: Not in picture. It carries all the flashes and triggers.

Extra Memory Cards and Extra batteries: No need to explain if you’re doing weddings.

Promaster Camera Air Blower

www.owenamantillophotography.com | @owenamantillophotography