Albert "Albee" Kennedy (@akfotos.co) is a lifestyle portrait photographer and video creator who describes his overall objective as making beautiful photos that tell a story and bring joy to people. Using a pair of Sony Alpha cameras and a variety of sharp primes, Kennedy creates stunning portraits on location that capture both the personality and environment of each subject. We caught up with him to learn more about the gear you’ll find in his kit to get the job done. Keep reading as he shares his kit for lifestyle portraiture and video.
Product Preview: In This Article You’ll Find:
Cameras
Sony Alpha 7 IV: This is my main primary camera body. I have owned this camera since its release at the end of 2021. I use this for all my client portrait photo shoots. The camera is a joy to use for both photo and video given its processing capabilities and 33 MP sensor. This camera is a true workhorse.
Photo by Albert Kennedy. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 85mm f/1.8. 1/2500-sec., f/1.8, ISO 125
Sony Alpha 7C II: This camera serves many different use cases as a photographer. This camera is like a smaller sibling to the Alpha 7 IV but in a compact size. The photo and video capabilities are on par with the Alpha 7 IV. This is my go-to camera for travel use. But when I’m not using it for travel, it is my default video camera.
Lenses
Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master: This lens is my fun lens for creative portraits. It is a very good dual purpose lens given its small and lightweight form factor.
Photo by Albert Kennedy. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master. 1/3200-sec., f/1.4, ISO 100
Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master: My first G Master lens is the 35mm GM and a must have focal length for all portrait photographers. This is a very versatile lens that allows me to get good subject and background separation but also captures the full environment in frame.
Photo by Albert Kennedy. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master. 1/320-sec., f/1.4, ISO 125
Sony 50mm f/1.4 G Master: The 50mm is a solid middle ground portrait lens. This lens is good for tight portrait photos whenever I'm in a small space. This is a compact prime lens that offers great sharpness even at F1.4 aperture.
Photo by Albert Kennedy. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 50mm f/1.4 G Master. 1/3200-sec., f/1.4, ISO 100
Sony 85mm f/1.8: The portrait lens staple to own, the 85mm. Although this 85mm f/1.8 lens is about six years old, it holds up very well today. This lens is the smallest and lightest lens I own and is with me for all my photoshoots. It's superior for capturing great subject separation for half body shots.
Photo by Albert Kennedy. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 85mm f/1.8. 1/3200-sec., f/1.8, ISO 200
Accessories
Brevite The Jumper: The bag that holds all the precious gear in its slick design is among one of the popular options for photographers. The Jumper bag offers a modern look and feel to easily blend into the environment as my everyday backpack.
NiSi VND filter: I have tested many different variable ND filters, and NiSi has the best fit for my video needs. As a content creator, the VND 1-6 & 6-9 stop filters play a major role in the video creation process.
Peak Design Cuff Wrist: I cannot leave home without my wrist camera strap! I perfect a wrist strap over a traditional neck camera strap. The Peak Design is great for its quick release and connection system. I love that I can easily swap this wrist strap between both my Sony cameras.
Photo by Albert Kennedy. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master. 1/1250-sec., f/1.4, ISO 100
Godox X2T Trigger: As a portrait photographer who shoots off camera flash, this trigger is essential for my work. I have this model in particular due to the flat design that offers a cold shoe on top!
Blower: The must-have accessories to keep my lenses and cameras clear of lent and dusk. It simply does the job.
See more of Albert "Albee" Kennedy’s work on Instagram @akfotos.co.