Photojournalist GREGG BREKKE inside my bag 11/2021 (Sony Luv)
Curated: www.ShotKit.com
(Gregg Brekke) I’m a freelance photo and video journalist based in Washington State, however, much of my assignment work occurs outside of the United States. In addition to being represented by Zuma Press for editorial content, I work with several NGOs and faith-based humanitarian groups in the relief, development, health care sectors and produce commercial projects for other clients.
Cameras
I have used Nikon cameras for most of my career with a brief foray into the Canon system at one agency. In mid 2020 I traded my Nikon D5, D810 and Z6 cameras and a stable of lenses for a lightweight mirrorless kit with two Sony A9 bodies, three Sony prime lenses, and a Tamron zoom.
The A9 is an amazing camera and the mirrorless system allows me to work faster and travel lighter than with DSLRs. The A9’s focus, accuracy and speed, along with its high frame rate and silent shooting without banding, are huge benefits to my work.
Lenses
The Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G and 85mm f/1.8 lenses live most of the time on the two A9 bodies. The 20mm is my go-to lens for almost everything and the choice when a one body plus one lens solution is required. They are both beautiful wide open, compact, and balance really well on the A9.
Trying to anticipate a variety of situations in the field, I added the versatile Tamron 70–180mm f/2.8 Di II VXD for when extra reach is needed and the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8, which is excellent for video interviews. These two lenses don’t see much time out of the bag but glad they are in my bag.
I really want to be one of the cool kids and like the 35mm field-of-view more than I do. Don’t get me wrong, I do like it for some things but the images I make at 20mm feel way more intimate.
My Precious
A Leica M2 with the legendary 1960s 50mm f/2.0 Summicron often comes along for special projects, though it’s getting more difficult to travel with film. I develop my own B & W film and scan it using a light table, negative holder, and macro lens. It’s a slow process but I like the results.
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