In The Bag: Sven Doornkaat’s Photo Gear for Portraits and Night Photography

Los Angeles-based photographer Sven Doornkaat has been shooting for more than twenty years, most of those years as a photojournalist. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Photography from the Academy of Photography in Germany.

In 2004, Doornkaat moved to Los Angeles where he and his wife Tina started their own photo agency while continuing to shoot for assignment and on his own. He specilizes in shooting portraits (most often celebrities) and night photography, where long exposures are required.

After seeing Doornkaat’s portfolio, I was curious about the gear he used to achieve such nice portraits and cool night photos. I sent him an email and asked if he’s be willing to let me snoop around inside his camera bag.


He agreed, and I drove to his home so I could take a look, and ask a whole bunch of questions.

Doornkaat shoots with both a Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II, and a Canon EOS 5D Mark II.

Some of the items featured in the video include:

Elinchrom Ranger Quadra

Canon EF 200mm f/1.8 L USM Lens

Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye

Manfrotto Magic Arm

Joby Professional Gorillapod Focus, Flexible Aluminum SLR Tripod

Manfrotto 237 Flex Arm for Super Clamp

Manfrotto Spring Grip Clamp with Attached Flash Shoe

Westcott Illuminator Reflector Panel

HonlPhoto 1/4″ Honeycomb Speed Grid for Shoe Mount Portable Flashes

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM Image Stabilizer AutoFocus Super Telephoto Lens with Case & Hood

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