Shunsuke Takino

Portrait | Last Updated: October 21, 2023

Hi all, my name is Shunsuke Takino. I’m originally from Japan but have been residing in New York City for 15 years. My journey began taking photos of landscapes in New York City.

Working as an industrial/graphic designer in the industrial area of Sunset Park, Brooklyn, I have been fascinated with capturing the beauty in the decayed and historic buildings and streets of New York City for the past 10 years.

Alongside landscape photography, lately I’ve taken more portraits of rising artists, actors, musicians, and performers. It is quite inspiring for me to connect and work with new people from different creative backgrounds. Through these collaborations, I’ve found joy in seeing their positive reactions to my photos in person, and that positive vibe makes me happy and keeps me moving forward.

Cameras
1. Canon EOS 6D
This is definitely my partner in crime. I’ve taken a lot of amazing photos with this guy. Even though I switched to the Sony a7R III, I still use this as a backup camera.

2. Sony a7R III
This is my new partner and a keepsake from my father. I got this in Japan, and surprisingly there’s no multiple language support. It would be torturous for you to use my camera unless you can read Japanese!

I don’t even have to mention how great this camera is. It is just stunning, and it definitely improves the quality of my work. Besides, the latest Real Time Eye AF update works really well.

Lens adaptor
3. Metabones Canon EF/EF-S to Sony E-Mount T Smart Adaptor – 5th Generation
I should mention this unit before talking about the lenses. I’m still in my transition period from the Canon EOS EF system to the Sony E-mount system, so this is my must-have adaptor to attach my Canon lenses to the Sony a7R III.

The autofocus performance is good enough for landscape and portraiture, and a great find is that Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 on a7R III can focus correctly at f/1.4 as Canon 6D NEVER does it right.

Lenses
4. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
This lens is so versatile and a must-have for event, stage, travel and urban photography, such as streets, buildings, urbex and skyscrapers of the City.

5. Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM for Canon
The long exposure shots at night taken with this lens are breathtaking on both Canon 6D and Sony a7R III. I also use this for portraits because of the reliability for sharpness, focus accuracy, and richer colors.

6. Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Surprisingly, I use this lens a lot when I stroll the streets of New York. This compact and lightweight lens goes well with the Canon 6D (as well as Sony a7 cameras), 40mm is the tightest focal length for the narrow old streets of New York yet you can still manage to capture landscape, street, storefront and people with this tiny pancake.

7. Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
This has been my go-to lens for on-street shots and for portrait shots. It is small and lightweight with brighter aperture. This lens taught me how to compose an image (like, deciding a subject, and how it should be framed and captured). Even though this lens is over 25 years old, the quality of the image proves why Canon develops their lenses based on this one.

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art DG HSM for Sony E-mount (Not in the picture)
I got this lens this week. Even though it’s much heavier and larger than the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4, I needed a new 50mm that has higher resolution and works better with the Sony a7R III.

8. SONY FE 85mm f/1.8
The first Sony E-mount native lens I purchased for portrait. I chose this over Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 because of the price, smaller size and lighter-weight.

9. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
I’ve actually used this lens for portraiture most of the time in the past 2 years. It works fine with the a7R III + Metabones EF-E.

Accessories
10. GoWing Lens Holder for Sony E-mount
This small item lets me easily switch lenses while shooting. It’s very helpful.

11. Sony RMTDSLR2 Wireless Remote
I’d rather use this remote than the app on my phone.

Bags
12. Langly Alpha Pro Camera Bag (Black).
I’ve been using Langly’s camera bags since the first release of the Alpha Pro. I love the design and finish of their products a lot.

Cases and Holders
13. Langly Memory SD Card Case (Black) 20cm.
14. Langly DSLR Battery Holder Pouch (Black) 20cm.

Straps
15. Peak Design ‘Leash’ Black Slide Camera Strap
Leash is the lightest camera strap of Peak Design. I tried Slide, the widest strap by PD, but it was a bit uncomfortable for me. Leash can hold my a7R III + Metabones adaptor + Canon EF 70-200mm lens, so I’m satisfied with this thinner and lighter strap.

16. Peak Design ‘Cuff’ Camera Wrist Strap
This strap is useful when I walk around and shoot in the city.

Tripod
17. MeFOTO Travel Tripod Kit BACKPACKER

www.shunsuketakino.org | @shunsky.nyc