My photography kit is built around the Fujifilm GFX100S II as my main camera, supported by a selection of Nikon cameras I continue to use alongside it. The kit spans digital and film, with a considered mix of lenses and essential accessories such as tripods and filters. Everything is carried in a Shimoda Explore backpack, chosen for its comfort and practicality on longer days out in the landscape.

When it comes to capturing moments frozen in time, the tools in my kit aren’t just about showcasing the latest and greatest. They’re about versatility, reliability, and the sheer joy of creating visual stories. Let’s take a dive into the photo gear that accompanies me on my photographic journeys, without the unnecessary jargon.

Cameras:

Fujifilm GFX 100s II with 35-70mm Kit Lens This camera was very much a head-vs-heart decision. On paper, the Nikon Z8 made a lot of sense, but in the end the heart won out and I went with the GFX100S II. What surprised me most is how well it has worked as a travel camera. Despite its medium format sensor, it’s been far more practical on the road than I expected, and the image quality continues to reward a slower, more considered way of photographing. As for the 35-70mm lens at the time, this was the only native GFX lens I could realistically afford, so it felt like a compromise on paper. In reality, it’s turned out to be an incredibly versatile lens. Covering a very usable focal range, it’s been my most-used lens on the system and has handled everything from landscapes to travel work with ease.
Laowa 19mm GFX mount lens I’ve only recently added this lens to my kit, and I bought it fully aware of its shortcomings. It’s not a perfect lens, but that was part of the appeal. So far, the images I’ve had out of it have exceeded my expectations, and I’ve been genuinely happy with the results. It feels like a lens that rewards patience and intent rather than convenience.

Nikon Z6 with 24-70 F4 S Lens: This is my go-to setup for versatility and quality. The Z6’s full-frame sensor combined with the 24-70mm F4 lens makes it a workhorse for various scenarios. Its compact size doesn’t compromise on performance, and the lens delivers sharpness and flexibility for everyday shooting.

14-30 F4 Lens: Wide-angle shots come alive with this lens. Its ability to capture expansive landscapes or immersive indoor scenes adds depth and drama to my compositions.

FTZ Adapter with 70-200mm F2.8 F Mount Lens: This combination offers telephoto capabilities, ideal for isolating subjects or capturing details from a distance. The FTZ adapter ensures compatibility and maintains image quality seamlessly.

16mm Fisheye Lens: Sometimes, a touch of creativity is needed. The fisheye lens brings a unique perspective to my shots, adding a playful element to the visual narrative.

Nikon Z30 with 16-50mm DX Kit Lens and 50-280mm DX Lens: The Z30, paired with its kit lenses, provides a lightweight, portable alternative. It’s perfect for casual shooting without compromising on image quality. The additional 50-280mm DX lens extends its reach, making it suitable for wildlife or sports photography. This has become my primary video camera most of the videos on my photography YouTube channel.

Nikon F501 Film Camera with 50mm 1.8 Lens: Film photography is an art in itself. The F501 brings a nostalgic touch to my work, allowing me to experiment with film’s unique characteristics.

Accessories:

DJI Mini 3 (Former kit) A drone can be an incredible tool for gaining aerial perspective, but it hasn’t been a great year for mine. I’ve managed to crash two drones this year, so at present I’m without one. I’m keen to try the new Antigravity drone, which looks like it might be a little more crash-proof in my hands, but for now it remains firmly out of my price range.

Osmo 360 I use the Osmo 360 primarily for video work, often alongside the Nikon Z30 when filming for my YouTube channel. It’s a useful companion camera that allows me to capture moments quickly and flexibly, especially when I want to stay present in the experience rather than focused on camera settings. Used together with the Z30, it helps me tell more complete behind-the-scenes stories without turning the process into a full production.

Manfrotto Carbon Tripod with 410 Junior Geared Head: Stability is crucial. This sturdy tripod and geared head combination provides the support needed for long exposures or precise framing.

K&F SA255C1 Tripod: This my inexpensive tripod I use for video and as my travel tripod

K&F Magnetic Filters (ND, CPL, Black Mist): Filters are indispensable for enhancing my shots. These magnetic filters offer convenience and versatility, allowing quick adjustments to control light, reflections, and mood in my photographs.

Shimoda Explore V2 After trying a few different bags, I’ve settled (for now) on the Shimoda Explore V2, which I’ve been very happy with. It’s an excellent backpack for landscape photography—comfortable over long distances, well thought out for carrying heavier kit, and robust enough for rougher conditions. Where it’s less strong is in city or street environments, where a large backpack can feel cumbersome and a bit overkill. I don’t think there’s a perfect all-round camera bag, so I’m keen to add a smaller messenger-style bag to complement it for travel and urban work.
And if you’re reading this, Peter McKinnon—feel free to send one over for testing.

In essence, it’s not just about owning a laundry list of gear—it’s about understanding each tool’s strengths and using them to tell compelling visual stories. The amalgamation of these cameras, lenses, and accessories isn’t about flaunting the latest technology, but rather about amplifying my creative vision in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.

Photography isn’t just about pixels or specs; it’s about emotions, moments, and perspectives frozen in time. And my gear is there to help me capture those moments, to tell stories that resonate and evoke emotions in those who view them. That, to me, is the essence of photography—beyond the gear, beyond the technicalities. It’s about the art of seeing and the art of sharing that vision with the world.

So, next time you see me with my camera bag slung over my shoulder, know that it’s not just a collection of tools—it’s a storyteller’s kit, ready to weave tales through the lens.