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📸 Recommended Gear 📸

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Just starting out? Start here. 
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The photo and video "gear hole" is deep... don't feel like you NEED to spend a ton of money in order to create great work. Yes, gear matters and good tools will help you do your work faster and more easily, but don't get stuck on this page.

If I was starting out again, here's what I would get:

  • A mirrorless camera body, but not the latest model – There will always be a "new camera" but I generally opt for the previous model than the current flagship. They are usually marked down a bit and are still incredible cameras (currently recommend the Sony a7iii).
  • A 50mm lens – Every camera brand has various 50mm lenses to choose from, and some are really affordable. They are great lenses for beginners and pros alike.
  • One-light set-up – Once I have my camera and lens, I would purchase a One-Light Set-up for off-camera flash (outlined below). Everything here will cost you around $350 total.

Those are the absolute essentials in my mind. Everything else you can slowly add-on as you grow in your skills and as different project needs arise.

Take the Cocktail Camera 101 e-course for beginners

Cameras & Lenses for Getting Started

The world of camera gear and lenses is an endless rabbit hole– so just know that you’ll never “have it all.” But that doesn’t mean you need a ton of gear to get started taking great photos. Below are some great camera + lens combos to start with: beginning with most affordable and going up to a few more pricier options that might last you a bit longer into doing pro work.

Cameras + Lenses:

  • Canon EOS Rebel SL3 + Canon EF 50mm F/1.8
    This is your most affordable option– but don’t scoff at the Canon Rebel! It’s a little camera that punches above its weight.

  • Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujifilm XF 35mm F/2
    This is a great and affordable option to jump into the mirrorless camera world. Still very small and compact and Fuji cameras are just incredibly fun to use.

  • Sony a6600 + Sony FE 50mm F/1.8
    The a6000 series is a fantastic camera system. Great to start out with but also something that works well as a second shooter if/when you upgrade.

  • Fujifilm X-T4 + Fujifilm XF 60mm F/2.4 Macro
    A solid photo + video camera that is well suited for professional work. I started my career with a very similar Fujifilm X-series camera.

  • Sony a7 III + Sony FE 50mm F/2.5 G Lens
    A bit spendy for your typical beginner, but the Sony a7 III is one of the most affordable full-frame cameras on the market that packs a huge punch.

Off-Camera Flash for Getting Started

Lighting is everything– honestly. If you learn how to use even some basic lighting tools (especially off-camera flash) then you can significantly up the quality of your photography work. Here’s a simple lighting kit to get you rolling:

 

One-light Set-up:

Take the Cocktail Camera 101 e-course for beginners

Jordan's Gear
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Here is the majority of what Jordan uses to produce his photos and videos.

Needs some recs about something not listed? Email [email protected]

Jordan’s Cameras

 

Jordan’s Lenses

Current Rotation:

No longer using, but highly recommended:

 

Fast SD Cards:

External Hard Drives:

Camera cases:

Jordan’s Lighting Equipment

*Godox = Flashpoint XPLOR
They are the same brand, and both Godox + Flashpoint products work interchangeably together.

Strobes:

Video Lighting:

 

Lighting Modifiers

Soft boxes:

Umbrellas:


Lighting Stands & Misc.

Light stands: