Felix Hernandez Shares What Gear He Uses to Capture Miniature Photography
Felix Hernandez, also known as Dreamphography, is a designer and conceptual photographer from Mexico. When’s he not dreaming up his next creation, he’s bringing his incredible concepts to life through the use of scale models and creative photographing techniques. To get a better idea of how he brings the tiny models to life-like size, Felix gives us a look at what’s in his gear bag.
Tell us how you go about deciding which gear is essential to your work.
Felix
I look for gadgets, lights or lenses that allow me to approach my projects in a more creative way. I’m not a gear/brand guy. I just think that the best gear is whatever helps you get the work done and that your wallet allows.
CAMERA:
Canon 5D Mark III
DSLR camera with 22-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and wide range ISO setting of 100 – 25600
Canon 5D Mark IV
30.4 MP full-frame CMOS sensor, Up to 7.0 frames per second continuous shooting speed, 4K video recording
The Canon 5D MIII is just the right fit for me at the studio. It has enough resolution (21.5mp) and full frame. I plan to upgrade this year to the 5D MIV or the 5DS.
LENSES:
Canon EF 24-105mm
EF Mount L-Series Lens, Ultrasonic Focus Motor Manual Focus Override, Dustproof and Waterproof Sealing
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
50mm standard lens with f/1.4 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras, Lens Type: Telephoto Zoom Lens
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II
70-200 mm focal length, inner focusing system with USM and full-time manual focus option
Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift
Aperture Range: f/3.5 to f/22, Locking Tilt-Shift Mechanism
I have the Canon EF 24-105mm / Canon EF 50mm 1.4 / Canon EF 70 -200mm 2.8 / and the Canon EF 24mm TS (tilt-shift). Right now, I mostly use this lens because it allows me to get really close to the scale models, have them completely in frame (wide angle) and gives me great DoF and sharper images. It’s also great for getting creative angles and correcting distortion. For the kind of photography I do, it’s a great lens!
LIGHTING:
When shooting with studio flashes, I use Bowens. If I have to freeze some action, I go with my Einstein flashes due the short flash duration. But I also do a lot of light painting and for that I just use a regular LED flashlight that gives me great results. More often, I’m mixing studio flashes with light painting… long exposure photography at the studio!
BAG:
I use a Lowepro backpack. I have been using this bag for more than eight years. The same one! It has traveled with me all around the world. Sure, it looks kind of dirty, but eight years!!! And it is in perfect condition. I think it will last for another five years without any problem. I just love it!
You can check out more of Felix’s work on his website, and make sure to check out our interview with him.
