📸 Studio L7 Dispatch
Insights & Stories from the Mind of Bigbobby — Photographer, Podcaster, Creative Instigator
🗣️ Editor's Note
Hey friends,
Let’s get one thing out of the way: if your camera is older than some people’s TikTok careers, you’re in the right place.
This week I’m kicking off the Studio L7 newsletter with something I believe deeply: your gear is probably fine. You don’t need the latest mirrorless beast with 120fps RAW to make incredible images. I shoot commercial work with a camera that’s practically vintage — and it still pays the bills.
Let’s talk about why leaning into what you already own might be your biggest creative unlock.
🔧 Gear Talk: My “Outdated” Camera That Clients Still Love
I use a 42MP body that came out years ago. It’s not sexy, it’s mirrorless, and it doesn’t come with a Netflix special. But paired with my Sekor lenses from the 70s? Magic.
Why it works:
Resolution sweet spot for digital use and small print.
Rental-friendly mindset: For big jobs? Rent. For daily? Use the reliable rig.
Lenses with soul: My 90mm f/3.5 has more character than most influencers.
Lesson: Don’t upgrade your gear. Upgrade your eye.
💡 Tip of the Week: "Limit Your Lens"
Here’s your weekend challenge:
Shoot an entire set using just one focal length.
Doesn’t matter what it is — 35mm, 85mm, heck, use your kit lens and tape the zoom ring. The idea is to force yourself to move, compose, and think differently.
Bonus if you do this with food or product photography. You’ll start seeing scenes in a whole new way.
🖼️ Photo Breakdown: Donut on White
(Insert a product shot of a single donut here)
This shot looks simple — a frosted donut on white — but there’s a lot going on under the hood:
Lens: 127mm vintage manual focus
Lighting: Overhead octabox + fill card camera left
Surface: Matte acrylic sheet
Why it works: The peanuts pop due to contrast with the neutral white, and the fill light keeps the shadows from going muddy.
Clean. Focused. Deceptively minimalist.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Next time you think you need a new lens, ask yourself:
Do I want to buy something? Or do I want to make something?
Because those two urges are not the same thing.
If this hit home, forward this to another photographer stuck in Gear Acquisition Syndrome (G.A.S.). Or better yet — unsubscribe from your favorite camera rumor site for a week. Your work will thank you.
Until next time,
— Bigbobby (Robert Gallagher)
Studio L7 | Shoot smarter, not newer.
⏭ Next Week on Studio L7
“One Light to Rule Them All: Packshot Lighting on a Budget”
📨 Stay Connected
✉️ Have a question? email gallagher@gobigbobby.com
Studio L7 is produced by Robert Gallagher aka Bigbobby. I am a seasoned commercial photographer. We specialize in food, gear, ASMR, and quiet rebellion. Based in Northern California.