Resources
I wrote this quick tips guide* to help you start to think more critically about your personal and profession creative content. It also serves as a strategic foundation and framework if we eventually work together.
*Part one of a three-part series on Creative Content Marketing.
If you've ever wondered what tech and gear I use to create professional and high-end content for myself and my clients, check out my gear gallery, along with quick tips on why they are my top picks.
DSLR & Phone Cameras, Lenses & Video Capture
Canon Digital SLR Camera Body [EOS 80D] with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
Reasons why I use it:
Good starter DSLR camera + lens
Shoots both Photo & Video
Light-weight & compact
Canon Portrait and Travel Two Lens Kit with 50mm f/1.8 and 10-18mm Lenses
Reasons why I use it:
Good starter kit for beginner
Incredible wide angle zoom lens
Great portrait and video lens (50mm)
Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens
Reasons why I use it:
Great for macro closeup shots
Similar scale shot to what the eye sees
Must have for travel and trips
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras - Fixed
Reasons why I use it:
Great for distanced portrait shoots
Amazing Bokeh/blur from a distance
Works with most Canon cameras
Google - Pixel 3 with 64GB Memory Cell Phone (Unlocked)
Reasons why I use it:
The phone’s camera is incredible. My photos are mistaken for professional shots all the time. I’ve also shot professional B-Role in 4K with most people not knowing the difference.
Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini HDMI Live Switcher
Reasons why I use it:
Allows you to switch between live view of 4 connected HDMI Devices live a TV station broadcaster.
Transforms DSLRs into webcams
Reliable Brand, products & updates
Camera Accessories
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod
Reasons why I use it:
Steady balance & smooth rotation
Solid/Sturdy build reduces shake
Multiple high & low configurations and angles
Joby GorillaPod
Reasons why I use it:
Versatile placement & strong grip
Easy to hold with mounted camera
Small/Compact travel vlog friendly
Neewer Shoulder & Handheld System With Camera Mount Slider
Reasons why I use it:
Multiple hand-held configurations
Even weight distribution
Works with most cameras
Neewer Follow Focus with Gear Ring Belt
Reasons why I use it:
Smooth follow-focus motion
Works with almost any DSLR camera lens
Can be attached to/with many accessories
DJI OM 4 - Handheld 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer
Reasons why I use it:
Affordable, Compact & Light-weight
Great phone stabilization and rotation
Amazing Bluetooth-Connected App
Lexar Professional 1667X 128GB Memory Card
Reasons why I use it:
Ample storage for long shoots
Fast writing speed for high frame rates
Trusted brand, low risk of corruption
Tenba DNA 11 Messenger Bag
Reasons why I use it:
Sturdy with plenty protective padding
Abundant pockets and sections
Light, but holds a lot
Rofozzi Leather Travel Vintage Shoulder Strap
Camera Bag
Reasons why I use it:
Stylish (esp. for event gigs)
Comfortable straps/handles
Light-weight with multiple pockets
Lighting
Canon Speedlite 600EX II-RT Flash + Case, AA Rechargeable Batteries and Charger, Flash L Bracket & TTL Cord
Reasons why I use it:
Life saver for poorly lit scenes
Efficient battery usage, long-lasting
Trusted brand, warranty guaranteed
Aputure LED Bi-Color On-Camera Video Light
Reasons why I use it:
Bright Warm/Cool LED settings
Compact, portable & sturdy
Fast USB-C charging
Neewer Photography Bi-color Dimmable LED Softbox Lighting Kit
Reasons why I use it:
Affordable/effective for beginners
Creates Warms/Cools/Diffused looks
Create dramatic bright/dim looks
Neewer 43 Inch/110 Centimeter Light Reflector 5-in-1 Collapsible Multi-Disc
Reasons why I use it:
Good price for quantity
Effective for use outdoors
Creates Warms/Cools/Diffused looks
Audio & Sound Recording
Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming
Reasons why I use it:
Easy setup & use (plug & play)
Great sound & sound controls
Multiple sound direction configuration
Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Reasons why I use it:
Easy setup & use (plug & play)
Tunes out farther sounds beautifully
Nice rich and loud audio for podcasting
NEEWER Adjustable Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Stand
Reasons why I use it:
Can be used with different mics
Great for small work areas/desks
Lasts long & sturdy
Tascam Linear PCM Recorder
Reasons why I use it:
Great sound recording outdoors
Small, portable, easy to use
Uses little battery power
Records for hours depending on memory card size.
Rode VideoMic NTG On-Camera Shotgun Microphone
Reasons why I use it:
Easy to use (plug & play)
Good voice recording sound outdoors
Light-weight & no batteries required
SENNHEISER XSW Digital lavalier Mic (Wireless)
Reasons why I use it:
Best value for price & easy to use
Incredible wireless range & quality
Great Brand, reliable support
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Noise-Cancelling
Reasons why I use it:
Amazing noise cancellation
Great sound and dynamic audio range
Long lasting battery & comfortable fit
YAMAHA P125 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano With Power Supply And Sustain Pedal
Reasons why I use it:
Realistic piano sound, feel & play
Midi to computer connection for recording
Compact, easily stowed away
Production & Presentation
Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage, 2.6GHz Intel Core i7) - Space Gray
Reasons why I use it:
Beautiful & intuitive software and design
Incredible editing processing power for high-resolution photography & 4K video post-production.
Trusted brand, reliable, secure, and updated software and customer support.
HyperDrive USB C Hub Sanho Type-C Duo Hub 50Gbps
Reasons why I use it:
Multi-device connection to USB-C for MacBooks
No data transfer lag, minimal heating
Sleek, small, extremely functional
Nebula Capsule II Smart Mini Projector, by Anker, 200 ANSI Lumen 720p HD Portable Projector with Wi-Fi
Reasons why I use it:
Amazing on-the-go projector for presentations
Doubles as a stand-alone Bluetooth Speaker
Built-in Google TV for streaming services + casting
Portable (size of a soda can) & lasts long on single charge
Storage & Workflow Solutions
LaCie Rugged Raid Pro 4TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 Compatible – with SD Card Slot, Drop Shock Dust Water Resistant
Reasons why I use it:
High speed USB-C data transfer allows editing & processing hi-res in realtime
Secures against file corruption and loss with built-in redundant backup system
Allows SD card backup on the go.
LaCie Rugged USB-C 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 compatible, Drop Shock Dust Rain Resistant
Reasons why I use it:
Great light-weight, portable, durable everyday back up hard drive
High speed USB-C data transfer allows editing & processing hi-res in realtime
Trusted Brand, low risk of disk failure
Google 1
Reasons why I use it:
Expandable storage & upgrade plans
10% on Google Store products
Additional member benefits & discounts
Google Workspace (GSuite)
Reasons why I use it:
Highly streamlined ecosystem of productivity tools and support team
Best value for quality & quantity of cloud-based tools
Synchronization & Compatibility across all my devices