Inside My Camera Bag | Walter van Dusen

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Hello, my name is Walter van Dusen. I have been passionate about photography since high school. Being assigned to a fast attack submarine I was given the opportunity to visit many countries with my ever-present, trusty camera. I was also selected to attend submarine periscope photography school (see guide).

It was here where I received my first formal photography training and where I learned to develop black and white film. My daughter Hannah was born in 1996 and, of course, I became a “Dad with a Camera”.

In 1997 I began pursuing my dream of becoming a professional photographer. I attended photography school for additional training and have been on a quest for continuing my education and perfecting my craft ever since.

I continue to attend multiple workshops, numerous seminars, various mentoring sessions and I provide support for fellow photographers whenever I can.

One of the goals I have set for myself is to see more at each wedding. The challenge is to go beyond the obvious that is in front of me and discover those moments no one anticipates I will see.

It was this life experience along with many other factors steering the creation of Mystic Seminars eleven years ago. The craft of wedding photography was still earning its respect and an educational event exclusively spotlighting wedding photography was not yet in existence.

We can all become better photographers through multiple conduits. For me, it is also attained by helping others attain their goals and identify new challenges.

My gear:

Nikon D4S x 2: I carry these cameras on me for the entire wedding day.
Nikon D800: I treat this camera like I did during my medium format camera in the film days. This is my portrait camera for each wedding day.
Nikon D700: Converted Infrared Camera I use this when the conditions are right. Sunny and white puffy clouds.
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G: My go to portrait lens
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II: Favorite lens
Nikon 24mm f/1.4G: For low light
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G: For grand images
Nikon 35mm f/1.4G For low light
Nikon 85mm f/1.4G My favorite lens and used during the reception.
Nikon 16-35mm f/4G: I use this on the dance floor
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G Micro: When I want to get close
Nikon 28mm f/1.8G: When I’m tired, this lens is light and very sharp
Nikon SB-910 Flash: x 4 When I need flash, I use these.
Holdfast Money Maker: Always on my body. No back pain and made in the USA.
Tiffen Lowel GL-1 “Gun Light”: I use these for details, first dance, pretty much any time I can.
Rayflash: When I get bored. Adds a fashion flair for portraits of couples. Cool for the cake and dance floor.
Lexar CF and XQD 64GB cards / Panasonic Eneloop XXX 2500mAh batteries