So, you are probably wondering what I use to get the photos on my site. I'm going to show some off some of the equipment, hardware, and software I use and own.

Camera Gear

1. Canon EOS Rebel XTi (400D)

This is the camera I use to capture every moment. Although the XTi has been discontinued, it is still a terrific camera. It boasts a 10 effective megapixel CMOS sensor with a new dust reduction system and up to 1600 ISO, all in a lightweight compact body.

2. EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II

This is the lens that came with the camera, also known as the kit lens. This particular lens is looked down upon in the photography community, due to its poor optical quality, and I rarely use this lens since it usually produces very soft images. So unless I need a quick wide angle, this lens usually stays in my bag.

3. Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 I

The Canon 50mm f/1.8 I is one of the sharpest and most useful lens in my collection. You may have noticed that this is the Mark I version of the 50mm 1.8 lens, meaning that this is the version with the distance scale, focusing ring, and significantly better build quality than the Mark II. I love this lens because the range is perfect for almost any situation. Mounted on my XTi, its focal length is equivalent to 80mm. It's also the fastest lens in my collection, useful for poorly lit situations and night photography.

4. Canon EF 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 II

Unfortunately this is not the L version lens. It is also a discontinued lens, just like the 50mm f/1.8, but its optical quality is superb for a zoom lens in its class. In the photo community, it is known as the Poor Mans L lens. Aside from the optics, its build is also very sturdy. The focal length is the most useful extending from 45-112mm on a 1.6x crop sensor. The focal length and optical quality is the reason why it is mounted to my camera, as a walk around lens, most of the time.

5. Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP

The Tamron 90mm is a super sharp 1.1 macro lens. It is the most expensive lens in my collection, but allows me to take those tack sharp close-ups. This is simply a great lens and doubles as a portrait lens.

6. Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip

I could never live without my Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip. Its main function is to allow the user to use two battery packs at the same time or 6 AA batteries at the same time, while letting the user easily hold the camera in a vertical position and adding the functionality of the original buttons. It makes shooting pictures in portrait much more steady and comfortable. It also saves me the hassle and time from going into my camera bag to switch batteries. When my batteries have died for the day, I can just drop by the nearest store to buy a pack of batteries. The disadvantage is the added weight and bulk, but makes your camera look like an expensive 1D.

7. Manfrotto (Bogen) 190B Professional Tripod

This is the sturdiest tripod I have used (although I know it's not the very best), paired with a hexagonal heavy duty Manfrotto ball head with quick release. The tripod is heavy, but can withstand the heaviest of my gear. I won't have to worry about it blowing down or falling over either. Its legs spread individually and can go as low as almost to the ground.

Back to top

Editing Software

WARNING: I DO NOT BELIEVE IN SOFTWARE PIRACY. PLEASE DO NOT STEAL SOFTWARE.

1. Adobe Bridge CS4

Bridge is bundled with Photoshop and is my main organization browser and organizer. It is the most essential part of my workflow. Adobe has focused it to integrate with every program in the workflow.

2. Adobe Camera Raw

Camera Raw is bundled as well, and part of Bridge. I don't use Camera Raw a lot since I have purchased Lightroom, but for quick edits, Camera Raw holds as much power as Lightroom. On the downside, Camera Raw doesn't allow you to easily make changes as Lightroom does.

3. Adobe Photoshop CS4

For drastic edits or transformation, Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard, and for good reason. Photoshop is such a powerful program, it allows to do much more than any program out there. It is expensive, but if you are serious about graphics or photography, it can unleash a whole new dimension of creativity. Photoshop Elements is also a good alternative.

4. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Lightroom is where all the magic happens. My whole workflow takes place in Lightroom. Adobe specifically designed Lightroom for professional photographer's and their workflows. From the time I import the photos to the powerful editing tools, to the printing, it all happens in here.

Back to top

Editing Tools

1. Wacom Bamboo Fun Tablet (Small)

After using a tablet, it is almost impossible not to use it for my editing anymore, especially with a precise WACOM tablet. The precision and smoothness is unparalleled to any input device when it comes to fine editing. If you haven't tried using one before, I highly recommend that you do. Photoshop and Lightroom is also designed to work with the pressure sensitivity that allows brush strokes to be thinner or thicker depending on how hard you press. The effect produces smooth and natural strokes, just like a real pen on paper.

2. Dell Inspiron 6400 Laptop

This is basically where all my photos get worked on. I know, it's not a Mac, but really, is there a difference?! There is no way that the screen on this thing can be accurate enough, so the next item on the list should clear some things up.

3. Samsung SyncMaster 206BW

Yes, it's a 20" lcd monitor! I hook my laptop up to this monitor for color accuracy. This combination allows me to have portability and my information all in one place. The screen on my laptop acts as a dual monitor, that way I can view the original on my laptop and work on the current image on the monitor. The monitor boasts a 3000:1 contrast ratio with 2ms response time in a sexy piano black exterior. MagicTune (a technology to constantly adjust colour automatically, good for games and movies, bad for accuracy) is turned off, because it just messes up all the colour. In other words, makes it nicer than it really is.

Back to top