Robb McCormick

Twitter Facebook Pinterest

I’m Robb McCormick. I’m a full time Wedding, Corporate and Portrait photographer based out of Columbus, Ohio. I average 40 weddings a year and have worked with many national companies including GQ, Bombay Sapphire, Cartoon Network, Nationwide, Panera, Giant Eagle, Carrie Livingston Design, Westin, Holiday Inn and many more. I have the luxury of working with my son as my assistant shooter and my wife tackles much of my office work, editing and albums.

My photography is based around creative light and providing an experience for my client. We want our couples to love every minute of their wedding day and always have our bridal parties present to get our clients laughing and having fun. My style adapts to the type of client and location, but light always comes first. In great light, you’ll love the way you look.

I have three brands. My main brand is for portrait, wedding and corporate work. I also own a race photography company that employs around 20 photographers. A few of our notable races are the 2016 & 2017 Track and Field Nationals, OSU 4 Miler (world’s largest 4 miler), Capital City 1/2 Marathon for the last 8 years, and dozens of other races each year. Our work has been featured in over 150+ Fleet Feet Stores across the United States.

Recently this year, my wife and I started a dance photography brand Design Studio Creative. She has danced and taught ballet for years and it was something we’ve talked about for some time. We are working with local studios to provide headshots, recital photos and dance portraits.

I’ve tried a LOT of gear over the years and I am not gentle with my equipment by any means. I have a graveyard of gear in the basement that didn’t make the cut or build quality. Everything in my bag is built tough and gets used quite a lot. I love using large lights with modifiers, but sometimes you need to be quick and I have no problems busting out some speedlites or Icelights.

GEAR:

Cameras:

Canon 1Dx Mark II – My main camera. This camera is a real workhorse and has the extra bells and whistles that make life easier. Like 5 programmable white balance, shot metering linked to focus point, high ISO, fast burst shots and so much more. It’s heavy, especially with my go-to 70-200mm f/2.8, but totally worth it. After a while, you get used to the weight if you’re shooting regularly.

Canon 5D Mark IV – My backup and assistants’ camera – Industry standard for weddings and for a reason. So light it’s like a toy compared to the 1Dx2.

2x Canon 5D Mark III – Shot two of these for years before upgrading to the 1Dx2 and 5D Mark IV. We still keep one in the bag for backup. The other we use as an autocam at race finish lines and for employees to use at corporate events.

Canon 5D Mark II – I let my son use this one and never got it back. He still shoots it regularly. Anything under 1600 ISO is great quality.

Lenses:

2x Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II – My go-to lens. I love compression and I love shooting through plants and down walls. This lens has defined my style and is on my camera 80% of the time. I have two of these lenses: one is for backup and for my assistant shooter to use during weddings and corporate events. If I were stranded on an island with only one lens, this would be the one.

Canon 85mm f/1.2 – My favorite portrait lens. This thing is tack sharp and can produce amazing portraits. This comes out for every wedding, particularly during the bridal session. We call it the “beauty lens.” Also, it’s a lifesaver in super low-light ceremonies.

Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II – This lens is a real workhorse for weddings and corporate work. We never use this lens for anything portrait related, but love it for room shots, details, ceremonies, family photos at the wedding and dance floor shots.

Sigma ART 12-24mm f/4 – If you need to go super wide, this lens rocks. Our newest lens to the family. I actually find myself using it way more than I thought I would. It adds a whole new look to your portfolio. Killer for architecture and huge shots at the church and reception.

Sigma ART 35mm f/1.4 – Great lens, but really doesn’t get much use. I’m trying to shoot with this over the 24-70. It just has a lot more magic and personality than the 24-70mm, but less versatile.

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro – Ring, Jewelry and Detail Lens. Enough said. And bugs, if you’re into that…

Lighting:

3x Elinchrom Quadra with Large Octa Modifier and a Square Softbox Modifier – Love the quality of this light, along with the portability. I’ve defined much of my style with these lights and they always go to every shoot, even if I don’t use them. I mainly use the Large Octa for portraits, headshots, engagements, wedding formals, and high-end advertising. The Square soft box is for groups. I mainly use 1, but have 2 backups.

2x Westcott Ice Light II – I wouldn’t know what to do without my Ice Lights. We literally use them for everything indoors. Simple to set up on a stand and amazing quality of light. They are constant lights, so what you see is what you get. Amazing for throwing slivers of light and creating huge dramatic shadows. They can squeeze in just about anywhere and will take your indoor portraits to the next levels. It really shines during getting ready photos, indoor formals, detail shots, and reception shots like groups, cake, open dancing and so much more! Wouldn’t leave the house without two IceLights.

2x Canon Speedlite 580EX II – Canon’s Best Speedlite. Zillions of creative applications

4x LumoPro LP180 – Manual Flashes. Cheap. Fast recycle time. ‘Nuff said.

Canon ST-E3-RT Transmitter – Complete wireless control of Canon Speedlites. Key uses are for high speed sync.

Phottix Ares wireless trigger set – We’ve got a bunch of these for all our flashes. 100% manual.

Sekonic L-758 Cine DigitalMaster Light Meter – Yep. I still use meters when setting up flashes. My go-to ratio is 60% strobe, 40% ambient.

2x Lowel Gun Light – Tons of great uses for this light. Unforunately, the build quality is terrible and we have to baby them. They’re covered in duct tape to keep them from falling apart.

Other:

ThinkTank Production Bag

ThinkTank Airport Takeoff Bag (when travelling)

ThinkTank Retrospective 5 Shoulder Bag – For Run and Gun Corporate Projects

Wacom Intuos 4 Large Tablet

Lightroom CC

PhotoMechanic – Timesaver!

JPEGMini – Upload Timesaver!

Spyder5 Pro – Color Management

Cheetah Stands

Custom Built PC

iPad Pro – For Consultations