My Gear

“Cameras don’t take great pictures, people do.”

The list below exists, in part, because I’m frequently asked what gear I prefer and so this is an easy reference guide. I have no strong allegiance to brands, gear has to do a job. It’s got to be reliable, robust and able to withstand challenging environments. If the gear doesn’t work on one shoot then it doesn’t find its way onto the list for the next job.

Gear gets upgraded when the need arises so this list changes periodically but the core elements remain the same. Different jobs dictate different gear so not every item comes on every shoot. I’ll sometimes hire additional gear on location to cut down on transportation costs but can work out of the bag you see here for the majority of the work that I do.

Camera bodies and lenses

I have always used Nikon gear. That’s not to say that other camera manufacturers are not just as good, it’s simply that I’ve grown up with Nikon camera. The selection of lenses below covers every focal length I need whilst giving me the wide apertures that give creative exposure opportunities and the ability to work in relatively low light.

  • 1 x Nikon D3S
  • 1 x Nikon D3
  • 1 x Sony NEX-3
  • Remote cable release
  • Nikon AF-S VR 400mm 2.8
  • Nikon AF-S VR 70-200 2.8
  • Nikon AF-S 24-70 2.8
  • Nikon AF-S 14-24 2.8
  • Nikon AF-S 50mm 1.4
  • Nikon 85mm 1.8
  • Sigma 15mm fisheye
  • Sony 18-55mm
  • Sony 16mm 2.8
  • Sony fisheye converter

Additional Light

I rarely work with a flash but these sources of extra light always accompany me on location, when you need them, you really need them.

  • SB-900
  • SB-800
  • SU-800 Wireless transmetter
  • Elinchrom Studio Flash

Accessories & Waterhousing

Some of my useful accessories.

  • SPL Underwater Housing
  • Manfrotto Monopod

Camera bags

Once you’ve got all that gear, you need something sturdy and reliable to transport it in. You need bags that you can depend upon to keep your gear safe. They’ve got to withstand harsh environments and yet be light enough not to carry for prolonged periods.

  • Pelicase 1650
  • Think Tank Airport TakeOff
  • National Geographic bag

Digital Asset Management

  • 15″ Apple MacBook Pro
  • Apple 20″ iMac
  • WD hard drives

Essential Software

  • Apple Aperture “Certified Pro”
  • Adobe Photoshop CS5
  • Nikon Capture NX

This isn’t an exhaustive list but it covers the essentials. It’s taken me many years to fine-tune the gear I carry when I’m shooting sports.