Sony Brand Ambassador Jermaine Horton (@jermainehortonstudios) is a Naperville (Chicago) area wedding, portrait and sports photographer who enjoys creating dynamic images via off camera flash and natural light. His passion for telling his clients stories has garnered him clients throughout the country, feeding his love of travel and his drive to create. He’s the owner of @thestudio_28 and the founder of @theartofconfidenceproject. He’s worked as a photographer for his favorite sports team - The Chicago Bears - and continues to make waves in the photography industry. We wanted to catch up with him to see which gear he’s currently using for his work - check out his kit for wedding, portrait and sport photography below.

From the dance floor at a wedding to Soldier Field where the Chicago Bears play, see the gear Sony Brand Ambassador Jermaine Horton includes in his kit.

Cameras

Sony Alpha 1 (2): Previously my main camera for weddings and sports was the Sony Alpha 9 II. I truly LOVED that camera but felt it was time to go full time with the Sony Alpha 1. I was always worried about the massive megapixels, mainly because of storage, but after deciding to use it for a few weddings I quickly made sure it was the main camera for all. For weddings I have two Alpha 1s so I never have to change lenses and worry about missing moments. The updated menu system with the rolling clock was another deciding factor as it’s so key for professional sports and my job with the Chicago Bears. As a sports photographer as well, the impressive frames per second the Alpha 1 provides is crucial because these moments in games happen so fast and movements are sudden.

Photo by Jermaine Horton. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 400mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/1600-sec., f/2.8, ISO 640

Sony Alpha 7 IV: I eventually made this my travel camera and backup since getting the Sony Alpha 1s. But make no mistake about this camera, it’s still a beast of a machine and can be used for weddings, portraits and much more.

Photo by Jermaine Horton. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/400-sec., f/2.8, ISO 160

Sony FX3 / Sony Alpha 7S III (2): Along with wedding photography and portraits, I’m also a wedding filmmaker. For this I have a three-camera setup – two Sony Alpha 7S IIIs and the Sony FX3. The FX3 with the handle is one my favorite tools to use for handheld coverage. The Sony Alpha 7S III in low light is truly KING! There are some receptions and weddings that are so dark with little-to-no lighting and I never worry because I truly know the Alpha 7S III and even the FX3 will be so reliable.

Lenses

Sony 400mm f/2.8 G Master: This lens is a MUST for pro sports. The range I’m able to cover is great, but when paired with the Sony Alpha 1, the focus is impeccable! You’d think a lens like this would be taxing on your body but not at all! I’m still in awe of how light this lens is as I have to carry this up and down the field on game days with the Bears. I never feel fatigue carrying this and that’s a huge plus. The bokeh and separation is also very impressive. It has its own unique characteristic features and shines in low light and even with sun coming in.

Photo by Jermaine Horton. Sony Alpha 9 II. Sony 400mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/2500-sec., f/2.8, ISO 500

Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II: I cannot speak to how versatile this lens is. It's not only my wedding lens, but it's truly the second most important lens in my bag for sports at the pro level. But what’s even better is that I can take this lightweight lens to my son's games (I’m his coach too) and get him some professional shots! This lens is great for weddings, portraits, details and sports – it truly is the ALL around zoom lens.

Photo by Jermaine Horton. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/125-sec., f/2.8, ISO 500

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II: I know I keep speaking to the weight of these lenses but I can’t stress enough how important this is. At weddings you are on your feet for 8-10 hrs a day and sometimes multiple days, so having lightweight gear is important for me. This lens is much smaller than the previous but packs a powerful punch. It’s one of my go-to lenses as it’s usually on one camera and the 70-200mm on the other. It’s the perfect pair. This lens for video is ALWAYS on my main camera, but for photography it is too. In studio I like having range and not switching lenses much. I’m usually at f/7 and above in the studio, so it’s why I never really worry about using primes.

Photo by Jermaine Horton. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/160-sec., f/7.1, ISO 100

Sony 24-105mm f/4 G: I truly believe this is the most underrated lens in the Sony lineup, but it’s my go-to in the studio and I honestly can’t remember using another lens in a while for my studio work. This is an f/4 but I’m typically above f/8 in studio. It’s very sharp, compact, light and relatively inexpensive. Also, this is one of the lenses I travel with on vacation because I will mostly travel light when it comes to gear and this lens covers everything from wide to zoom.

Photo by Jermaine Horton. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 24-105mm f/4 G. 1/800-sec., f/4, ISO 200

Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master: If you are looking for a wide lens, this is it and part of the trinity with the zoom lineup and a key one. When I need a super wide angle shot, especially when there is great architecture and surrounding textures, this lens is everything. It’s not a lens that always comes out but when it does it truly separates itself.

Photo by Jermaine Horton. Sony Alpha 9 II. Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/200-sec., f/2.8, ISO 1000

Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master: When I want to go prime and wide, this is the one. It is incredibly sharp edge to edge and SUPER lightweight.

Photo by Jermaine Horton. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 24mm f/1.4 G Master. 1/100-sec., f/1.4, ISO 800

Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master: This is a lens you can capture an entire day with – it’s great for documentary. It’s my go-to for street photography and even for weddings because it’s so true to the eye and how we see things. It’s one of my Swiss army lenses.

Photo by Jermaine Horton. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 35mm f/1.4 G Master. 1/200-sec., f/2.5, ISO 2000

Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master: OK…THIS might truly be my favorite lens. The 135mm was my baby for so long and still is, but sometimes it’s not ideal because you have to be back so far. The 50mm puts me up close and in the action. If you are looking for sharpness, true color rendering, and speed – this is it! There have been times when this lens would never leave my camera. From weddings to portraits and more…this is the one!

Photo by Jermaine Horton. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/400-sec., f/1.2, ISO 160

Sony 85mm f/1.8: It’s lightweight and super fast. I still love using this lens for portraits when I want to go light or travel light. Still one of the best portrait lenses.

Photo by Jermaine Horton. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 85mm f/1.8. 1/160-sec., f/9, ISO 200

Sony 135mm f/1.8 G Master: This one is still my baby! It is still King in my bag. Even though you have to be back further, it’s worth it. This lens is in a class of its own. The compression it gives you and bokeh – chef’s kiss. It’s so accurate, never hunts and is sticky on your subject.

Photo by Jermaine Horton. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 135mm f/1.8 G Master. 1/800-sec., f/2.8, ISO 100

Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro G: This one only comes out for details and rings on wedding day, but it's so important to telling the story of the day. I can honestly say this lens is at EVERY wedding as it’s going to give you those macro shots you just can’t get with anything else.

Photo by Jermaine Horton. Sony Alpha 9 II. Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro G. 1/100-sec., f/2.8, ISO 400

Accessories

Sony Bluetooth Speaker: I can't speak enough to how crucial this is when getting bridesmaids and groomsmen to turn up and give me expressions on wedding day.

Drone: This is essential for wedding films and even real estate.

Westcott FJ200 and FJ80 Speed Light: I never leave home without it for wedding day. My small strobe that packs the biggest punch! It’s all I need for wedding receptions and portraits for weddings and on the go.

Lacie Pro SSD Drives: Can't forget these for game day, they're super fast.

Sony SD Cards: So I can ensure my images are safely recorded.

Hold Fast Camera Straps: My favorite because I can easily access my cameras.

See more of Jermaine Horton’s work on Instagram @jermainehortonstudios.