About
Sterling Vernon // Photo, Video, Design
Sterling and his son at a rather chilly Audrain Concours 2022 in Newport RI. Photo credit: Josh Sweeney, Shoot for Details.
Making Moments Into Memories
I started as many do - trying to buy great cameras so they could make me a great photographer. It was nice to have that option but that's not how it works. What I did learn is that I needed to start with the basics and learn over the course of years. Lots of trials and countless errors. Learning. Constantly striving to be better. And the quest continues every day.
I have learned that the real art is not the gear - it comes from experience and knowing what makes a good photo. Good subject definition and framing. Good lighting. Subject/background separation. Clean, simple backgrounds. A photo with emotion and a story behind it. And damn good editing. You can have the best camera, but if you don't see like a photographer, you won't get the best photos. It's an evolution and an art form - it really is art - especially when you see what really goes into every great photo. I'm always happy to share what I've learned. Say hi or reach out in my contact form.
What I Currently Use
I use the best tools I have for each assignment. The Canon RF system has recently become a favorite for quality and consistent ease of use. I use the R5, R6 mark II, and R7 constantly - often together at the same time. I've accumulated lenses from 24mm up to 400mm and beyond with extenders and cropped sensors - the reach can be up to 1280mm in 35mm equivalence.
Bodies: R5, R6 mk II, R7, R3
Lenses: RF 700-200 2.8L, RF 100-500L, RF 100-300 2.8L, EF 70-200 2.8L, 100-400 4.5-5.6L, 135L f2, 85L, 50mm, 35 1.8L, 24mm and 1.4x and 2.0x extenders
I've also been a Leica fan forever. The classic, timeless rangefinder camera presents a challenge like no other. Fully manual exposure, no autofocus, just you. Shutter speed, ISO, aperture. Whenever I can take my time, I take one of my Leica cameras. When I need a tuneup, I take out a Leica. When I feel stuck, when I need a challenge, when I need to relax...
Bodies: M240, SL 601, Q, X2, X1
The Need For Speed
Canon R6mkII - 24.2 Megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor. High-speed continuous shooting up to 40 frames per second shooting with electronic shutter.
Canon R5 - 45 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor. High-Speed Continuous Shooting of up to 12 fps with Mechanical Shutter and up to 20 fps Electronic (Silent) Shutter.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF II covering Approx. 100% Area with 1,053 AF Areas.
Subject tracking of People and Animals. 8K RAW, 4K and Full-HD up to 120fps, 10-bit 4:2:2 with Canon Log, Canon Log3 or HDR PQ, Internal Recording in all Formats, with Auto Focus.
When I Need Altitude
DJI Mavic 2 Pro - I am a fully-licensed FAA Part 107 drone pilot (licensed and insured for commercial projects)
When I Shoot Video
Panasonic S5, Canon R5, Blackmagic Pocket 4k, Panasonic GH5
When I Record Audio
Zoom F2, H6, professional lav mics and booms