My Go-To Gear: A Curated Guide for Fellow Creators

Luis Chavez
Dec 25, 2025
3 min read

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I put together this list of my favorite gear, plus a few wishlist items, because people often ask what I use in my work as a NYC photographer and media creator. This guide highlights the equipment I rely on daily, the tools that help me stay efficient on shoots, the upgrades I’m excited to add to my kit, and office set-up of my dreams for hours of editing. Whether you’re a fellow creative, a client, or just curious, I hope this breakdown gives you a clearer look at what powers my process.

Basics: Keep it clean

Whatever tool you are using, wherever you are starting, some basic cleaning practices are mandatory for the best outcome. Think of it like a gourmet meal, served on a dirty dish. Not appealing, not appetizing.

When it comes to camera sensors and lens, starting with clean tools will make the finished product that much better. Plus, your editor, which is probably also you, will be happy you didn't just default to saying "we'll fix it in post."

To get the job done, I prefer the VSGO camera cleaning kit and VSGO sensor swabs.

Workhorses: The everyday tools

For cameras, these are my top 5 choices: Nikon Z8, Nikon Z7 II, Nikon Z6 III, Nikon RED Z Cinema, and Nikon D850.

I always keep extra batteries with me.

With the Nikon Z series, I use this adapter for my preferred lenses.

When taking photos, I have a few favorite lenses. I like the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Auto Focus as my most versatile lens. While I use Nikon 70-200mm for sports, weddings, nature.

And when I'm filming, I like the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens for Nikon F, Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Nikon F, Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Nikon, and Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Nikon.

For a flashes, I have a budget and spend favorite which I sometime us with a softbox.

To carry it all around, the backpack is my preference over a crossbody bag.

Garnish: Food-focused content

When I need a more uniform or clean background, a small, flexible vinyl backdrop is perfect. I usually secure it with a few pieces of gaffers tape that I just keep reusing.

For carrying the backdrop on the go on NYC subways, I use a poster tube.

A budget-friendly compact stand for flash is lightweight and easy to pack.

Foundation: Real estate essentials

Residential and rental real estate work often includes a walkthrough tour video of the space, so I use a stabilizer gimble. I also keep my mini gimble packed and ready to go.

My lens of choice is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED.

Commercial and residential real estate requires expansive aerial views with a mini drone or "fly more" combo drone.

To generate floor plans, virtual 3D tours, and BIM and CAD files we've been using Matterport for years.

Focus: Combat the 10-hour edit session desk rot

We haven't jump on the foldable treadmill under the desk trend yet, but the height adjustable desks are essential for long stints on the computer to mix up standing/sitting.

A wishlist item to upgrade our posture (we aren't in our twenties anymore and need more lumbar support I guess) are these office chairs.

Currently our tech is a laptop for flexibility of working in office or on the go. This stand frees up desk space.

For live streaming our day-at-the-desk videos and getting some BTS content of our work, setting up our phone on a gooseneck holder was a game changer.

And to close, imagine yourself enjoying winter inside this cabin. I know we will be...