Beyond the Lens: My Everyday Essential Camera Gear
I decided to share my basic camera gear in case this information can be useful to someone starting out who has no idea where to begin.
A quick note to remember before you embark on your photography journey, the gear doesn’t make the photographer. That being said, the technology these days is quite impressive and if you know you’ll be shooting more indoor events with darkly lit rooms or at nighttime, investing in a camera that has the best ISO is the way to go. The best piece of advice I’ve received countless times over the years: invest in the best quality you can afford if it will make your job easier, more effective, and run more smoothly.
CAMERA BODY
For the last five years I have been shooting on Sony. I was originally a Canon girl but when Sony announced the creation of full frame mirrorless, I needed the upgrade and Canon had yet to produce a mirrorless camera. For me I was searching for lightweight and vibrant colors and Sony was the best option at the time. I shoot on The A7ii which is considered a relic these days but it’s my trusty body and I love the way it photographs. I recommend going with The A7iii or A7IV as these models are sharper, have touch screens, and have more dynamic range.
LENS
I use my 24-70 mm GM FE lens daily. It’s a great versatile lens that works wonders for portraits and landscapes.
I also love the f/ 1.4 FE 85 mm lens for portraits. This is a great lens that does very well in low light but also allows me to stand at a further distance t events and still get beautiful crip images.
LIGHTING
My main camera flash is the Profoto A1X for Sony. The A1x is incredibly easy to use and syncs with my camera pretty quickly. I also use the A1 Profoto Soft Bounce for those extra dark rooms that need more light. All the attachments are magnetic which makes things simple while connecting different flash accessories.
For my backup flash I went with Godox V1 TTL Flash and XProS Flash Trigger for Sony
STORAGE
Western Digital external hard drives are great for image storing. I opt for portable ones with plenty of space.
ACCESSORIES
I really love my camera strap for everyday use, it doesn’t pull or strain my neck. If I am photographing an event I prefer to use this crossbody strap. Both straps are durable, and I never worry about my camera falling. When I have my flash attached to my camera, I like my strap to have a bit more support and movement that’s why I opt for a cross body camera strap.
Finally, I would be lost without my Brevite Backpack. It fits all my everyday gear and I never have to worry about anything getting damaged. The water-resistant materials keep my mind at ease when I’m outside shooting.
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The Wonders of Metal Prints
In my many years as a fine-art professional photographer I have looked at different types of mediums for my prints. In my search for vibrant color and contrast I found my favorite has always been a high-gloss metal print. I first discovered metal prints at a photo conference in New York City in 2016.
What is a Metal Print?
A metal print is a unique and modern way of showcasing photographic art. Instead of the traditional paper or canvas, images are infused onto a specially coated aluminum sheet using a process called dye-sublimation. This method involves transferring dyes directly into the surface of the metal, resulting in a stunningly vibrant and detailed reproduction of the original image.
Why I Love Metal Prints
1. Durability: One of the standout features of metal prints is their durability. Unlike traditional prints that may fade or warp over time, metal prints are resistant to fading, moisture, and scratches, ensuring a long-lasting and vibrant display.
2. Vivid Colors and Detail: The dye-sublimation process on aluminum allows for an incredible depth of color and detail. The final product boasts a luminous quality that simply cannot be achieved with other printing methods, making each image a true work of art.
3. Versatility: Metal prints are versatile in terms of both display and application. They are suitable for a variety of environments, from living rooms and offices to outdoor spaces. The lightweight nature of the material and variety of mounting backs that are provided with the print also makes it easy to hang or mount on different surfaces.
4. Easy Maintenance: Metal prints are not only visually stunning but also easy to maintain. They can be wiped clean with a soft cloth, ensuring that the brilliance of the image remains unaffected by dust or fingerprints.
Shop my collection of work in metal and fine-art moab somerset museum Rag finishes. Sizes available in landscape, portrait, or square.
How I Exhibited in Red Dot Miami During Art Basel
I have exhibited in local galleries but never anything on a grand scale close to Art Week Miami. Essentially, it’s multiple art expos happening at different locations across the span of one week. Artists from all over the country display their art to people in various industries- from interior designers and decorators, to hospitality, to art collectors.
How did I get into the show?
There’s two ways- the first way is participate on your own if you have your own gallery. Renting a booth as a gallery within the exhibit can begin at $1,895 and varies depending on the fair and booth size. Other cost considerations include insurace, transporting show pieces, and travel and lodging if coming from out of town.
