San Francisco-based Sony Artisan Zabrina Deng (@zabrinaxyz) specializes in blending fashion and wedding photography on location. From capturing wedding moments in the depths of the Sahara Desert to shooting amidst vegetable stalls in Hong Kong, meticulous pre-planning of her gear months in advance is essential. We caught up with Deng to learn more about the kit she packs to photograph clients on location. Keep reading as she shares what’s in her bag for fashion and wedding photography.

Product Preview – In This Article You’ll Find:
–Sony Alpha 7R V
–Sony Alpha 9 III
–Sony RX1R II
–Sony ZV-E10
–Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II
–Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master
–Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master
–Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master
–Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master
–Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master
–Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master
–Sony 135mm f/1.8 G Master
–Sony TOUGH Memory Cards
–Sony GP-VPT2BT Wireless Shooting Grip & Tripod
–Sony ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone

Cameras

Sony Alpha 7R V: Packing efficiently to stay mobile is vital. The Sony Alpha 7R V camera is my perfect companion, resilient in extreme weather conditions. It braved the fierce, dusty winds during a pre-wedding shoot for clients Vanessa and Nelson in the heart of the Sahara. Its incredible high dynamic range performance allows me to seamlessly transition from shooting in the midday sun to the golden hour and into the night.

Photo by Zabrina Deng. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/160-sec., ISO 100

Photo by Zabrina Deng. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/30-sec., ISO 1000

Sony Alpha 9 III: I love capturing both action and static shots in fashion photography. This particular shot, taken at night in San Francisco's Chinatown, features Wilson and Sarah riding their motorcycles through the narrow alleys. Utilizing the world's first global shutter camera, the Sony Alpha 9 III, I can use any brand of speed light to freeze the subjects in motion. This was crucial for capturing the dynamic movement as they sped through the alley, allowing me to shoot at a much higher shutter speed than traditional cameras with rolling shutters, which are limited to 1/200-sec.

Photo by Zabrina Deng. Sony Alpha 9 III. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/250-sec., ISO 1000

The alley was cluttered with debris and garbage cans, presenting a challenge to eliminate visual obstacles while ensuring the subjects were well-lit. The Sony Alpha 9 III was the perfect choice for this shot, enabling me to minimize distractions and highlight Wilson and Sarah’s carefree and fearless spirit on their motorcycles. Their faces needed to be well illuminated to convey the essence of their adventurous ride.

Photo by Zabrina Deng. Sony Alpha 9 III. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/100-sec., ISO 1600

Sony RX1R II: I enjoy using this camera for street photography during my days off. It is perfect for capturing the spontaneous, candid moments that make street photography so captivating. The 42.4-megapixel sensor ensures exceptional image quality, while the fixed 35mm F2.0 lens offers a versatile focal length that's ideal for a variety of scenes, from bustling markets to quiet alleyways. The compact and discreet design of the RX1R II allows me to blend in with my surroundings, capturing authentic moments without drawing attention. The camera's fast autofocus and impressive low-light performance mean I can confidently shoot in diverse lighting conditions, ensuring sharp, detailed images every time. With the Sony RX1R II, I can effortlessly document the vibrant stories and everyday beauty of the streets, turning my downtime into a creative exploration.

Sony ZV-E10: I love using the Sony ZV-E10 for creating travel videos during my days off. This versatile, compact camera is perfect for documenting my adventures and sharing them with my audience on instagram. The ZV-E10’s lightweight design and intuitive controls make it easy to carry and operate while exploring new places. It has 4K video capability so I'm able to capture stunningly detailed footage of vibrant street scenes, serene landscapes and bustling markets.

Lenses

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II: This lens is incredibly versatile for on-location shoots. Whether I’m capturing wide shots, mid crops, or close-ups, this lens handles it all seamlessly, making it ideal for outdoor photography. Its compact design is perfect for travel, and its speed al- lows me to freeze dynamic moments. For instance, during a busy afternoon in the medina of Fes, I used this lens to capture Vanessa and Nelson dancing. I had a mere two-second window when the area cleared, and under the perfect light, I instructed them to dance. In that fleeting moment, magic happened.

