BUDGET Photography Gear SHOOTOUT | ft. Gary Hughes | Ep 13

As a professional photographer, I've always believed that it's not the camera but the photographer that makes a great image. But what happens when you take experienced photographers and equip them with entry-level or outdated gear? That's exactly what I set out to discover in the Budget Photography Gear Shootout. Join me on this journey as we explore the creative possibilities that lie within the constraints of inexpensive equipment.

In this sponsored video, I teamed up with Gary Hughes, a talented photographer from Orlando, Florida. We both agreed to step out of our comfort zones and push the boundaries of our creativity with gear that we wouldn't typically use. I grabbed my trusty Canon Rebel T7, paired with a nifty fifty 50mm f/1.8 lens, while Gary opted for an unconventional choice—the iPhone 13 Mini. With a total budget of under a thousand dollars, we were ready to showcase what we could achieve.

Before we dived into the shoot, we took a moment to appreciate our beautiful model, Joy. Gary emphasized the importance of treating models with respect, acknowledging their individuality by using their names instead of generic terms. A valuable reminder for all photographers out there.

With the introductions out of the way, we began shooting. I had a vision in mind, a scene with converging lines and a wide-angle perspective. Despite the limitations of my gear, I was determined to capture a captivating image. Gary, on the other hand, explored the possibilities of using the iPhone's unique features, such as the automatic photo orientation when the phone is turned upside down.

I positioned Joy on a carpet, utilizing the wide-angle lens to accentuate the converging lines and played with the angles to experiment with different perspectives. Meanwhile, Gary decided to incorporate an iPad as a reflective surface, creating an intriguing mirror effect within the frame. The contrast between our approaches was evident, but both of us were fully immersed in our creative processes.

As we continued shooting, we guided Joy through various poses, tweaking the lighting and composition to achieve the desired results. I couldn't help but be drawn to the architectural details around us, capturing their beauty up close. The iPhone surprised me with its ability to produce compelling images, despite its limitations.

After the shoot, we eagerly reviewed our photos. Gary pointed out one of the challenges he faced with the iPhone's computational photography, particularly with high-contrast scenes. The HDR feature often took over, limiting his control over the final image. Nevertheless, he strategically selected scenes that worked well within the iPhone's capabilities, ensuring an optimal result.

My Canon Rebel T7 also presented its own set of limitations. While the image quality was superior to the iPhone, I had to work within the constraints of a fixed lens and older technology. However, I was pleased with the outcome, considering the gear's price range.

With our photos in hand, it was time to select our favorites and embark on the editing process. Gary's images showcased the iPhone's capabilities, and he was content with the straight-out-of-camera results. I, on the other hand, decided to convert my image into black and white, emphasizing the composition and lighting.

Finally, it was time to print our images. I used the Canon Pixma Pro 200 printer, which provided a step up in quality compared to my standard office printer. Gary's iPhone image, when blown up to a larger size, revealed the limitations of the device's image quality. In contrast, my Canon image displayed a noticeable difference in detail and clarity.

However, it's important to note that not every photograph needs to be printed. In today's digital age, many images find their home on social media platforms like Instagram. The quality of the iPhone image was more than sufficient for sharing online.

In the end, the Budget Photography Gear Shootout served as a reminder that creativity knows no bounds. While professional cameras undoubtedly offer advantages, it's the photographer's vision, skill, and ability to adapt that truly make an image stand out. The gear may be a tool, but it's the artist behind the lens who brings the image to life.

I had a blast challenging myself with the Canon Rebel T7, and Gary showcased the creative possibilities of using a budget-friendly iPhone. I encourage you to explore the potential of your own gear and embrace the limitations as opportunities for innovation.

Thank you for joining me on this photography adventure. Remember to cast your vote for your favorite image and share your thoughts in the comments. Stay tuned for more exciting content, and until next time—keep capturing those incredible moments!