Your camera kit can either streamline your workflow or clutter your life—it all depends on how intentionally you create your setup. Your gear should align exactly with what you actually shoot and make your job easier.
Coming to you from Scott Choucino of Tin House Studio, this practical video addresses how to finally achieve a streamlined, effective camera setup tailored specifically to your photography needs. Choucino walks you through his own recent camera gear overhaul and reshuffling, explaining how he now uses the Fujifilm GFX100S paired predominantly with two medium format lenses, the Mamiya Sekor 90mm and the Mamiya KL 65mm. He discusses the concrete reasons behind choosing each lens, such as image circle coverage, sharpness flexibility or specific use-case scenarios like still life or portraits. These detailed considerations are valuable when refining your own equipment choices and ensuring that each piece you keep earns its place in your workflow.
The video doesn't stop at cameras and lenses—it also provides candid insights into professional practices, answering viewer-submitted questions including how to handle client cancellations. Recounting his personal experience, Choucino reveals the delicate situation photographers face when big-budget shoots fall through. Although many contracts include a cancellation fee (typically around 50%), he acknowledges the uncomfortable industry reality that insisting on payment may cost you future work. This open and honest perspective sheds useful light on practical client management realities that many photographers find difficult to navigate. Furthermore, Choucino addresses common industry missteps, such as becoming too obsessed with collecting gear—which can restrict creativity and financial efficiency in the long run.
Another insightful segment dives into his recent frustrations with microphone systems. Choucino emphasizes prioritizing professional tools over budget options when the job demands absolute reliability—advising you to avoid unnecessary risks when professional reputation is on the line during commercial shoots. Practicalities of personal life balance also came up, with Choucino providing a notably honest take. Instead of perpetuating myths around work-life harmony, he confesses that productivity ebbs and flows are inevitable, and long-term effectiveness often means just making practical choices and prioritizing family or other necessary commitments when required.
Choucino’s advice on transitioning from lower-paying high-volume photography to fewer, higher-budget shoots emphasizes ruthless prioritization of your time. His direct approach—the simple but effective time management practice of labeling tasks based on urgency and importance—highlights how professional photographers can realistically manage their workload to maintain productivity, prevent burnout, and leave adequate room for creative and strategic growth. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino.
