My best shots are so often the ones caught whilst braving the worst weather, and braving the elements in times when most people run indoors. More often than not I find myself wading through salty sea water, or running into an impending storm. This is where the magic happens! And it's in these times that I don't want to be worrying about whether my gear is going to work or not.
I've never been someone to buy the best or most expensive equipment on the market, but I choose certain products for their durability and reliability in harsh conditions.
Below I have listed the gear I use and trust to get the shot when the moment calls. I am a big advocate that you should never purchase equipment or buy into a brand that you haven't tested. If you ever need advice on equipment or want to have a look at what I use please contact me and we can arrange a meetup for you to see what I use.
The Fujifilm X-Series mirrorless cameras are the only cameras I currently shoot with. I've been shooting with this brand for a number of years now, and every day I fall more and more in love with the performance and feeling I get from this camera. I say 'feeling' because this camera makes me want to take more photographs because of its retro style and intuitive ergonomics.
I started using Fujifilm because it offered a reasonably priced camera that performed as a professional camera should, and Fujifilm is a camera company that listens to the needs of their customers, changing features and upgrading firmware based on what the photo community actually want in a camera.
The Fujifilm X-Series are APS-C crop sensors, and traditionally landscape photographers have preferred to use full-frame sensors which perform better in low-light conditions. But in my experience, Fujifilm sensors perform superbly in low-light.
The X-Series range are also incredibly light cameras, which makes then wonderful for hiking and traveling, both of which I do a lot of.
Currently, I am using the Fujifilm X-T5 as my primary body, as well as the X-T3 as my backup/timelapse body.
As a landscape photographer, I consider filters to be an indispensable tool for creating breathtaking long exposure shots and elevating an average photograph to something truly extraordinary.
I have been a devout user of NiSi filters for many years, and I can attest to their exceptional quality and durability even in the most challenging of conditions.
As an ambassador for NiSi, I am excited to offer hands-on demonstration sessions where you can experiment with these long exposure kits and experience the superior quality of the filters firsthand.
When it comes to camera bags, there are countless options available on the market. But after careful research and consideration, I chose F-stop gear bags for their exceptional reputation and durable design. These bags can withstand some serious wear and tear, and my camera gear has always remained safe despite being scraped against cliffs, drenched by sea waves, and mishandled by airport security.
One of the things I appreciate most about F-stop gear bags is their modular design which allows me to customize the inner compartment to fit my specific gear. As I use a compact mirrorless camera system, I have chosen an ICU that is perfectly suited to my equipment.
I use the Leofoto Ranger Leveling LS-365CEX tripod and the Leofoto LH-55 ball head to complement my lightweight mirrorless camera system. The Ranger Leveling LS-365CEX is lightweight and perfect for hiking and traveling, and the LH-55 ball head is a great option for precision and control. Both are known for their durability and ability to withstand harsh conditions.