Photo by Zabrina Deng. Sony Alpha 7CR. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/160-sec., ISO 320

Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master: This is a fantastic lens for fashion photography from my point of view. While the fixed focal length can sometimes slow me down, I embrace the challenge, adjusting my position by moving closer to or further from the subject. This ultra-fast and ultra-sharp lens allows me to stop down to f/1.2 if needed, although I typically shoot with a smaller aperture for most of my fashion and pre-wedding images.

Photo by Zabrina Deng. Sony Alpha 7R IV. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/160-sec., ISO 100

Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master: This lens is an essential part of my toolkit and a lens I always rely on especially at night time. Its wide aperture allows me to capture stunningly crisp images even in low light, perfect for those intimate, moonlight private moments or stargazing vibe of some of my shots. The 24mm focal length is ideal for wide, sweeping shots of breathtaking landscapes, ensuring I can tell the complete story of a couple's special moment. The lens' lightweight design also makes it easy to carry around, which is crucial when I'm navigating through different locations and unpredictable environments.

Photo by Zabrina Deng. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master. 

Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master: This lens is an indispensable part of my gear, providing me with the versatility and precision I need to capture intimate moments. Its stunning bokeh and sharp focus make it ideal for portraiture, allowing me to highlight the emotions and connections between the couple and their loved ones. The 85mm focal length is perfect for capturing candid shots from a distance, ensuring I can document genuine moments without being intrusive. Whether I'm shooting in bright daylight or low-light evening receptions, the wide aperture ensures I achieve beautiful, natural-looking images with incredible detail and depth. The build quality and reliability of this lens give me the confidence to shoot in any environment, making the Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master a crucial component of my wedding photography kit.

Photo by Zabrina Deng. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master.

Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master: The Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master is a vital part of my toolkit for wedding day photography, offering exceptional versatility and performance. This lens allows me to capture stunning close-ups and detailed shots from a distance, making it perfect for both intimate portraits and dynamic ceremony moments. The fast f/2.8 aperture ensures sharp, vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions, while the zoom range provides flexibility to quickly adapt to different scenes and compositions. Whether I'm photographing a couple's tender exchange of vows from afar or capturing the excitement of the reception, the 70-200mm focal length gives me the reach and clarity I need. The lens's robust build and reliable autofocus mean I can depend on it in any situation, making the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master an essential piece of gear for delivering stunning, high-quality wedding photos.

Photo by Zabrina Deng. Sony Alpha 7R IV. Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/200-sec., f/2.8, ISO 200

Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master: The Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master is a crucial part of my gear for wedding day photography and fashion photography, offering unparalleled versatility and compactness for capturing the grandeur and details of a wedding day. The wide-angle capabilities of this lens are perfect for sweeping landscape shots, majestic venue interiors while ensuring I can tell the full story of the event. Despite its powerful performance, the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master is surprisingly compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and handle during long shoots across diverse locations. The fast f/2.8 aperture allows me to shoot in various lighting conditions, from bright outdoor ceremonies to dimly lit receptions, without sacrificing image quality. The 16-35mm focal range provides the flexibility to switch between wide-angle and closer shots seamlessly, making it ideal for dynamic and fast-paced wedding environments.

Photo by Zabrina Deng. Sony Alpha 9. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/250-sec., f/2.8, ISO 1000

Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master: This lens is a key part of my toolkit for wedding day photography, especially for capturing stunning night-time shots during wedding celebrations. The wide f/1.4 aperture allows me to work in low-light conditions, such as evening receptions or outdoor ceremonies under the stars, without the need for intrusive flash. This lens excels at creating beautifully sharp images with a shallow depth of field, making the couple stand out against a softly blurred background of twinkling lights and romantic settings. The 35mm focal length is perfect for capturing intimate moments and candid interactions, offering a natural perspective that brings out the emotional essence of the night. The lens's exceptional light-gathering capability and fast, accurate autofocus ensure I can capture every fleeting moment, from the first dance to heartfelt toasts, with clarity and artistic flair. The Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM enables me to deliver magical, atmospheric images that truly encapsulate the beauty and emotion of a wedding night.

