We’re back with part two of my honest conversation with Erich McVey, the celebrity photographer that everyone is curious about! In this episode we cover the hot topic of Erich’s gear lineup, his workflow, posing, and we even dive into what he’s NOT doing to stay afloat in Covid times. Tune in to hear all about it.

About Erich:

Erich is a wedding, portrait and editorial film photographer with a love for medium format cameras, natural light and incredible scenery.

Using an approach that combines documentary and fine art styles, Erich captures beautiful, honest, and timeless images.

Named by Harper’s Bazaar and Martha Stewart Weddings as one of the best wedding photographers in the world, and twice selected as film photographer of the year by Belle Lumiere Magazine, Erich’s work has been featured in top wedding publications; including Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine, Brides Magazine, Magnolia Rouge Magazine, Flutter Magazine, Pacific Weddings Magazine, Weddings Unveiled Magazine, Bella Lumiere Magazine,  Style Me Pretty, Once Wed, Snippet & Ink, Ruffled, and The Knot, as well as the LA Times, and Design Sponge.

Erich’s Gear:

• Erich uses a self-sustaining system without all the “bells and whistles” in order to stay consistent between all of his shoots and events that he photographs.
• He has simplified his system so that he is not reliant upon extra tools that he doesn’t always have on hand (like off-camera flash.)
• Erich does not go between digital and film during a shoot. He will choose one format for each situation, and then use that throughout those moments so he never has to try to match digital to film photos.

Think tank Airport International roller bag

Fuji 400H

Portra 800 for low light film shooting

2 Contax 645s w/ 80mm lenses

Contax 45mm lens

Fuji GFX 50S

Fringer adapter for GFX (to use Contax Zeiss lenses)

Nikon F6 35mm camera

Nikon d800

58mm Nikon lens

24-70 Nikon lens

85mm Nikon lens

Nikon flash

Contax extension tube for macro shots (saves a lot of room, in lieu of macro lens)

Hoya up-close filters

Layout Collection styling kit

Locust Collection styling mats

Frou Frou Chic fabrics

Erich’s Workflow:

• He does not number his film as he shoots since he uses different film backs for different film types.
• Instead, he chooses to put his images into chronological order when he receives them from the lab.
• He culls and edits at the same time using Photo Mechanic and Goodlight Presets.

Pro-Tip: Visit your film lab and learn what they go through to scan your film images. When you understand how the process works, you’re able to speak their language and communicate better.

Erich’s Posing Protocol:

• Erich says he is constantly talking and narrating throughout his shoots and wedding days
• If he’s not giving direction, then he’s giving positive feedback.
• Nothing looks forced, static, or unnatural
• He goes into a shoot or wedding day with go-to poses, but let things unfold naturally.
• By simplifying the process and tools, Erich is able to keep himself in the moment to read expressions and capture candid moments.
• Preparation is a huge part of his process. He walks through the day and locations ahead of time to plan and visualize how the shots that he can control (portrait work) could be the most creative.

Erich’s Effort to Use Social Media in a Healthier Way:

• When using social media, you should only do what feels good to you.
• When posting, think about your reason for posting. Are you posting to provide support, education, or happiness for other people? Or are you posting to feel better about yourself?

Erich’s Take on Wedding Photography in Covid Times:

• We are all having to make sacrifices. We all had to reschedule weddings, are overbooked for the next year, and are scraping by from 2020.
• Instead of worrying, enjoy this slower pace, since it won’t be so slow when things pick back up.

For more ways to listen to this episode – CLICK HERE!

Check It Out! 

• Follow Erich McVey on Instagram
• Visit Erich McVey’s Website
• Check Out Erich’s Course: Wedding Photography With Erich McVey
• Goodlight Presets
• Photo Mechanic