Photography Gear

 

 

​The tools and processes behind my photography and printing​

​

Every photograph begins long before the shutter clicks. My approach to photography is slow, patient and intentional, shaped by changing light, behaviour and the landscapes I work in. The equipment I use needs to support that approach by being reliable, predictable and capable of handling a wide range of situations in the field.

​

The cameras, lenses and accessories listed on this page reflect the way I prefer to work. Each item is chosen for flexibility, ease of use and the consistency it brings to wildlife, macro, landscape and creative portrait projects. Rather than chasing technical novelty, I look for tools that allow me to focus fully on timing, composition and the natural behaviour of a subject.

This page offers a behind-the-scenes look at the equipment and workflow that support my photography and printing.

​

Everything is selected to maintain strong image quality from capture through to the final print. Whether I am preparing large-format wildlife prints or working on smaller creative projects, the aim is always to use tools that help produce honest and carefully crafted photographs.

​

Some links on this page are affiliate links and are shown in teal. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only link to equipment I use or genuinely recommend.

 

Cameras​

​

​Nikon Z8

​

The Nikon Z8 sits at the core of my wildlife setup and is the camera I rely on most in demanding conditions. Its fast autofocus, reliable subject tracking and strong dynamic range make it well suited to birds in flight, fast behaviour and unpredictable moments in the field. The files are clean, detailed and flexible, which is especially valuable when cropping or preparing images for larger prints. It also performs consistently across changing light, allowing me to focus on timing, composition and fieldcraft rather than technical limitations.

​

​

Fujifilm X-T5

​

For travel, street photography and creative portrait work, I often turn to the Fujifilm system. The compact design and colour rendering provide a lighter and more intuitive way of working compared to my wildlife setup. Film simulations also allow me to experiment with different looks straight out of camera. It is a reliable body when I want strong image quality without carrying a heavier kit.​

​

Lenses​

​

​NIKKOR Z 180–600mm f/5.6–6.3

​

My primary wildlife lens, offering the reach needed for distant subjects while remaining manageable during long sessions in the field. It is sharp, responsive and consistent in fast-moving situations, which makes it ideal for birds and elusive wildlife. The balance and handling remain comfortable even when used for extended periods. It is the lens I rely on most when photographing subjects at distance.

​

NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S

​

A compact super-telephoto prime designed for wildlife photography where reach, sharpness, and handling all matter. Despite its focal length, it balances well on the Z8 and is practical for extended sessions in the field or from hides. Autofocus is fast and reliable on moving subjects, while optical performance remains excellent even wide open. Effective VR supports confident handheld shooting, and the weather-sealed S-Line build inspires confidence in challenging conditions. This lens offers the discipline and consistency of a prime without the bulk of larger super-telephoto options.

​

NIKKOR Z 14–24mm f/2.8 S​

​

An ultra-wide lens used for landscapes, environmental scenes and architectural work. It delivers excellent sharpness across the frame, even in challenging light, making it dependable for early mornings and low-light locations. The compact size compared to earlier versions also makes it easier to carry on longer walks. I use it whenever I want to capture sweeping scenes with clean, accurate detail.

​

NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 S

​

A versatile telephoto suited to wildlife, portraits and action photography. Fast autofocus and strong edge-to-edge clarity make it a dependable partner for the Z8 in a wide variety of settings. It performs well in changing conditions, from bright outdoor sessions to indoor events. When I need flexibility without compromising quality, this is the lens I reach for.

​

NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S

​

A compact prime lens for portraits, everyday shooting and low-light work. It offers a natural perspective, clean rendering and excellent sharpness for its size. The lightweight design makes it easy to keep in the bag and use in almost any environment. It is an uncomplicated but highly capable lens for simple, consistent results.

​

NIKKOR AF-S Micro 105mm f/2.8G ED VR

​

A dedicated macro lens with true 1:1 reproduction that excels with insects, flowers and fine details. The focal length provides comfortable working distance for sensitive subjects, which is especially useful in the field. VR support adds helpful stability when working handheld or in awkward positions. It is a key lens for my macro and close-up work.

​

Fujinon XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR

​

A fast prime for the Fujifilm system, used mainly for portraits and street photography. It offers excellent sharpness, pleasing subject separation and reliable autofocus in a wide range of lighting conditions. The compact build keeps the Fuji kit lightweight and enjoyable to use during longer sessions. It pairs well with the X-T5 for creative, spontaneous shooting.

​

Supports​

​

iFootage Gazelle TC7 Tripod

​

A lightweight carbon-fibre tripod that provides stability without unnecessary weight, making it suitable for wildlife, landscape and macro work. The build quality offers strong support for heavier lenses while remaining comfortable to carry on longer walks. Its locking system is quick to use in the field, which helps when working with fast-changing wildlife behaviour. It has become my most dependable support system for outdoor sessions.

​

Acratech 1165 Geared Head

​

Used when precise composition is required, particularly in landscape and macro photography. The geared controls allow for smooth, incremental adjustments that make fine framing much easier in difficult conditions. Its lightweight construction keeps the setup manageable in the field while still offering solid stability. It is a reliable tool whenever careful positioning is essential.