Sony 135mm f/1.8 G Master: This lens is another indispensable part of my setup. It's perfect for concert photography, where I need to capture performers from a distance without compromising on image quality. The 135mm focal length allows me to get close-up shots of the artists, highlighting their expressions and emotions, while the wide f/1.8 aperture excels in low-light conditions, common in concert venues. This combination ensures I can achieve sharp, vibrant images with stunning background bokeh, making the performers stand out against the often chaotic stage lighting. The lens's fast and accurate autofocus is crucial for capturing the dynamic, fast-paced nature of live performances, ensuring I never miss a moment. The Sony 135mm f/1.8 G Master enables me to deliver powerful, evocative images that convey the energy and atmosphere of the concert experience.

Accessories

Sony Wireless Bluetooth Shooting Grip & Tripod: I use this as a tripod or when I am filming my kids. It gives much better grip when I am on the run, chasing my kids during camp and all the essential buttons are accessible right on the grip. 

Sony ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone: I use this with my ZV-E10 when filming documentary projects for local merchants in Chinatown. This records clear audio whether I am stationary or filming as I move, this captures great sound quality with less noise. 

64/128GB Sony TOUGH Memory Cards: I bring around 8-12 extra of these.

Batteries and Chargers: Typically I bring about 4-6 extra batteries for a full day wedding shoot for the two cameras which I bring. 

Phottix Lights: People often find it fascinating how I achieve stunning photos with my old-school lighting equipment. My speed lights and trigger systems from Phottix have been with me for over a decade and still perform flawlessly. These basic units feature just an on/off button and a power dial, making them incredibly straightforward. I rely on my eye to judge the lighting and work with an assistant to adjust the power as needed. Typically, I use one flash for fill light and another for hair light.

Photo by Zabrina Deng. Sony Alpha 7R IV. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/125-sec., ISO 50

LED Lights: At night or in low-light settings, I find LED lights invaluable. My nighttime shooting style involves lighting the subject to look as organic as possible, mimicking ambient light from windows or street lamps. With the ad- vanced technology of my Sony cameras and fast lenses, I can effectively shoot in lower light conditions. This capability allows me to lean towards using ambient light or adding subtle illumination with small flashes or LEDs to make the subject stand out.

Diffusers: The typical lighting diffusers which I bring along are umbrella, 1-2x Manfrotto light-stands and Phottix blacken umbrella diffuser.

Sticker Sheets: I’ve been using these “what’s in my bag” sticker sheets as my business card lately. It’s a more creative way to engage in fun conversation with the person whom I am giving them to, and also a way that I can promote a local talented illustrative artist.

Sticker Sheet Art by Katie Quan (@realsoul.us)

Lens Magazine: A Chinese-language publication, has become my go-to companion during commutes and transitions between shoots lately. In- stead of scrolling through my phone, I flip through its pages for inspira- tion, stories, and new ideas. I am particularly drawn to the cover text that reads, "不需要安全感就是自由," meaning, "To be unshackled from the need for security is to truly be free." This reminder encourages me to take creative risks and let go of the need for security, as playing it safe is simply too boring.

Paul Frank Coin Pouch: To keep my loose change, small cash. 

Orange Prada Bag: For my credit card wallet, phone, makeup stash.

Sony LinkBuds S: Offers great sound quality for on-the-road conference calls, zoom calls or meetings while I can be multi-tasking as a mommy and driving from places. They have super long battery life and great sound quality, and the noise cancelling helps me to stay focused on the call. 

Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones: These are my sleeping aid, especially when everyone in my family snores, ha! I can’t live without this headset, also as a nervous flyer myself, tuning into my favorite Cantopop playlist before the airplane takes off puts me at ease. This blocks off a great deal of outside noise so I can be at peace while flying.

Laptop and Hard Drives: Enables me to back up photos as I shoot especially when I am on the road. Having backed up my photos into a physical hard drives gives me peace of mind. 

Pelican Gear Case: Most durable gear case ever! Plus I like that I can decorate it with stickers which represents my aesthetics. 

Sanrio Gudetama Tin Mint

See more of Zabrina Deng’s work on his Alpha Universe Profile and on Instagram @zabrinaxyz.