Spotlight: A Photographer’s Journey

So what does my essential camera kit look like? I've laid bare my bag for you to see, and I'll highlight what's important to me.

Let's start the journey with my essential kit and what I put together for a typical morning shoot. Your journey may be different and your preferences may be different but in the end what matters most is that the gear you have gives you the results you need.

“What images do you want to create? Do you have the right gear? How much flexibility do you want, how much can you afford, do you like gadgets or just point and shoot? Do you prefer to have the latest equipment and the trendiest camera or do you rely on post production to get the results you want? There is no right or wrong way - just what works for you.”

My camera bag

The camera: I use a Nikon D750. It's such a versatile camera -- big on features and pixels, a broad ISO range and full frame format -- perfect for landscape photography. There are so many great cameras on the market and generally you will have a preference for a particular brand. You will understand the layout, the menu, the way it feels in your hand, and its personality. For me its a Nikon.

The lens: I only use zoom lenses. I find a good quality zoom as good as most prime lenses (big statement I know, but works for me). It allows me to frame a subject on the go depending on the conditions and location. I carry three zoom lenses that cover all focal lengths between 14mm and 400mm. That's what I mean about flexibility.

Generally I will use a particular lens for a specific shoot or subject matter

14mm - 24mm f2.8 - for wide beach long exposure, big sky sunrises and astro photography. As a photographer that prefers a landscape format, this lens gives me what I need.

24mm - 70mm f2.8 - for portraits, long exposure and general photography. An awesome lens.

80mm - 400mm f4.5 - for telephoto shots of waves, birds and anything far far away! Great bokeh too.

I always carry a spare battery and an SD card.

And that's it! I keep it very simple when I'm out shooting sunrises around ocean pools, the beaches and rocks. I don't want to be weighed down and can't afford to have too much equipment to choose from when I have limited time to shoot -- the sun won't wait for me to decide what lens to use and what position I need to be in.

Of course, a good quality, sturdy and waterproof (non corroding) tripod is a must. I spend a lot of time in water with the waves washing over my feet so the camera needs to be held still in testing conditions and low light.

And there is one other thing that's in my bag. My drone. More on that essential item later on.

Tell me what you find the most useful accessory in your bag. What's the one thing you never leave home without?

Until next time, happy shooting...

Mikey