Sony Artisan Tony Gale is an award-winning portrait photographer based in NYC who creates compelling images for a range of advertising, editorial and corporate clients – including corporate headshots. “This is what is most typical in my kit for professional headshots, but the only truly typical thing is that it changes all the time,” Tony explains. “I also often have the Alpha 9 III, Alpha 1 II or even the RX1R III. But right now this is what you’ll find in my bag.” Keep reading as he shares his current kit for a professional headshot session.
Shop This Kit:
Cameras: Alpha 7R V, Alpha 7CR
Lenses: 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II, 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II, 16-35mm f/4 G PZ
Accessories: TOUGH SD Cards & TOUGH CFexpress Type A Cards
Cameras
Alpha 7R V: The Alpha 7R series has been part of my kit since the original Alpha 7R. They just keep getting better and better and the Alpha 7R V is my corporate workhorse. Fantastic resolution and super fast auto focus. An all around wonderful camera.
Photo by Tony Gale. Alpha 7R V. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/80-sec., f/5.6, ISO 160
Alpha 7CR: The Alpha 7CR is primarily the backup to the Alpha 7R V for when I need a second camera or something a little smaller. I use this in particular because the files match so well and it is amazing how much is packed into such a small body.
Lenses
70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II: Smaller and lighter than the first version and super sharp, I love this lens. It’s a great headshot choice, covering the classic portrait ranges and more. The focus is fast and accurate.
Photo by Tony Gale. Alpha 7R V. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/100-sec., f/2.8, ISO 400
24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II: Also smaller and lighter than the original 24-70 GM, and crazy sharp. Perfect for when I need a range of options from full length to headshot and options in between.
Photo by Tony Gale. Alpha 7R V. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/200-sec., f/2.8, ISO 100
16-35mm f/4 G PZ: Great for when I need smoothing wider. Super small and sharp. The 16-35mm focal range allows for a ton of options when I need more space that I don’t have.
Photo by Tony Gale. Alpha 7R V. 16-35mm f/4 G PZ. 2/5-sec., f/8, ISO 200
Accessories
TOUGH SD Cards & TOUGH CFexpress Type A Cards: All Sony TOUGH cards are very reliable and fast to read and write. I frequently shoot to the cards and laptop simultaneously to have a backup.
Photo by Tony Gale. Alpha 7R V. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/200-sec., f/5.6, ISO 100
Laptop: Laptop for tethering so the client can review as we photograph.
Tether Cables: To connect the camera and computer. The Sony cameras do also wirelessly tether, but the cable is faster.
Meter: It’s so much faster and more consistent to use a meter when setting up lights.
Photo by Tony Gale. Alpha 7R V. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/200-sec., f/5.6, ISO 100
Color Checker: To ensure accurate and consistent color.
Tripod: Great for when I need to make background plates for retouching so nothing moves. Also helpful to be able to engage with the subject without the camera moving.
Light Stands: The lights have to go on something
Photo by Tony Gale. Alpha 7R V. 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/250-sec., f/5.6, ISO 100
Portable Monitor: This USB bus powered monitor makes it easier for multiple people to see what is coming in.
Gaffer Tape: So many uses.
Profoto Lights: I use an assortment of different strobes, most of them are Profoto.
Photo by Tony Gale. Alpha 7R V. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/1250-sec., f/2.8, ISO 250
Card Wallet: Great for keeping the memory cards safe and organized.
Strobe Transmitter: To trigger the strobes wirelessly.
Plus an assortment of lighting modifiers, an extension cord or two, maybe some clamps.
Photo by Tony Gale. Alpha 7R V. 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/800-sec., f/2.8, ISO 400
See more of Tony Gale’s work on his Alpha Universe Profile and on Instagram @tonygalephoto.
Get a look inside the camera bags of more leading photographers at https://alphauniverse.com/wimb.
