Alpha Collective member Mickey Pierre-Louis (@itchyeyephotos) is a music and portrait photographer with a passion for capturing raw emotion and storytelling through images. “I blend the energy of live performances with the intimacy of portraiture, ensuring that the rhythm and energy of the stage are forever immortalized,” she explains. Her gear bag includes Sony Alpha cameras with fast prime lenses for low-light conditions, a versatile zoom lens for capturing dynamic live performances, external flashes to control lighting on-location shoots, and a range of filters for creative effects. Keep reading as she shares in her own words what’s in her bag for music and portrait photography:
Product Preview – In This Article You’ll Find:
–Sony Alpha 7R V
–Sony Alpha 7R IV
–Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II
–Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II
–Sony 135mm f/1.8 G Master
–Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master
–Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master
–Sony 2.0x Teleconverter
–Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip
–Sony HVL-F60RM2 Wireless Flash
–Sony NP-FZ100 Batteries
Cameras
Sony Alpha 7R V: This is my main photo camera. The autofocus is so quick! 61MP gives me the ability to crop my images in post without losing quality. The flip screen addition is a personal favorite feature of mine for capturing high or low angles. I love the fully customizable options and settings I can get in camera to my liking.
Sony Alpha 7R IV: At music festivals, I shoot with two camera bodies. This camera is used as my B camera. High dynamic range with 61MP. The right mix of features and interface.
Lenses
Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II and Sony 2.0x Teleconverter: This lens is my baby! She’s a beast. I love the telephoto compression this lens gives me. It can really bring the scale of a scene to life. Paired with the compact 2x extender, it turns into a 100-400mm at f/5.6.
Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II: Great for both landscapes and lifestyle shots. It’s a lightweight lens with corner-to-corner sharpness and no chromatic aberration. It’s the perfect lens to really open up an environment.
Sony 135mm f/1.8 G Master: The bokeh goddess. It creates the perfect depth of field with telephoto compression. I love the cinematic feel of the frame that it creates and its ability to render detail is astonishing.
Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master: If I could only shoot with one lens for the rest of my life, it would be this lens. Compact and lightweight. It mimics the field of view of the human eye without distortion.
Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master: I use this lens for detailed shots that keep a shallow depth of field while also opening the scene up. It's a very well-rounded lens and tack sharp at f/1.2 giving you a nice creamy bokeh.
Accessories
Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip: Since most of social media content is vertical, this comfortable grip makes it easier to shoot without over extending your arm. It holds two batteries for longer battery life. Plus, all the buttons on the grip have the same functions as you have programmed for the camera. Including a shutter button.
Sony HVL-F60RM2 Wireless Flash: The best flash I have ever used. It can tilt up, down, left, right. etc. Powerful flash output with quick recycling time for those critical shots during an event.
Sony NP-FZ100 Batteries: You can never have enough batteries.
Laptop: Compact 13” laptop is essential for me when I’m traveling. My bigger monitor stays on my computer desk.
Portable SSD: I use SSD drives for faster ingesting of large photo files. They’re extremely durable.
Headphones: These help me really get in my zone. Whether I’m on a zoom call, traveling or wanting to drown out noise for a good gym workout.
Hold Fast Double Camera Strap: Great for securing both of my camera bodies with safety straps included. Tried and true.
Lens Blower: I always have this anywhere I go. A dust-free sensor is a must.
Earplugs: Custom made at a music festival I attended years back. Great for protecting your ears from loud speakers.
Memory Card Hard Case: Hard/durable case for organizing and protecting your SD cards.
Lens Filter Case: I usually carry around starburst and dream filters to switch up my photos when I’m going for a stylized look.
AirTags: I put these in every bag I own for peace of mind and security.
Hand Warmer: Small enough to put in my pants or jacket. My anemic babies will relate.
Flashlight: Useful in dark situations at music festivals.
Sharpie: Great for labeling your valuables.
Extras: Perfume, lotion, lip gloss and chapstick. (I used to always lose my chapstick, so now these items go in every bag I own!)
See more of Mickey Pierre-Louis’ work on her Alpha Universe Profile and on Instagram @itchyeyephotos.
Want more music photography? Check out the Concert Photography Playlist on the Alpha Universe YouTube Channel.
