When I set out to photograph Roswell, Georgia’s first-ever Pride Parade, I knew I needed a setup to keep up with a fast-moving, emotionally rich community event. My goal was to capture everything from sweeping crowd shots to personal moments, without missing a beat.

For this assignment, I used a three-camera setup that let me move fluidly between wide, mid, and tight compositions:

• Nikon Z6 with 14–30mm f/4 — This is my go-to for wide shots. This lens was perfect for capturing the crowd’s energy and Canton Street’s architecture.
• Nikon Z9 with 24–120mm f/4 — This was my most versatile setup. This combo easily allowed me to go from documenting small groups to mid-range portraits.
• Nikon Z9 with 100–400mm — Essential for capturing moments from a distance without interrupting the scene. Great for emotional candids, speakers, and layered compositions.

Even though the event was outdoors on a sunny June day, I brought an on-camera flash and used it often. Hats and harsh sunlight can create deep shadows on faces (those classic raccoon eyes). A bit of fill flash helped lift the shadows and bring out the expressions that tell the story. It was invaluable when I was up close with people fully engaged in the moment, but standing under intense sunlight.

What Worked

• The three focal ranges let me react quickly without needing to swap lenses.
• The flash was a game-changer for maintaining detail and clarity in challenging lighting.
• Carrying two Z9s meant I had the speed and autofocus reliability I needed all day.

Covering events like this is about more than just documenting who was there—it’s about showing how it felt to be there. This gear setup helped me stay present in the action without compromising the quality of my storytelling.