Whats in my camera bag?

After 22 years in full time photography, I have used many types of cameras.  From giant 10x8 inch glass plate view cameras, to tiny half frame compact cameras.

I was originally an Olympus user, I had OM1, OM2sp, OM4TI and OM3Ti cameras as well as a wide range of the excellent Zuiko lenses. The problem was I wasn`t using them as often as I should have, I spent most of my career working as an RAF Photographer and we were expected to use Nikon and Hasselblad cameras.  I loved the Nikon FM2, wasn`t too keen on the F3, fell out with the F4 but really liked the F5.  I had a love affair with the Hasselblad 500c/m, but cheated on it with the XL/M for a short period.  I liked them all, (except the F4!) but was more than happy to use my own OM cameras whenever I could, purely because the lenses were so damn good, sharper and crisper than anything Nikon had to offer, and much brighter than the clunky Blad...

Digital Cameras

Along came digital, Olympus was dragging its heels, but Nikon was leaping ahead of anyone with the D1 series cameras.  I was lucky enough to get my hands on one of the first D1`s into the UK and loved it immediately.  I instantly realised that film only had a limited professional life so I made the switch. I managed to get my hands on D1, D1H, D1X, and D2x cameras before jumping ship and leaving the RAF.  The big decision for me was what digital camera to buy for myself. I had convinced myself to go Nikon, it was what I knew and trusted, but a chance enquiry led me to get my hands on a Canon 1DMKIIN and I was immediately converted.... it was no more Nikon for me, it was like selling a child, but it felt right as far as I was concerned I was changing to Canon.  Four years later, i am still a Canon user. My 1DMKIIN`s(I ended up buying two) still get a daily hammering and work perfectly without any problems, although they do get sent for servicing on a regular basis.  I also have a 30D, which I love, purely because it is lightweight and small, much like the Olympus cameras I used to use. I have just invested in a 5DMKII, which will primarily used for my commercial work.  The file size is huge and just not neccesary for most of my social photography, but it is ideal for my commercial work where clients want huge hi resolution files.  I will use the 5DMKII for weddings, but it will be primarily used in low light situations where its incredible high ISO ability will come into good use, and also for the group photos which need that extra bit of clarity.

Lenses

I carry a wide range of lenses, from 12mm wide angle, to 300mm f2.8 telephoto, but my favourite lens is the simple 50mm f1.4.  On the 5DMKII it gives a true standard viewpoint, but on the 1D and 30D cameras it gives a very slight telephoto view which works perfectly for my style of portraiture.  My 30mm f1.4 is incredibly sharp, but it only works properly on the 30D so it does not get much use.

Portable Lighting gear

I am a huge fan of portable flash lighting, its convenient because you dont have to worry about power cables, lightweight so its easy to transport yet professional so it puts you above the average amatuer jo at a wedding.

My standard rig comprises of two 800 Joule Lumedyne packs with Signature Series heads.  They are almost indestructable, incredibly reliable and will keep going all day without worrying about the batteries running down.  My only restriction with the Lumedyne is that I am limited to what light modifiers I can fit onto it, which is no real problem as I tend to just bounce my flash of the walls or ceiling anyway.

Recently I have also acquired a Al jacobs Black Box kit, with two Vivitar 285 HV flashguns to suppliment the Lumedynes.  It is great and on somedays I find myself just using the balck box on its own.  Its really lightweight and compact and allows me to use flash where previously it was too difficult to do.

All my lights are triggered with Pocket Wizards.  I use the Plus II Transceivers which have a amazing range, allowing me to trigger my lights through walls from hundreds of feet away if neccesary.

The bag!!

I have used so many different bags over the years but I now dont use a camera bag at all.  The bag I use is a simple unpadded shoulder bag by a company called Spec Ops from the US.  I obtained it while serving with the US Marine Corps in Iraq in 2003 and I have used it almost exclisively ever since.  I did try a Boda bag for a while, which was good, but it bagan to fall apart after only a short time, which left me disappointed so I returned to Spec Ops and have not looked back.

Favourite Toys

Without doubt my Lensbaby 3G.  I very rarely use it, because its one of those lenses you can over use, but I will normally shoot two or three shots with it at a wedding.  It has a dream like feel to it which really makes the image stand out.

Shopping List....

When Alison isn`t looking, I intend to get 45mm TS/E Tilt Shift lens.  I have hired one a couple of times and love it for my commercial work, but I also want to use it for my portraits, just to add something a little different.  I also want an 85mm f1.2, but I have priorities and feeding my family comes first...