​

Wimberley WH-200 Gimbal Head

​

Designed for tracking fast-moving subjects, this gimbal provides smooth and controlled movement with large telephoto lenses. It is especially valuable when photographing birds in flight or other dynamic wildlife behaviour where fluid motion is critical. The balanced design reduces strain during long sessions and improves responsiveness. It is a central part of my wildlife setup when working with heavier glass.

​

Field Accessories​

​

A selection of practical tools supports my workflow in the field, including filters, memory cards, cleaning equipment and protective carrying solutions. Each item is chosen for reliability and ease of use rather than novelty, ensuring that everything serves a clear purpose in demanding conditions. These accessories help maintain efficiency when moving between locations or working in changeable weather. The aim is to keep the kit streamlined while still covering the essentials needed for a productive shoot.

​

Editing and Workflow

​

My editing process is centred on maintaining a natural, balanced look while allowing each image to reach its full potential. The goal is consistency, control and restraint, ensuring that the final result reflects the conditions and character of the scene. I build my workflow around careful adjustments rather than aggressive processing, aiming for a clean and timeless finish. Every tool and step is selected to support this measured approach.

​

Adobe Lightroom Classic

​

Lightroom forms the foundation of my workflow. It is used for organising, processing and preparing images, with careful control over colour, contrast and tonal balance across a body of work. The cataloguing tools allow me to manage large collections efficiently, particularly after extended wildlife sessions. It remains the most reliable environment for initial adjustments and global refinements.

​

Adobe Photoshop

​

Photoshop is used when additional refinement is required, particularly for detailed adjustments and local corrections. It plays a key role in preparing images for print, ensuring files meet a consistent professional standard. The precision tools allow for careful retouching without altering the natural feel of the image. Alongside these capabilities, I use a small number of specialist applications at specific stages of the workflow, chosen for their strengths rather than as automatic steps.

​

DxO PhotoLab 8

​

Used for advanced RAW processing where greater control over noise reduction, optical corrections and fine tonal detail is beneficial. The software excels in challenging high-ISO situations, offering clean and natural results while retaining texture and clarity. I incorporate it into the workflow when specific files require a more technical approach before entering Lightroom or Photoshop. It serves as a focused tool for improving difficult exposures and maintaining overall image quality.

​

DxO PureRAW 5

​

Applied selectively at the pre-processing stage, particularly for images captured in challenging light or high ISO conditions. It maximises image quality before further editing by improving noise control and overall clarity. I use it when files need stronger technical refinement before entering Lightroom or Photoshop. It is a helpful tool for preserving detail in difficult wildlife or low-light situations.

​

DxO FilmPack 8

​

Used sparingly to introduce subtle film-inspired characteristics when appropriate. The software provides a range of colour profiles and tonal treatments that draw on analogue aesthetics without overpowering the image. It is most effective when I want to add gentle mood or atmosphere while keeping the photograph grounded in reality. The intention is enhancement rather than stylisation.

​

DxO Nik Collection 8

​

A collection of targeted tools used for precise tonal adjustments, contrast control and monochrome work. Each component offers specialised capabilities that complement the rest of my workflow, particularly when a focused and deliberate approach is required. I turn to it for fine control over local tones, colour separation and texture management. It is used selectively to help an image reach its best potential without altering the natural feel.

​

Exposure X6

​

Occasionally used for creative colour grading and film-style rendering where a different interpretive approach suits the subject. The software provides a wide range of pre-sets and manual controls that allow subtle changes in mood and palette. It is helpful when an image benefits from a more expressive treatment without drifting too far from its original character. I keep it as a flexible option for situations that call for a different visual direction.

​

Across all stages of editing, the emphasis remains on supporting the image rather than defining it. The goal is to produce photographs that feel natural, considered and true to the moment, with adjustments that enhance rather than dominate. Every tool in the process is chosen for the control it provides and the consistency it brings to the final result. The intention is always to respect the integrity of the scene while presenting it at its best.

​

Why This Gear Works for Me

​

This equipment supports the way I prefer to work rather than dictating it. The combination allows me to move between wildlife, macro, landscape and creative projects with confidence, knowing that each tool performs reliably in demanding conditions. My focus is on flexibility, consistency and the ability to maintain a natural and thoughtful approach to image-making. I choose gear that enables a steady, controlled workflow rather than chasing unnecessary features.

​

• Reliability in the field

• Flexibility across different subjects

• Consistent image quality

• Control during editing and printing

​

The goal is not to use the most gear possible, but to use the right tools to support a considered and deliberate approach to photography.

​

See the results

​

To see how this equipment performs in real-world conditions, explore the Portfolio or visit the Prints page to learn how images are prepared and produced as fine art prints.​​

​

​​A small selection of the support equipment referenced above can be viewed here

​

​

​Video Gear

An overview of the video equipment I use for wildlife filming. This section includes my monitor-recorder setup, power options, mounting solutions, and workflow accessories.

Link to: Video Gear​​​​​

​