PHOTOGRAPHER PROFILE

THE EQUIPMENT I USE.

During the 1970s and 80s I used Pentax MX fully manual cameras and a Hasselbad outfit (see below). Most of my photographs from the 1990s through to the end of 2003 were taken with a Nikkor AF 80-200mm f2.8 lens and an AF Tokina 80-400mm f4.5/5.6 on a Nikon F90 film camera. I then used these on a Nikon D100 digital. Three years later an upgrade followed to a Nikon D200. This outfit I found very quick to use, producing sharp, beautifully exposed images.
Your preference may lie with another brand. Try out different cameras. They are all a little different to handle.

Since I turned to photographing birds at the end of 2006, this needed the use of long telephoto lenses. These include a non AF 500mm f4 and AF 70-200mm f2.8 VR (virbration reduction) with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters for the Nikon and a Canon 40D with a AF 400mm f4 and 1.4x teleconverter. Nikon just don't have an equivalent lens which is light enough to hand hold.

Over many years I have used a range of different cameras and lenses from 35mm through to 5x4. Many of these produced superb results in the area where they were most suited, particularly the Hasselblad outfit with four lenses which I used for about twenty years. I eventually sold it because it wasn't the best for what I was doing, and got as much for it as when it was bought.

The moral is, don't get hung up with equipment. While the camera processes the image, you choose the image it records.

'The best understanding of your equipment comes from using it. If you're not using what you already have, you won't use what you think you need.'
Not my words, but those of renowned Australian landscape photographer Ken Duncan. This holds true no matter what subject is in front of the lens.

So get your camera out and get on with producing great photos.

Peter Gower

WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU?

The camera and lenses which you need depends very much on what interests you.

Your interests may be mainly family photos. Maybe
sports as well, or perhaps landscapes and wildlife.

If you start with lenses in the 18-70mm and 70-200mm ranges that should cover your everyday activities. Normally one of the base model cameras is all you will need. They are smaller, lighter and cheaper, and not as complicated.

Unless you intend to regularly produce giant posters that is all you need. If your interest requires and pocket allows, specialist macro, wide angle, and long telephoto lenses can follow.

If you can't afford any of this, just use what you have. Amazing results can be achieved with a little care, practice and basic equipment.

Make sure you will be able to get prints made with ease when you want to, either at a photo lab or from your own printer.

A computer and some knowledge about its use will help a lot, especially for choosing those photos which are worth printing. You can also produce cards, pamphlets, newsletters or adverts, all illustrated with your photos.