Packing Light for Pro Photo Assignments

Nimbleosity Isn't Just for Recreation

My event kit with an OM-1, 12-40mm f/2.8 zoom, 75mm f/1.8 prime, and accessories.

One of my favorite clients is the Santa Rosa Junior College PR Department. They approach me with assignments that are destined for their brochures, website, or social media pages.

Because these are people events, there’s quite a bit of walking and navigating crowds. Packing light is a definite advantage to staying fresh and not attracting a lot of attention.

As cameras have continued to improve, my kit has become lighter with each generation of gear. I thought I’d share what I used for yesterday’s assignment. Its compactness and capability amaze me.

It’s a flexible kit too. I can swap out the 75mm prime for the pouch that holds 3 compact Micro Four Thirds lenses.

I knew that the bulk of my shooting would be indoors, but with good natural lighting. So I opted for the OM System OM-1, OM 12-40mm PRO zoom II, Olympus 75mm f/1.8 prime, and the Lowepro ProTactic SH 120 AW bag, which is about the size of a grammar school lunchbox.

I know that I can easily push the OM-1 to ISO 1600 for client work, and 3200 if I need to. With an f/2.8 constant aperture zoom, plus the fast prime, I was able to shoot at 1/60th at f/2.0 or f/2.8 for the bulk of the shots.

OM-1, 75mm f/1.8 prime at f/2.0, 1/60th, ISO 1600.

The OM-1 is so quiet, and I don’t need the clip-on flash, so I can work in tight quarters without attracting unwanted attention. I do wear a media pass, so I’m not worried about that, it’s more that I don’t want people looking at the camera or changing their expressions because of my presence.

A working kit about the size of a grammar school lunchbox. Photos by Derrick Story.

I was able to capture wide shots at 24mm all the way to tight portraits at 150mm (equivalent with MFT 2X crop factor) at a reasonable ISO with excellent quality.

After the shoot, I can practically skip back to the car thanks to the feather-light kit on my shoulder.

Gotta love camera gear these days! (And just because you’re working doesn’t mean you have to suffer.)

---

From DPReview.com

Polaroid I-2 review: The best instant camera doesn't come cheap

Meet the new Polaroid I-2, a high-end instant camera with full manual controls, LiDAR autofocus and a sharp 98mm f/8 lens. Compatible with all Polaroid film types, including i-Type, 600 and SX-70 film, this is a camera built with advanced users in mind.

Polaroid spent four years developing the I-2 and even tapped retired Olympus engineers for assistance on the AF and lens design. Of course, premium cameras come with premium price tags and the I-2 is no exception: it's available from September 7th, 2023 for $599.

Finally, and modern instant camera for serious photographers. You can read the entire review on DPReview.com.