In my camera bag
The gear that help me capture the world the way I see it
In this post I am sharing the gear I use for capturing my photos, and why I pick certain gear for certain scenarios. Each piece of gear is a link1 leading to the product where you can read more about them if you’re interested in the specs.
I believe that a great image is created by more than just a product, but having tools that make that process easier is important. Good gear should let us focus on seeing images and the creative process, not fiddle with technical stuff in order to capture what we want.
Up until the fall of 2019 I was using heavy, full-format gear. But I was moving in nature more and more, and bringing the camera along felt like a chore or a must, and because of the weight I did not always bring it. That was my main reason for switching to Micro Four Thirds, and I ended up with OM System because it is both lightweight, portable and weather sealed. I can go out and enjoy experiences in nature with my camera slung over my shoulder or tossed into my bike bag, and I barely notice I have it with me.
And that is crucial to me.
The overall experience is more important than a single image. I revel in the small moments in between, and aim to tell a story with what I capture.
CAMERAS
LENSES
MISC
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When do I use what?
Simply reading a list of what I have might not be very helpful, or inspiring. So I thought I would talk a bit more about when I use what kind of gear, and why. Let’s start with the environment, and the kind of photography, that I love the most, and where I do most of my work:
Nature & outdoor lifestyle
When I head out into nature it is not get one banger, I am out for the experience: Hiking, foraging or fishing. It’s several hours and I need quite a bit of outdoor gear as well. So my camera gear needs to be pretty light. Especially since I, more often than not, head out on my bike.
I usually have a day pack with water, first aid kit, an outdoor tool pouch (with a knife, fire steel, bush saw, paracord etc), extra layer depending on season / weather, a sitpad, coffee and snacks or lunch. This does not leave room for too much bulky or heavy gear.
I might also be working with capturing other people hiking, foraging or cooking outdoors, and as I move through nature with them I need to be light and nimble. And so, the OM-5 MKII is usually slung on my shoulder, or stowed in my handlebar bag, paired with the 20mm F1.4.
The camera is small but powerful, and weathersealed, so I can be out regardless of weather! Paired with a small and light lens, that is super versatile for capturing big scenes as well as details - I am set!
Most of the time, this is all I bring.
Sometimes I feel like there’d be a chance to capture birds or squirrels, depending on where I am going, and then I bring the 40-150mm F2.8 PRO. I might also pack the 60mm F2.8 Macro. It’s so small I can tuck it into a pocket, and then I have it with me just in case I find something small to capture. This happens more during summer when there are more different flowers and bugs out and about worth capturing.
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Portraiture, event & food photography
When I get hired for this kind of work, I know I might be in challenging environments where I can’t control the lighting I shoot in, and at events it’s often a bit darker. So I need lenses that let in as much light as possible, which is why I often work with the 25mm F1.2 PRO and 45mm F1.2 PRO, paired with the OM-3. For events I also often use a double camera harness, so I can use the OM-5 MKII as well. That way I don’t have to spend time swapping lenses and potentially miss the shot when people move a lot.
Travel & street photography
Since the release of the OM-3, that is my preferred camera for travel and street photography. It looks retro and a bit inconspicuous, which helps with getting closer to subjects unnoticed. I mostly use the 20mm F1.4 for travelling as well. It truly is my favourite lens!
Earlier this year I went to Slovenia, and loved using this combination of gear to capture city-life, people and nature. Read more here:
The 12mm F2.0 is also great travel and street lenses that I use on occasion, when I want the setup to be even smaller and more retro looking.
In this video you get to see me in my element as I talk a bit more about how I spend time in nature as a photographer, what’s important to me, and about why the 20mm F1.4 is my favourite lens:
Live slow, stay wild / Rania
I am an OM System ambassador and these are affiliate links