My Camera Gear: The Tools That Bring My Photography to Life

Photography is about more than just the gear—but having the right tools allows me to bring my creative vision to life to tell your story beautifully! As a photographer in the unique landscape of Austin, Texas, I need equipment that can handle a variety of environments, from the golden light at Bull Creek Park to the vibrant downtown streets and intimate brand sessions in local businesses. The camera and lenses I use allow me to capture authentic moments, rich details, and the personality of my clients, whether I’m photographing a family session, senior portraits, or small business imagery.

The Heart of My Kit: Canon R6 Mark II

At the core of my setup is the Canon R6 Mark II, a powerful mirrorless camera that balances speed, reliability, and incredible image quality. Its 24.2MP full-frame sensor delivers crisp, high-resolution images with beautiful color depth—perfect for capturing the warm, natural tones of the Austin landscape.

One of the biggest advantages of the R6 Mark II is its low-light performance. Whether I’m shooting a branding session in a cozy East Austin café or an outdoor lifestyle session at Mount Bonnell, this camera handles shadows and highlights beautifully. The fast and accurate autofocus ensures that I never miss a moment, especially when working with energetic families or fast-moving brands that want dynamic imagery.

The in-body image stabilization of the R6 Mark II is another game-changer. Austin has so many great outdoor locations that require shooting on the go—whether I’m working in the lush greenery of Zilker Park, near the textured walls of South Congress, or capturing the candid energy of kids playing at Red Bud Isle. This stabilization lets me shoot handheld with confidence, even in challenging lighting conditions.

My Favorite Lenses for Austin Photography

Even more important than the camera body, lenses shape the way I tell stories. Each of these plays a different role in my workflow, allowing me to create images that feel natural, timeless, and full of emotion.

EF 35mm f/1.4 – The Storyteller

The 35mm lens is one of my go-to choices for environmental portraits and storytelling photography. It’s wide enough to capture a sense of place without distorting the subject, making it perfect for documentary-style family sessions or branding shoots in unique Austin locations. This is also my most-used "at home" lens because it has a very accurate focus and provides a ton of flexibility.

This lens shines when I want to capture the energy of a scene—like kids splashing in the water at Bull Creek or a small business owner working in their thoughtfully designed space. The f/1.4 aperture allows for stunning background separation while keeping enough of the environment in focus to tell a compelling story.

RF 28-70mm f/2.0 – The Workhorse

When I need versatility without sacrificing quality, I turn to my RF 28-70mm f/2.0. This lens is perfect for fast-paced sessions, allowing me to switch between wide shots and tighter portraits without changing lenses.

For branding photography, this flexibility is essential. I might start by capturing a business owner in their workspace, then seamlessly move in for headshots—all without breaking the flow of the shoot. The constant f/2.0 aperture ensures that no matter the zoom range, I’m getting beautiful depth and clarity.

This lens is also ideal for capturing Austin’s unique backdrops, from the street art of South Congress to the scenic overlook at Pennybacker Bridge. It gives me the freedom to adapt to any setting and create consistently high-quality images.

RF 135mm f/1.8 – The Dreamy Portrait Lens

If I want a lens that creates stunning, professional portraits, my 135mm f/1.8 is my top choice. This lens provides incredible compression, meaning the background melts into a soft, dreamy blur while the subject remains beautifully sharp.

I use this lens frequently for senior sessions, headshots, and high-end branding portraits, where I want my subjects to truly stand out. Whether I’m photographing someone in the golden fields of McKinney Falls or capturing the elegance of a formal portrait in front of The Driskill Hotel, this lens delivers depth and character every time.

EF 50mm f/1.2 – The Classic Look

The 50mm lens is known as the "nifty fifty" for a reason—it’s a classic for portraits and lifestyle photography. With its f/1.2 aperture, I can shoot in low-light environments without sacrificing quality, making it perfect for cozy in-home sessions or moody branding portraits in Austin’s creative studios.

This lens also works beautifully for capturing intimate family moments. The 50mm focal length closely resembles the natural perspective of the human eye, which helps create images that feel personal and immersive.

Why This Gear Works for My Austin Photography Style

Austin is a city full of variety—from urban landscapes to scenic natural spots—and my gear helps me adapt to it all. Whether I’m shooting in a boutique on South 1st Street, an open field at Commons Ford Ranch, or a family’s home in Westlake, my camera and lenses allow me to work seamlessly and capture moments that feel authentic.

By combining the versatility of my Canon R6 Mark II with my carefully selected lenses, I can ensure that every session—whether it’s a branding shoot, senior session, or family photoshoot—is captured with depth, warmth, and a timeless feel.

If you’re looking for a photographer who knows how to use the best tools to bring out the beauty of your story, let’s connect! I’d love to create something meaningful for you, whether it’s a session in downtown Austin, along the shores of Lake Travis, or anywhere in between.