If you don’t have your own gallery start prepping to be in local shows (this will give you experience, plus networking opportunities to meet gallery owners who participate in events and are looking to add artists to their portfolio). Look for open art contests and enter submissions, some may have a fee to apply while others may be free. Research the gallery and learn about the artists they represent. Does your work mesh with the other artists? A lot of galleries attending major art fairs offer the option of renting wall space within their booth. This is an option if want to attend but don’t own your own affiliated gallery. Budget for fees accordingly. It can still be expensive to rent wall space. I rented wall space to hang a 22”x24” framed piece for $800. The benefit of showing through a gallery is someone will be at the expo the entire time representing you.
You’re accepted, now what?
You’ve done all the prep work and you’ve been selected to exhibit at Red Dot. I’m a photographer and I display my photographs on metal. There’s an extra step of including printing times. If you’re a painter or sculptor, plan time to have your pieces finished in time. The prints are produced and shipped from a printer in California, I’m in New York and the show was in Florida. Coordinate schedules and deadlines with the printer. It’s important to be precise with location and dates. There are many moving parts to this process and your piece(s) is one of thousands being shipped to the expo’s location. Last year’s event began the week immediately following Black Friday. Be aware of print delays, production times, and shipping policies. You might find it beneficial to ship priority to ensure packages arrive on time. Add reminders to track packages if you plan on shipping your pieces. If you plan on attending the event in person it might be easier to bring the pieces in yourself. Coordinate available times and drop-off locations. If you are flying make sure your piece, if checked, is safely packaged and clearly labeled fragile.
Market yourself at the show.
How do you plan to market yourself? If permitted, write an artist bio and statement and have them printed as flyers. Detail what the piece is and how you selected to exhibit the subject. Can you have business cards or flyers visible at the booth? How big is the flyer? Review proofs for spelling and grammar mistakes. Does your retail price include the gallery percentage and total cost of goods? Again, make sure everything everything is printed and shipped in time for opening day.
Attending the Show
If you can, I recommend attending the expo. If you are from out of town, book hotel and flights early. Usually hotels in the area will have deals with Redwood for attendees. Don’t forget about your pass for entry into the show! Sometimes galleries will receive a certain amount of free passes which can be distributed to their artists. Network, walk around the show, connect with other artists and galleries. Stand at the booth you are showing, it’s real time feedback to listen to what potential buyers are saying about your artwork. Also, you can take potential clients’ contact information and follow up after the show. Lastly, enjoy the moment! You made it- whether or not your piece sells- it’s still quite a feat to be at Art Miami and you should be proud!
My piece, Perched, showcased last year at Red Dot Art Miami via NYC4PA.
Beyond the Camera
Welcome! I’m excited you decided to stop in and read, Beyond the Camera, the first blog post and the beginning of a thrilling new journey. Let’s get acquainted! I’m Corinne Tousey, a fine-art professional photographer and an aspiring cinematographer. Since I’m Long Island based, I travel to the East End, (think all of the Hamptons- Southampton, East Hampton, and Sag Harbor), the peacefulness of Montauk and Greenport, to the hustle and bustle of New York City photographing the wonders of New York. My Instagram (@corinnetousey) is my digital portfolio I use to highlight scenic landscapes, all the sunset and sunrises I can can see, and tons of ocean videos.
I always had a camera in my hand even as a young kid. I loved walking around with my parent’s camcorder. It was one of those huge bulky cases that you hoist on your shoulder, and it recorded on video. It wasn’t until my parent’s gave me my first DSLR, a Canon Rebel XT in 2006 as a gift after I took a course in film photography that I thought about turning this into a career. My career path to photography however wasn’t linear (I was a preschool teacher, worked in digital marketing, and have a Master’s of Science in Publishing). I always knew I was meant to do something creative but I also held a strong urge to help people, I was just never able to figure out how to combine the two worlds until one day I was asked to photograph for an event for a local non-profit. It felt great to be able to provide a service that was also giving back to the community.
The thing about my photography is I love to create a feeling and sometimes all I love to take is a pretty picture. I could never pick one aspect of photography to focus on, and I believe that’s what makes my photography unique. I enjoy photographing landscapes, architecture, outdoor natural light branding and family portraits, and non-profit events.
Thanks for reading and I’ll keep sharing what goes beyond the camera for me as a photographer. It will become a place where I can share current projects and exciting news.
View of the New York City tall skyscrapers looking up at the start of the High Line, 2022