My Camera Bag

If you are new to photography, you may be under the misguided impression that photography is the pursuit of perfect light. Over the years, I have realised that photography actually seems to be the constant pursuit of the perfect camera bag!

Personally, despite many years of searching, I have yet to find that perfect bag. That is why I generally just use a standard camera insert and carry my gear in whatever day bag I have lying around. I find this approach more practical for my style of photography, as I often have no idea what the day will hold for me as I head out each day.

So, camera bags aside, let's look at the equipment I will carry for most assignments.

My Cameras

I am a massive fan of the Fujifilm X-Series cameras. I can't explain why, but using a Fujifilm camera has brought a sense of emotion to my photography that I have never experienced with another camera brand. I have been using them since the very first model was released way back in 2011. I think I have used every model Fujifilm has released, but my primary cameras are currently the X100VI and X-T5 models.

Fujifilm X100VI

Many people might be surprised that I describe the Fujifilm X100VI as my primary assignment camera, yet it absolutely is! Despite its compact form, I have captured some of my all-time favourite photographs on X100VI or its predecessors. It is the camera I take everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE.

The X100VI features the same 40mp X-Trans CMOS 5 sensor as the other flagship X-Series cameras, with an incredibly sharp fixed 23mm F2.0 (35mm full-frame equivalent) lens. Many might be put off by the fixed lens, preferring the flexibility of an interchangeable lens system. But, I can honestly say this camera, fixed lens and all, has made me a better photographer. It forced me to go back to basics, thinking through the shot before triggering the shutter. It also features a rock-solid IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilisation) system, allowing me to capture photographs at slow shutter speeds without a tripod.

For me, the X100VI represents pure photography and is one reason I love this camera! Sure, it can be a bit quirky and requires time to become familiar enough that shooting with it becomes second nature, but it is worth the effort. If I had to choose just one camera, forgoing all others, the X100V would be that camera right now;

Fujifilm X-T5 & Lenses

While the X100VI is my primary assignment camera, I also enjoy using the Fujifilm X-T5. Its versatility is perfect for my style of documentary photography. It is light enough not to weigh heavy on my shoulder as I head out for a long day of shooting. Plus, it is weather-sealed, which is essential, given I never know what weather conditions I will face.

The X-T5 also features the X-Trans CMOS 5 and all the bells and whistles you would expect from a modern flagship camera. The camera's analogue dials allow me to adjust my exposure on the fly, even when my camera is off. These dials enable me to be ready to shoot at a moment's notice.

For most of my assignments, I subscribe to a less-is-more philosophy. Two lenses account for perhaps 90% of my recent work with the X-T5: the Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR (24 - 85mm full frame equivalent) zoom and the Fujifilm 50mm F1.0 R WR (76mm full frame) prime. The 16 - 55mm zoom is flexible enough to capture the full range of photographs as I explore a new destination. And for portraits, the 50mm F1.0 is just gorgeous. It produces incredible bokeh (that blurred-out background effect) and pin-sharp images. Although I have other Fujifilm lenses, which I will also use depending on the assignment, these are my two must-have lenses, without which I will never travel.

My Notebook and Pen.

Although I am mostly known for my photography, I have always considered myself more of a storyteller, using photographs and words to tell the stories I discover. While I have tried so many electronic gizmos and gadgets to record what people say or the experiences I encounter, I always return to a simple notebook and pen. Over the years, I have collected hundreds of notebooks filled with memories from all over the world.

The other stuff

I like to keep things pretty simple when I shoot, so apart from my camera and a few lenses, I generally don't use much other equipment. There are some essentials I would never be without, though.

I will almost always have some sort of tripod with me. I don't have any particular favourite; for me, a tripod is a tripod is a tripod. I have a number which I will use, depending on the circumstances. Surprisingly, the one I will probably use more than any other is the tiny pocket tripod from Jobi simply because it lives in my camera bag all the time.

Another small item I will always have with me is a Neutral Density (ND) filter. These filters reduce the amount of light hitting the camera sensor, which is essential for long exposure shots or when shooting in really bright, direct sunlight. Often, I won't use anything fancy, just cheap screw-in filters that I will leave in my bag for when the need arises.

Last but definitely not least, SPARE BATTERIES. As I have learned through bitter experience, do not ever go out without at least one or two (or six!) spare batteries. Nothing is worse in photography than running out of juice when you need it.

And that is pretty much it. Over the years, I have found that this minimalist approach works best for me.