The Nikon D810 is an amazing camera and my favorite new toy. My favorite lenses are my Nikon 70-200mm, 24-70mm, 85mm & 24mm.
NIKON D7100
2nd camera
I generally use the Nikon D7100 as my camera as back-up and to switch out lenses.
I normal use it with my 50mm or 85mm lens {close-up or low light}, 24-70mm, or 300mm lens. For event photography I often tether both cameras to me with a strap system so I can quickly switch as needed.
IMAGE PROCESSING
Adobe Photoshop & Wacom Tablet
{ RAW }
I shoot in raw format {as opposed to .jpg}. In raw a digital camera picks up additional detail that can be brought out in processing.
{PROCESSING}
I process all of my final images through both Adobe Bridge and Adobe Photoshop, checking each for color, detail, exposure and many other details. I also do touch-up and full-out surgery as I deem fitting to the particular image(s).
{TABLET}
My other essential tool? A drawing tablet. Many types of photo-edits can get super detailed. When you get in those situations a mouse is far too inaccurate and will not only make you crazy, it will make some edits nearly if not entirely impossible. The right tool for the job: my Wacom tablet. Love it!
{BOTTOM LINE}
The time spent taking the actual photos may be only a small percentage of the work that it takes to produce the final images I present to clients.
STUDIO| where I play indoors
Home to all of my toys.
{ STUDIO }
My studio is small, but does the trick.
{ BACKDROP }
I currently have two large backdrops {white & black}, a 1-5 person grey tye-dyed backdrop that works on my stand (which is portable). I also have 5'x7' white, black, and tye-dyed brown backdrops that are on collapsible hoops and are easily portable.
{ LIGHTING }
My lighting system is also portable.
{ EXTRAS }
For in-studio work I have a light box {for product photography}, a posing beanbag and props for newborn pics, furs, a super-cool antique chest and other props and tools.
ASSISTANT| my husband, Jim
Meet Jim.
He's the one on the left, with the beard ;). Jim assists with reflector holding {which can make all the difference for some shots}, equipment babysitting, setup and retrieving, and being my second set of eyes. He is also getting his feet wet behind the camera.
Oh ...and that's our beautiful niece with him {taking graduation pics}!