Great photography starts with creativity – not fancy equipment.
But since so many of you have asked, we’re breaking down the exact gear we use in our food photography businesses: cameras, lenses, lights, tripods, softboxes, and our full tethered workflow.
In this episode, we also talk about how tethering has completely changed the game for us (shout-out to our Season 2 sponsor, Tether Tools!) and how the right setup can make your on-set workflow smoother, faster, and more professional – without needing to spend thousands.
THE GEAR IN OUR FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESSES
In this practical, behind-the-scenes episode, we’re sharing the exact tools we use in our food photography setups – not because gear makes you a great photographer, but because thoughtful choices can support a smoother, more creative workflow.
We walk you through our cameras, lenses, lighting choices, tethering setups, and why certain pieces of equipment have become non-negotiables for us. We also talk about the difference between essential gear vs. ‘nice-to-haves’ and how to upgrade your tools intentionally without getting caught in an endless buying cycle.
We each break down our setups:
LINDA’S GEAR
- Camera + Lenses
- Sony a7C Mark II
- 24–70mm
- 50mm f/1.8
- 90mm macro
- 35mm
- 16–35mm
- 70–200mm
- Tripod
- Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO
- Lights
- 2 × ZHIYUN MOLUS X100 Pro 100W Video Lights
- Softbox
- 90 cm octagonal softbox
MARTA’S GEAR
- Camera + Lenses
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- Canon 50mm f/1.4
- Canon 100mm f/2.8 L Macro
- Canon 24–70mm f/2.8 L II
- K&F Concept Variable ND Filter
- Tripod
- Manfrotto MT055 XPRO3 + MHXPRO-BHQ2 Ball Head
- Lights
- Godox TT685 Speedlight (with Bowens mount setup)
- Godox X2T Trigger
- Godox SL150W Continuous Light
- Softbox
- 80 × 120 cm softbox
WHAT YOU’LL TAKE AWAY FROM THIS EPISODE:
We also discuss:
- How gear affects workflow (and how it doesn’t)
- The power of tethering for client communication + collaboration
- How to build a professional kit on a realistic budget
- The gear we regret buying — and what we’d buy again
- Why “good enough” equipment is often more than enough
MORE ABOUT FOCUS & FLOURISH PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS TALK
Focus & Flourish is the podcast where food photographers learn to build profitable, creative, and sustainable businesses. Hosts Marta and Linda share real-world strategies, honest conversations, and practical tips on marketing, pricing, workflow, gear, and growing your photography career with confidence. Whether you’re a beginner or scaling your studio, this show helps you level up without the overwhelm.