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BUDGET Photography Gear SHOOTOUT | ft. Jason Vinson | Ep 21

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BUDGET Photography Gear

Hey there, fellow photography enthusiasts! Today, I'm thrilled to share an exciting behind-the-scenes experience from our latest adventure: a budget photography gear shootout featuring the talented Jason Vinson. Trust me, this was not just about snapping shots; it was a true test of creativity and skill.

Exploring the Concept

You've probably heard the age-old saying, "It's not the camera but the photographer that makes a great image." But have you ever wondered what happens when seasoned photographers like us get our hands on entry-level or older gear? Well, it's time to find out!

Meet the Gear

I kicked things off with my trusty Canon R10—a solid camera, but nothing too fancy—paired with basic accessories. Meanwhile, Jason took on the challenge with a Fuji X70, the most affordable camera he had tucked away in his closet. Yep, this was all about embracing simplicity and getting creative with what we had.

The Flash and Lighting Game

Now, let's talk about lighting. Jason brought out his Flashpoint Evolv 200 Pro—an accessible yet powerful lighting tool, complemented by MagMod modifiers for that extra oomph. On my end, it was a more modest setup with an EL-100 flash, keeping things on-camera and straightforward.

The Shootout Unfolds

We found ourselves amidst the buzz of a trade show in Las Vegas, exploring different shooting bays and making magic happen in unexpected settings. The challenge was clear: could we transform this space into a photographer's playground with our humble gear?

Crafting the Shots

Jason's mastery of off-camera flash was evident as he effortlessly maneuvered around the environment, creating stunning compositions. Meanwhile, I embraced the direct flash trend and played with angles, using the available elements to craft unique dimensions in my shots.

Unveiling the Results

After a flurry of snaps and experiments, we each selected our favorite images for editing. The result? Well, let's just say it was a testament to the photographer's vision over the equipment's limitations.

The Takeaway

What did we learn from this experience? Sometimes, constraints can fuel creativity. Embracing budget-friendly gear challenged us to think outside the box, adapt to our surroundings, and ultimately, produce standout images.

Your Turn to Decide!

Now, dear readers, it's your turn to weigh in! Check out our edited photos and let us know which approach resonates with you the most. Was it the resourceful use of off-camera lighting by Jason or the direct-flash experimentation from yours truly?

Join the Journey

If you're intrigued by the world of budget photography gear or eager to explore more of our adventures, hit that subscribe button, ring the bell, and stay tuned for the next chapter in our photography journey.

Until next time, keep clicking and capturing those unforgettable moments!

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Vanessa has been photographing weddings, events, portraits and lifestyle for over 20 years.

She's a Canon Explorer of Light, an honor given to only 5 photographers in the United States, and her work has been published by Yahoo! News, Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, Rangefinder and more.

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