My Gear
Let's talk about gear for a minute. You know how everyone's always raving about the latest and greatest equipment, claiming it's the secret sauce to creativity? Well, after 20+ years in this field, I've learned something different: it's not about having the fanciest camera or the newest software. What really matters is your creative vision and how you tell your story.
Here's the thing – since 2015, I've mainly been shooting with iPhones and action cameras, plus some "old school" equipment that some people might call outdated. And you know what's funny? Not once has a client asked me what camera I use. They care about my eye for storytelling, my unique perspective, and the work in my portfolio. That's it.
Quick heads up if you're thinking about going pro with an iPhone: they do have one major quirk – overheating, especially during summer shoots. Trust me, you'll want a backup phone with identical specs because these things will get hot and need cooling breaks. It's not a maybe – it will happen.
My editing setup? Nothing fancy. Just a 12.9-inch iPad Pro that's been with me since 2018. No massive desktop setup needed. Who says you need a whole computer lab to create great work?
Here's some real talk from my experience: invest in things that actually make your work better. Instead of dropping cash on tons of lenses and cameras, I spend my money on a few key props and real experiences that inspire my work. Because honestly? The best way to grow as a creator is to get out there and learn by doing.
Try this: take whatever money you were planning to spend on new gear and use it for a photo adventure instead. Just bring your phone or one camera with one lens. When you do buy gear, make sure it's stuff that actually helps – maybe some good lighting, stabilizers, or tools that make your workflow smoother. Sometimes, having less equipment forces you to be more creative and develop your own style.
Everything in my kit serves a purpose – from lights that create the perfect mood to supports that help me nail those tricky angles. Even my "production vehicle" is a 27-year-old Toyota 4Runner! Paired with my mobile editing setup, it's all I need. Because at the end of the day, it's not about having the most expensive gear – it's about using what you have to tell stories that connect with people.
The Yellow Rig is made possible by:
ATOTO Car Stereos, Atturo Tires, Blue Ridge Overland Gear, Bodega Coolers, Devos Outdoor, Discount Tire, Fittipaldi Wheels, Maaco Auto Body, onX Offroad, Pelican Cases, RAM Mounts, Renogy, Rotopax, and Topo Designs.
My Content Creation Toolkit:
Cameras
I use an iPhone 15 Pro Max for all still photos and as my primary video camera.
I use a second iPhone 15 Pro Max as a backup.
I use a DJI Mini 4 Pro drone for aerial video.
Support: Moza Slypod Pro and Manfrotto monopods, tripods, & light stands.
Audio: Rode mics & Zoom recorders.
Lighting: Aputure, Devos Outdoor, & Godox lights.
Editing Station: in the studio, I use an Apple M1 MacBook Air (16gb/1tb) paired with an Apple M2 12.9" iPad Pro (WiFi, 1TB) as a second monitor. I use a CalDigit TS3+ Hub with a Samsung T7 4TB SSD for extra storage. I use an Apple Magic Keyboard and an Apple Magic Mouse.
On the road and in the field, I use the Apple M2 12.9" iPad Pro paired with the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio and an Apple Pencil as my primary workstation. The Apple laptop stays at home. It's straightforward, simple, simple.
Editing Software: While I use several different apps to edit video, photos, and audio, the primary apps I use are Apple's Final Cut Pro X and capcut for video editing on both mobile and desktop; Darkroom and Snapseed for photos; and Apple LogicPro; apple garageband and audacity for audio.
Gear Storage: Blue Ridge Overland Gear, Pelican Cases, and Topo Designs Packs & Bags.
Media Storage: Samsung external SSDs and Western Digital Red Pro NAS Internal Hard Drives. I use a 12TB Apple iCloud plan for file synching across devices and long-term archiving.
For the final touch, besides my hari mari flip flops, I either create music and sfx myself, or source music and sound effects from platforms like Audiio.com, Birocratic.com, Lens Distortions, Moods Sound Design, and Tropic Colour to breathe life into my content.
*Updated 11/01/2024