The Tools I Trust
There’s a bit of poetry in photography, capturing fleeting light, chasing moments before they vanish, trying to pin down something that was never meant to stand still. But behind that poetic fluff is something much less romantic: gear. Lenses. Straps. Software. Batteries. And probably a dozen memory cards rattling around the glove box.
This post isn’t about shiny specs or tech reviews. It’s about the tools I genuinely trust, the kit that’s earned its place in my bag because it works, because it lasts, and because it helps me stay focused on the craft, not faffing with settings or battling dodgy connections.
My Camera Body
I shoot using the Sony A7iv, not because it’s the “best” on paper, but because it feels right in my hands. The feel of the camera is important (but more about that another time). The A7iv is reliable, weather-resistant enough to survive the elements, and it doesn’t try to outsmart me with gimmicks I’ll never use. It’s a partner, not a diva.
My Lens
For now, I carry one lens. I recently upgraded from the kit lens, which in itself produced some lovely photos. That being said, I needed something more, something that would do the camera body justice. So I upgraded to the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art, and I’m so glad I shelled out for it. It’s costly but worth every penny.
Future Additions on My Shopping List:
Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8 – for landscapes, big skies, wide valleys, night skies. That sense of scale you just can’t fake.
Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 DG DN OS Sport Lens – when I want to isolate something, bring it forward, or just sneak a shot of a deer without scaring it off.
Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 – for some of the corporate work I do.
These aren’t fancy glass for the sake of it, they’re tools. Each one will serve a purpose and earn its keep.
The Unsung Heroes
There are bits of gear that never get the glory, but I wouldn’t leave home without them:
iFootage TC5S Gazelle – a great tripod: lightweight, sturdy, and doesn’t wobble like a newborn lamb on a hillside.
ND Filters from NiSi Optics – for when I want to slow things down, let the water blur, or add a bit of drama to a flat sky.
Microfibre cloths – if you know, you know.
Cable release – less shake, more control.
Editing Gear & Software
When I’m at home in the studio, I edit on my Mac Studio. On the road, I use my MacBook Pro. Everything runs through Lightroom Classic, the proper, app-based version. I’ve dabbled with presets, but most of the time I prefer a hands-on approach. I like to edit with intention. I treat each image like a one-off, not just another file to filter and file away.
The Real Tool: Preparation
Honestly, gear’s only part of the puzzle. The real “tool” I rely on is preparation. Research. Being in the right place at the right time, knowing how the light moves, and understanding the mood I want to capture before I even press the shutter.
You don’t need the most expensive gear. You need gear you can rely on, gear you understand, and gear that lets you stay in the moment without worrying it’s going to let you down.
And let’s not forget the camera we all carry every day, mine’s the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It’s captured some cracking shots. It's not always about having the “right” camera; it's about knowing how to see.
Bits with Heart
There are a few things I carry that aren’t essential to the shot, but they’re essential to me:
A compass and thermometer on a keyring
A puppet monkey named Sid
And yes, Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ rule number 9 (iykyk)
A map or two—whether it’s OS paper or OS Maps on my phone
What About You?
Got a favourite bit of kit you swear by? Or an unsung hero that always makes it into your bag? Let me know, I’m always up for learning about tools that earn their place in the wild.
Thanks for reading.
Keep exploring. Keep creating. And if you see a guy in the hills with a camera and a puppet monkey called Sid, come say hello.
– Gav