EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Getting into studio photography is exciting. But it can also get overwhelming fast, especially when you’re staring down a sea of gear options, price tags, and opinions online.
We sat down with Danica Lukban, the founder of Suha Studio to talk through what equipment actually matters when you’re starting out in photography. From the lights you set up to the lens you shoot with, here’s what you need to know.
LIGHTING: THE ONE THING WORTH GETTING RIGHT
Good lighting is the foundation of any studio setup. And the good news? You do not need to spend a fortune to get started.
Danica recommends starting with two studio lights at 300 to 400 watts. That wattage range gives you enough power and flexibility for most studio and portrait work without going overboard.
On the brand question? She’s pretty clear: it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that the light does what you need it to do.
“It doesn’t matter what brand of lighting equipment you use, as long as it delivers the kind of lighting setup you want to achieve.”
She mentioned using a softbox from Shopee that costs around 1,000 pesos, light stand included. And it works. So if you’re just getting started, budget lights are completely fine. Learn how to use them first, then upgrade when you actually need to.
QUICK SUMMARY
- 2 studio lights, 300 to 400 watts
- Brand doesn’t matter
- Budget options work as long as they deliver the look you’re going for
- A simple softbox with a stand is a great starting point
CAMERA BODY: FULL-FRAME AND MIRRORLESS
This one comes down to what you’re shooting.
For studio and portrait photography, Danica recommends going with a full-frame camera. Simply put, it is a camera with a sensor the same size as a 35mm film frame. The image quality holds up better over time, and you won’t run into the battery issues that mirrorless cameras are known for. For portraits especially, the quality difference becomes more noticeable the longer you work with the camera.
That said, mirrorless cameras are not off the table. These are cameras that operate without the internal mirror system found in traditional DSLRs, making them lighter and more compact. If you are shooting food photography or setting up a self-portrait studio, a mirrorless camera can absolutely work. It is a solid, more affordable entry point.
For events photography, you don’t even need studio lights. A full-frame camera paired with a flash is enough to cover most situations.
As for brands, Danica points to Canon and Sony as great starting points. Both have user-friendly systems that are easy to learn. She personally uses Sony because it works well for both photo and video.
QUICK SUMMARY
- Studio and portraits: full-frame camera
- Food and self-portrait: mirrorless works fine
- Events: full-frame + flash
- Recommended brands: Canon or Sony
LENSES: START SIMPLE, UPGRADE WHEN IT MAKES SENSE
You don’t need a full lens kit on day one. Start with what you have, get comfortable, then level up.
For food photography, a kit lens is a perfectly fine starting point. Once you’re ready to get into more detailed, close-up shots, that’s when you move to a prime lens. Prime lenses give you sharper images and work great for the kind of detailed food shots that really pop.
For commercial photography, Danica recommends investing in a prime lens and also points to the Tamron 28-70mm f/2.8 as a go-to option. It’s a versatile lens that a lot of photographers use for commercial work, and it handles a wide range of shots well.
QUICK SUMMARY
- Beginner: kit lens (especially for food photography)
- Upgrade: prime lens for detail-focused and portrait work
- Commercial: prime lens + Tamron 28-70mm f/2.8
POST PROCRESSING: THE PART NO ONE TALKS ABOUT
Gear matters, but it’s not everything. Danica makes a really important point here: if you know how to edit well, you can make budget equipment look professional.
A great eye and solid editing skills will take you further than expensive gear alone. So while you’re building out your setup, invest just as much time into learning your editing software. It pays off more than you’d think.
TO SUM IT UP
No camera, light, or lens will do the work for you. What will is consistency, a willingness to keep learning, and the patience to grow into your craft.
And if there is one thing Danica made clear throughout our conversation, it’s that the best setup is the one you actually know how to use. Start with the basics, shoot as much as you can, and build from there.
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Phozine is a photography resource for Filipino creatives navigating the freelance industry. For more insights from working photographers, explore our articles, guidebook, and podcast.
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