Photography by Daniel Lee

08/25/2026

Zoom vs. primes: how do I choose? 📸

For me, it all comes down to time.

If I know I won’t have time to stop and switch lenses, I grab my trusty 24-70mm zoom. It’s versatile, and I can cover a lot of situations without missing a moment.

But if I know I’ll have time to switch lenses, I’m reaching for my primes—the 50mm f/1.2L or 35mm f/1.8.

Why? I love the images I get from these focal lengths, and I consistently get a lot of keepers with them.

The zoom gives me flexibility. The primes give me the look I love.

Sometimes choosing the right lens isn’t about which one is better. It’s about knowing what the shoot requires.

08/24/2026

These are my two favorite lenses: the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L and the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro. 📸

So how do I decide which one to use?

It really comes down to space.

If I have plenty of room to work, I’m reaching for the 50mm. It’s my favorite focal length and gives me the look I love.

If space is limited, the 35mm is coming out. It gives me a wider field of view without forcing me to back up.

And because the RF 35mm is a macro lens, it’s also my go-to when it’s time to capture the details.

Two lenses I love, but they each have a job.

08/11/2026

08/10/2026

When the guests start arriving, it’s time to switch to the 50mm. 📸

This is one of my favorite parts of an event—capturing quick portraits of guests as they arrive and getting those natural, relaxed moments before the event gets busy.

For this part of the day, I reached for my Canon R5 and RF 50mm f/1.2L, but I shot these at f/2.8. That gave me enough depth of field to keep my subjects sharp while still giving me some separation from the background.

I was really pleased with the images this combination produced. The 50mm is such a versatile focal length for event portraits.

My RF 50mm is still my baby. ❤️

08/07/2026

Detail duty with the Canon R5 and Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro. 📸

Photographing tables, centerpieces, and all the little details is one of my favorite parts of an event. These images help tell the complete story and showcase all the work that went into the setup.

My go-to combination for this is the Canon R5 paired with the RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro. Since it’s a macro lens, I can get in close and capture the details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

It’s one of the most fun lenses in my bag—and one of the most useful.

08/06/2026

The next step in my event photography workflow? Switch to the RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro. 📸

A lot of people ask why I carry both the RF 15-35mm f/2.8L and the RF 35mm f/1.8.

The answer is simple: macro.

The 15-35mm is perfect for capturing the venue, but when it’s time to photograph the details—flowers, table settings, centerpieces, invitations, or décor—I reach for the RF 35mm because it lets me get much closer.

It’s one of the most versatile lenses in my bag and my go-to choice for event detail shots.

08/05/2026

One rule I follow when photographing events: if it looks like money, shoot it. 📸💐

Beautiful details like fresh flowers, elegant table settings, and décor are all part of the story. Someone spent time planning them, and they deserve to be remembered.

At this event, the fresh flowers immediately caught my eye, so I made sure to capture them before the room filled up.

For these detail shots, I reached for my Canon R5 and RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro. It’s one of my favorite lenses for showcasing the little things that complete the story.

08/04/2026

Step two of my event photography workflow: photograph the room before anyone walks in. 📸

Whenever I can, I capture the decorated venue while it’s still empty.

It’s an important part of the story. The venue has been carefully prepared, and I want to preserve those details before the room fills with people.

This image becomes another chapter in the event—from the outside of the venue to the empty room, and then to the people who bring it to life.

I usually capture these shots with my Canon R5 and RF 15-35mm f/2.8L.

08/03/2026

The routine never changes. 📸

Whenever I photograph an event, I like to start outside the venue whenever possible.

Why? Because I’m trying to tell a complete story. The exterior shot becomes the beginning, the event itself is the middle, and the closing moments become the end.

It’s a simple shot, but it helps establish the scene and gives the gallery context.

For this image, I almost always reach for my Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L to capture the venue and set the stage for everything that’s about to happen.

08/03/2026

What’s in my event photography bag? 📸

When I’m covering an event, I want to be prepared for just about anything. That’s why my Shimoda Explore V2 is packed and ready to go.

Here’s what’s coming with me:

📷 Cameras
• Canon R5
• Canon R6 Mark II

🔍 Lenses
• Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L Z
• Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L (my baby!) ❤️
• Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L
• Canon RF 35mm f/1.8
• Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

⚡ Lighting
• Godox V1
• Canon 600EX-RT

🎒 Accessories
• PGYTECH Camera Strap Master
• Fully charged batteries

It’s a heavy bag, but I’d rather carry a little extra weight than miss a shot because I left something behind.

What’s the one piece of gear you never leave home without?