As an editorial and advertising portrait photographer, I rely on so many things (and people!) to do my best work. Here is a round up of 20 things I can’t live without as a photographer! Here are some behind-the-scenes photos from my studio work in Greater Boston, along with some information on the gear and software I use every week in my work, photographing headshots, branding portraits, social media photos, magazine portraits and families!
My Profoto battery powered lights! I love using battery powered Profoto B1X lights because I can bring them anywhere (indoors in the studio or outdoors) and I never have to worry about finding power.
My V-Flat World V-Flats! Because I bring my studio on location to several studios, as well as offices and companies all across Massachusetts, I love bringing my V-Flat World V-flats because they fold up and fit into the car!
As a portrait photographer, the most important part of any photo shoot is… You! I am so blessed to photograph such incredible people at the studio every week. I photograph medical professionals, attorneys, creatives, actors, musicians, stylists, marketing professionals, realtors and everyone in between!
I often stand on a 1/4 or 1/2 apple box, to help me be a little taller during my photo shoots! I like to photograph from a higher angle when I’m shooting portraits, so my apple boxes help me get a higher angle, without having to wear high heels!
My tripod! I photograph hundreds of people each month, and my tripod makes it possible! I love using a long zoom lens for my work, and I also use a double battery holder, so my camera is super heavy. The tripod helps take the weight off my shoulders!
On-site photo selections! I love shooting to laptop on my headshots and branding portrait sessions. It really helps because my clients can see their photos as I’m taking them, and they can adjust their hair or posing as needed. Plus, they get to choose their photos right after their session, which is so much faster than waiting for me to send proofs!
I use Canon L series lenses for all my photo shoot. I have used these lenses for years and they are reliable, crisp and sturdy. The photo above is my Canon 70-22mm 2.8f L lens.
Word of mouth referrals! My business is dependent on word of mouth recommendations. It means the world to me when my clients recommend me to their friends and family!
My gear bags! I use specialized, sturdy camera and lighting bags that keep my photography gear and lighting organized and safe.
My husband Matt helps me on a lot of my photo shoots. He’s both my set tech, and my favorite model to stand in for the subject, while I’m tweaking the lighting!
I designed a large posing board that I bring to all my Editorial Mini Sessions that helps me visualize and communicate poses when I’m photographing headshots and social media portraits.
Squarespace is one of the most important tools in my work! I design and host my website with Squarespace, and it’s so easy to use, and has so many beautiful templates!
All the writers, editors, photo directors, art directors, designers and creative directors that I work with on my editorial photo shoots! Pictured above is Kara Baskin, award-winning writer and editor.
The talented hair and make up artists who I refer my clients to for hair and make up before their photo shoots! Picture above is Danielle Austin from Studio 28 in Wellesley.
When I pack up for photo shoots, I always pack lots of batteries and memory cards!
Matching outfits! It always makes my day when I end up matching outfits with someone I’m photographed! Pictured above is Trisha Spillane from Simply Put Communications.
Adobe products! I use Adobe Photoshop, Bridge, InDesign, Lightroom and Premiere for my photo and video editing.
Canva! I use Canva every day to create photo collage, graphics, flyers and more. It’s so much fun to play with different designs, and the possibilities are endless.
I’m so thankful to work out of two gorgeous studio spaces in Metrowest Boston! They are both truly my “happy places” with easy parking and good vibes!
I recently upgraded my mailing list to Flodesk and I absolutely love it so far! It’s super quick and easy to learn, and has already made my work a lot more efficient. Speaking of which, if you’d like to join my newsletter and be alerted when I schedule my new studio dates for Editorial Mini Session and Headshots Mini Sessions, visit dianalevine.com/newsletter to sign up!
