My Camera Equipment and Why I Use It

Which Camera and Equipment Do You Use?

As a fine art photographer, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide variety of tools throughout my career. From large studio productions with crews and complex lighting setups to solo ventures armed with nothing more than a camera and my passion for the landscape, my journey has taught me one invaluable truth: great art is less about the tools and more about the vision behind them.

A Deep Appreciation for Gear

I’ve used and loved cameras and lenses from Nikon, Sony, Canon, Hasselblad, and Mamiya, as well as the everyday practicality of an iPhone. Each of these tools is remarkable in its own right, capable of producing exceptional images when used with care and understanding. The key is not which brand or model you choose but how you use it. The best camera is the one you have with you—whether that’s a professional DSLR, a mirrorless system, or the phone in your pocket.

The Role of the iPhone and Apps

The iPhone has become a vital part of my creative process. Beyond being a capable camera, it serves as a hub for tools that enhance my photography:

Maps and Google Earth: To study locations and plan shoots.

Weather Apps and Tide Charts: For staying ahead of changing conditions.

PhotoPills: To calculate sunrise, sunset, moon phases, and the exact position of the sun or moon on any date, helping me plan compositions with precision.

Music: Often my soundtrack while trekking through a desert or hiking a mountain trail, music can transform the experience into something cinematic and deeply inspiring.

Even the iPhone’s camera is a powerful asset, helping me document my shoots, experiment with compositions, and share moments with others in real time.

My Current Lightweight Landscape Kit

In recent years, I’ve streamlined my equipment to focus exclusively on landscape photography. Portability and reliability are essential when traveling to remote locations or working in challenging conditions. My entire setup fits into a weatherproof Shimoda backpack, designed to keep gear safe and accessible.

Here’s what I carry:

Camera Body: Sony A7RIV, a lightweight yet powerful tool for high-resolution landscape images.

Lenses: A selection tailored for versatility and creativity:

Sony 100-400mm (f4.5) for distant details and wildlife.
Sony 12-24mm (f2.8) for sweeping wide-angle vistas.
Sony 20mm (f1.8) for astrophotography and intimate landscapes.
Tamron 28-200mm (f2.8) as an all-purpose zoom lens.

Tripods: A Peak Design tripod for stability and a mini tripod for low-angle shots.

Filters and Accessories: ND filters, two remote shutters, a cleaning kit, spare batteries, and memory cards.

Outdoor Essentials: Rain jacket and pants, a down jacket, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a multi-tool, first aid kit, protein bars, water, headlamp and even plastic bags to protect the camera in rain. I wear rugged boots for uneven, sandy and wet surfaces.

Mastering Your Tools

While I’ve found a setup that works perfectly for my needs today, I always remind others that no single tool guarantees success. Mastery comes from familiarity with your equipment and a willingness to experiment. Play with different settings, angles, filters, and techniques. Learn by doing.

Every brand and piece of gear I’ve used has contributed to my growth as an artist. They’re all capable of producing extraordinary results when paired with creativity and purpose.

Final Thoughts

Photography is a blend of art and science, vision and tools. While my gear plays a significant role in supporting my work, the true magic lies in the communication I feel with the landscapes I experience and the art I share through my images.

I invite you to explore my portfolio, where you can see how these tools come together to create fine art photography. And if you’re curious about more details, check out the FAQs or reach out to me directly—I’m always happy to connect.