est. 2013
As a portrait photographer, upgrading my camera system was long overdue. I had been shooting with my trusty Nikon D3S for quite some time. While it has served me well, it was time for something new. After much research and deliberation (and me dragging my feet over the thought of learning something new), I recently made the switch to a Nikon mirrorless camera system. Let me tell you, the upgrade has been well worth it. In this blog post, I’ll share with you my old camera gear as well as my new mirrorless system. Plus why I believe now is the perfect time for you to make the switch too.
Senior & Family Photography Camera Gear | Nikon D3s
Let’s start by talking about my dino Nikon D3S. This full-frame camera is a powerhouse, and I loved the images it produced for me over the years. It was my third upgrade from when I started my senior and family photography business. It’s given me years worth of incredible work. I’ve loved this girl to pieces and would continue to use her but, like all things, technology improves and quality is something I strive to give my clients.
My go-to lens for this camera was my 50mm 1.4, which I used for both my family and senior portraits. For special shots, like close-ups or when I wanted that extra creamy bokeh, I turned to my 85mm 1.4 lens. While this was a significant investment for this lens, it’s easily paid for itself over the years with the stunning images it produces. I did use my 85mm almost exclusively for quite a few years before I went back to the 50mm. Now, for the most part that’s what I leave on my camera body. I also used my 35.mm 1.8 when I was in tighter locations or wanted more scenery in my pictures. The 35mm was great for studio work as well with littles so that is for sure something to take into consideration.
Portrait Photographer Mirrorless Upgrade Option For Nikon Users
My new camera gear is where the real fun begins. I recently purchased the Nikon Z6II, a mirrorless camera that has surpassed all my expectations. I am not a wedding photographer so I don’t need all the extras for low light situations but this camera still packs a punch and on a technical sides far exceeds my D3s technology. The massive feature upgrades are insane, and I’m still learning about all the new capabilities that it offers. At first, I was a little overwhelmed by the change, but after some practice (and lots of youtube), I can now confidently say that upgrading to a mirrorless camera was the right move for me and my business.
One of the biggest advantages of using a mirrorless camera system is the compact size and portability. I did upgrade and get an extra battery extender grip because it doesn’t hold near the battery life of my Nikon D3s. But, by adding that grip onto it, it makes my new Nikon 6ii about the same size so I didn’t notice that major of a difference. The electronic viewfinder is another feature that I’ve quickly grown to love. With a mirrorless system, I can see exactly what my final shot will look like before I even take the photo, which has improved my efficiency and accuracy considerably.
This took awhile to wrap my head around, but since it’s all lcd screens essentially when you make an adjustment (like iso, shutter speed, etc) then the eyepiece automatically is showing you what that image will look like. Truly, mind blowing! Technology is incredible and upgrading from my big pro model does have its perks!
Top Mirrorless Lenses for Portrait Photographers
As for lenses, I still mostly rely on my trusty 50mm 1.8 lens. It has produced excellent results on my new mirrorless system as well. However, I’m excited to start experimenting with new lenses in the near future. With mirrorless technology, there are some possibilities that weren’t available before, such as increased aperture speeds and lens stabilization. I’ve always been a prime girl but I did buy the 24-70mm lens to see if I love it. This mainly was a purchase for when I need a 35mm lens or something closer to that 85mm range of my old lens. I’ll upgrade those with time as I need to but wanted to start simple. I wanted to invest in what I know I’ll use the most. The options are endless, I can’t wait to see what kind of images I’ll be able to create with my new gear!
A few things I use on any/all of my equipment includes the clear Tiffen filters. This mainly is because I do get a ton of dirt on my lenses. By doing this it also helps if I were to ever drop them it hopefully would damage the filter and not my actual glass of my lens. My other favorite thing is my camera harness. I’ve used it for a few years and it’s way easier than the traditional strap I used for year!
Upgrading to a mirrorless camera system was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my portrait photography business. As a business owner, you have to be willing to have a growth mindset. And, as overwhelming as that can feel, it’s the only way your business will continue to grow! While there was a learning curve, the benefits of using a compact, portable, and efficient camera system have been well worth it. If you’re on the fence about making the switch, I highly recommend you take the plunge and start exploring all the possibilities that a mirrorless system can offer. You won’t regret it.
Links to Portrait Photographer Camera Gear;
Here’s what my current DSLR system includes;
Nikon D3s Camera Body
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Prime Lens
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Prime Lens
Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G Prime Lens
SanDisk 32GB Extreme CompactFlash Memory Card
Tiffen Clear Lens Filters
And here’s a look at my new camera gear system;
Nikon Z6ii Camera Body
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S
NIKO9 MB-N11 Power Battery Pack
Nikon FTZ II Lens Mount Adapter for Z Series Cameras
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Memory Card
Tiffen Clear Lens Filters
Want to see even more gear that we love? Check out our Amazon Storefront list! This is where we have everything from camera straps to external hard drives.
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