Wassup guys!
Today I’ll be answering your most popular question…. “WHAT CAMERA GEAR DO I USE”??
Being a food photographer, I’m constantly on the run from place to place. I’m used to shooting at 3-5 restaurants a day and staging 4-8hr photoshoots for clients like Postmates and Uber Eats.
In a single photoshoot I can take anywhere from 500-2000 images. During my most recent trip to Asia (where I was creating photo and video content for Hong Kong airlines and The Kerry Hotel), I took over 8,000 photos in 7 days.
So having a camera that takes an almost perfect image, with the least amount of editing is extremely important to me.
For example: this photo was shot, transferred to my phone, edited on the spot and posted all within 15-20 minutes.
I’ve experimented with numerous cameras like the Sony A7RII (great camera, but also very expensive), Sony a6500 (I currently use for video), and the Sony r x100v .
While all these cameras are great, I find that I always end up loving my Fujifilm camera a little more than the ones above when it comes to photography.
From the way it looks aesthetically, to the way it feels, to the way it captures images… there’s just something about Fuji lenses that produces amazing colors straight out of the camera. Sometimes I find myself not having to do much editing to a photo because the colors and composition are spot on.
Here’s an example of a photo straight out of camera:
Looks pretty bomb already, don’t you think?
Now here it is again with some minor edits:
When I say “minor” I literally mean… only making 3 edits.
If you take a look at the right, you’ll see that I only adjusted the contrast, decreased the highlights and increased the shadows.
Easy, right? While other cameras I’ve worked with, might take 5-15 edits to get to this point.
For me, post editing plays a HUGE FACTOR. I take hundreds of photos a week- often times in the thousands if I have multiple photoshoots a day.
SO if I can get my photos close to damn near perfect straight out of the camera- then I’m all for it.
Here’s the gear I use:
BODY: Fuji X-T2 (mirrorless)
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT and would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a new camera.
So let’s jump in dissect this camera body, shall we?
What I love about this Fuji system is that it is extremely easy to use and great for beginners.
See all these manual dials and controls on the top? It makes it so easy to learn all the different settings.
When shooting in manual, you can easily change the ISO, Shutter Speed, and Exposure Compensation by simply turning the dials. In fact, you can see the change it makes instantly on the screen. If a photo is too bright or too dark… just turn the dials the other way and vice-versa till you find the perfect balance.
{For other cameras, like my sony a6500… you have to manually go into a menu button and change each setting. It’s pretty annoying and not as intuitive, especially if you are just learning how to use a camera}
The 2nd thing I love about the Fuji X-T2 is the joystick. The joystick allows you to quickly choose a focus point without going into your settings.
The camera also has a decent battery life AND 2 slots for SD cards. Since I’m shooting all the time, the dual SD card really makes a huge difference for me.
Oh, did I mention the wifi? You can instantly transfer your photos from the camera straight to your phone!
Okay, now that we’ve gone over the body… let’s talk about different lenses.
LENS: Fuji 16-55mm | f2.8
Guys, this lens is my BABY. The Fujifilm 16-55mm f2.8 is the one lens I’ll never leave the house without. It’s extremely versatile and can get super wide shots to extremely zoomed in ones.
The lens is weather resistant, has a constant F2.8 aperture, and excels in every way possible. It’s perfect for travel photography, food photography, landscape photography, overhead and product shots.
Want to take an epic overhead pic? You got it.
Need a shot of syrup being poured over pancakes? Check.
Client: @KitchenStorySF
Need to take an interior pic with a dope ass view? Check.
Client: Waterbar SF
Want to show off your #basic avocado toast? Sure why not.
Client: Samovar Tea | @SamovarTea
Or maybe you’re over the #BasicB*tch avocado toast, and you want to show off THIS toast instead?
Client: Little Gem | @littlegem.restaurant
Or how about a little product photography if you’re starting to work with brands? Check.
Client: Noosa Yoghurt | Instagram
Or perhaps you meet Ayesha Curry and want to snap a pic of her eating a burger?
Client: International Smoke | @Internationalsmoke
Okay. I think you guys get my point. This Fuji lens is extremely versatile and excels at food photography. If you guys have any questions, leave them in the comments below!
8 Comments
I have Sony Alpha A6500 Mirrorless Digital Camera, I am taking many types of food images from it, some pictures take very good but in some, I found sharpness issue when I select manual focus. Any other good camera if anyine can sugest here?
Dope
I’m a Fujifilm XT-2 gal myself and SF food photographer! Love your work!
Im convinced you have the coolest job in the world. How did you get started blogging?
Can you do a post on editing in Lightroom? Love the colors in your photos and always wondered how you edit. Thank you!
What she said!!
How do you like your a6500? I’m thinking about selling mine.
This post was super helpful! I’m just starting out and would love to know your thoughts on the slightly older version of the xt2? It’s a little bit cheaper and in my price range.