My Favorite Lenses

When I first started photography, I did not even realize that their were SO many different lenses and that there was a such thing as Prime and Zoom lenses (back then I would have thought to my self “why in the world would they make lenses that were only one focal length, what a waste” aka a prime lens). Today, ALL I shoot with are prime lenses!

I stalked (in a total fan girl kind of way) all my favorite photographers because I CRAVED for my images to be creamy, and have a certain POP. I have always loved the natural, bright and joyful look in images but I had NO idea lenses played a roll in this. This is when I educated my self on prime lenses. If all these cool, successful photogs were using them, they must have a reason.

I never went out and bought a ton of lenses at once (so do not think you have too either). I waited until I was in a season of my photography career that it felt appropriate, or I started telling my self multiple times “a 35mm would make this so much easier.”

Here is the line up of lenses that are in my bag currently (minus my 50mm, that I used to photograph this with LOL).

Lets first jump into what camera body I use.

Nikon D750
aka my baby. This camera is actually only a year old, and I needed to buy it on a whim in the middle of back to back wedding weeks in busy season (it was a nightmare). If you are shooting weddings, the first thing you need to invest in is a backup camera body. I was shooting with the Nikon D610 before investing in the 750. This camera is amazing for low light (perfect for weddings), and has an amazing focusing system.

Nikon 50mm f1.8
This was the first lens I ever invested in. And lets not even talk about how old it is, because I have never upgraded or replaced it. Firm believer of “don’t fix whats not broken” LOL. This was my most advanced lens, so I didn’t really see a difference in quality (until recently, more on that later).
This is by far the most versatile lens, in my opinion. It was also my most used lens for the last 4 years. I would shoot a whole wedding day with this lens!
I use this lens for literally EVERYTHING.

Sigma 35mm f1.4 ART
Okay guys. Sigma did everything right with their art series lenses. I started getting to a point in my business where a 50mm was just not cutting it in all aspects of a wedding day. I was coming across more and more situations where I needed a lens that would help me in tight situations, especially getting ready areas. I was eyeing this guy for quite some time, and then a good friend of mine invested in it, and second shot a wedding with me and I was absolutely sold. This thing is SO sharp and so quick to focus. Which is exactly what I need, because I move and work FAST. I got my 35mm in the Spring and this is when I transitioned away from my current 50mm because the quality different was unmatched. I loved the creaminess and sharpness of the 35mm and my 50mm had a noticeable quality deficiency (probably something only photographers can tell the difference on LOL). This lens has hardly come off my camera since I purchased it.
I love using this lens for portraits, tight spaces, and details!

Sigma 85mm f1.4 
funny story about an 85mm. I actually had one, it was the lens I purchased after my 50mm. I used it a lot, and then never used it. EVER. It absolutely collected dust on my shelf (it was never even in my bag). So I sold it 2 years ago (I had the Nikon 85mm f1.8). About 6 months ago, I find my self wanting that really creamy background and finding myself in less than idea lighting situations as well as location situations, that I knew an 85mm would fix. I found one for a super good price and purchased it less than a month ago! I was so impressed with Sigma’s 35 (even though it was the art) that I just had a feeling the 85mm would be great! And I was right! I am absolutely in love with sigma lenses! I have been using this lens a lot lately, even with my families! It really makes my clients POP off the background, which is so consistent with my shooting style!
I love using this lens for reception details, portraits (gives more variety), and families

Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro
For all my weddings up until now, I have never had a macro lens (so crazy, I know). I have used filters that attached to my 50mm. And yall, its been tough. I desperately needed a macro lens, and this thing is INCREDIBLE. I use it for all my details, and even during ceremonies when I cannot get up close enough!