Equipment
This section has a lot of jargon! I just wanted to put you at ease that we have not compromised whatsoever, in the tools needed to capture your special day, in the best way possible. We do not accept less than the best, and keep bang up to date with the latest technology.
Cameras and Lenses
Sony A7rii
These full frame cameras are the best you can buy today. The A7rii won camera of the year this year - check the link here. It is a 42 megapixel beast, with incredibly fast focusing, unbelievable dynamic range - it picks up more details in the shadows and the highlights, making a better overall image. It is very good in low light, but shines in good lighting conditions.
In built body stabilisation, means that all lenses are stabilised. This means clearer shots, especially in low light conditions.
There is a tilt-able LCD, which helps massively in seeing over crowds, or shooting from low angles. It has increased my accuracy markedly, and removed guess work, which was sometimes required with the big DSLRs. Built in Wi-fi in the camera, means in a spare moment, I will sometimes send my Bride a photo in the middle of the day, beaming straight from camera to the phone! Of course it won't be edited, but it's always fun to get instant feedback. In every measurable way, it outperforms our previous cameras, Canon full frame.
& Sony A7sii
The other camera is the Sony A7sii. This is the low light king. It can literally see in the dark. It produces beautiful, clean looking images, where there is very little light. When most cameras begin to look grainy, this can still produce stunning images in minimal light. There are many situations in weddings where this becomes incredibly useful. This is basically the 12 megapixel version of the one above, with tweaks to make it comically good in low light. The very large pixels, and whatever magic they do, makes the low light images that come out of this camera, something truly special.
So many of the debates online about which is the best camera to buy, ended saying you need to choose between the Sony A7rii, or the A7sii. We decided to get both! On a fun note, these cameras are the official White House Cameras, not a bad endorsement.
Here are links to read about the cameras:
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 Zeiss
This prime lens is great for environmental portraits - capturing the atmosphere close in. It's great for kids shots, small group shots and really feeling like you're in the middle of the action. It has incredible colour, contrast and sharpness.
Read more about it here
Sony GM 85mm f/1.4
This is now known as the best portrait lens on sale. We have just ordered it to replace our 90mm Macro as a primary portrait lens. The results it produces are staggering. We previously used the Canon 85mm f/1.2 L, for years the standard. This lens destroys it. In crop mode on the A7rii, it is equivalent to a 127mm f/1.4, great for distance shots.
Read more about it here
Sony FE 55mm f/1.8
A super sharp mid range prime lens, ideal for all kinds of shots. One of the sharpest lenses I have used, with great contrast and punchiness, it makes beautiful images.
Read more about it here
Sony FE 24-70 f/4
This zoom lens is primarily used in tight spaces, where the 24mm focal length can really get you out of a jam. The typical wedding photographer has a 24-70mm zoom lens on their camera the entire time. In some ways, it is a smart option. It covers a wide range, pretty ok.
Prime lenses are our go to choice wherever possible. As the name suggests, they have been primed to have optimum quality at the focal length they are. The 85mm above, is built and perfected as a portrait lens. The 35mm is just stunning as a moderate wide angle. It's more effort having to have two cameras strapped to us. The primes cost multiple times the 24-70mm zoom. But it leads to better quality images.
It would eat at me, knowing the image could have been that bit better. Popped that bit more. Fortunately, we have invested in the best, so as not to face this quandary.
Sony FE 90mm Macro
This lens is used for a handful of shots. But those shots are really special.
Read more about it here
Editing Equipment & Storage
Editing is done on a colour corrected 27" iMac. This shows every detail, and ensures the editing is done in an optimum environment, which reflects int he results.
We are using the latest version of Adobe Creative Cloud, primarily Lightroom and Photoshop. They are the industry standard bearers.
Memory cards are Sandisk Extreme Pro 95mb/s Class 3. These very fast cards are made specifically for professional use, and are amongst the most reliable available today.
More
There are so many bits and bobs that are there to make sure we produce the best images possible.
We also have access to high end studio lighting, when this element is booked. Also, please watch this space for a revolutionary new option we will be offering in sha Allah, from Autumn 2016. It is truly a world's first. Wish I could say more, but NDA's are prohibiting me!