Gear Must-Haves for Content Creator and Retoucher Ian Elkins
Ian Elkins is a model, retoucher and content creator currently based in New York, though he’s often abroad on shoots. His work ranges to anything from portraiture, architecture, lifestyle, wildlife, and even studio photography. He’s been generous enough to give us the scoop on all the equipment he regularly reaches for when creating his images. Let’s have a look at what’s in his bag.
“I’m usually on the go, so I keep things rather simple. As a blogger/social influencer, we are typically taking images where we need to get that shot quickly and move on. So the minimum is always preferred, and a testament to what can be created with little.” – Ian Elkins
CAMERA:
Sony a7R III
42.2MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor, 399-Point AF System, Built-In Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, Dual SD Slots
Sony Alpha a7R II
5-axis in-body image stabilization optimized for 42.4MP full-frame, 4K movie recording
Up until today, I, oddly enough, was using another camera (Sony A7rII). However, I just upgraded to the A7rIII, going back to what gear is essential for me. I went with the A7rIII because of its impressive specs in such a small body; the price; versatility; ability to transfer via wifi; and its wireless remote capabilities via my iPhone.
LENSES:
Sony 24-70 2.8 GM lens
Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22, Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF Motor, Focus Hold Button; Internal Focus
A go-to for me is definitely the Sony 24-70 2.8 GM lens. For how versatile it is, it doesn’t sacrifice speed or clarity. In addition, I rarely need anything under 2.8 aperture, and it allows me to refrain from missing the perfect shot while I normally would have to change lenses.
LIGHTING:
Rotolight NEO II LED
Continuous Light and Flash Modes, Color Temperature: 3150 to 6300K
Profot A1
Li-Ion Battery: 350 Full Power Flashes, High Speed Sync, LED Modeling Light
Normally, I don’t have time or the need to set up lighting equipment, but for on-the-go shots I love a good continuous and portable light. Right now I have a Rotolight Neo 2 in my bag that does wonders for its size. And I also just picked up the new Profoto A1 Speedlight.
BAG:
I just picked up a fashionable, yet extremely functional all black VINTA.CO bag. It’s sleek, versatile and, best of all, functional. I can carry it with me into events as an accessory, and can store it somewhere without its contents being obvious, which is extremely important if you don’t want to attract a lot of attention for the wrong reasons.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:
FlowMotion iPhone stabilizer; Wacom Intuos Pro Tablet; Mophie Power Station AC
For a look at more of Ian’s work, visit his Instagram. And to hear more about his approach to photography and content creation, check out our brief interview here.
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