Camera Gear
In 2002 I purchased my first digital camera: a Canon S200. The “200” represents 2.0 megapixels. I took it everywhere. iPhoto and Apple's now retired photo printing service allowed me to drape my dorm room walls with my photos. Shooting has always been both relaxing and exciting. I find it meditative. Below is a breakdown of all my cameras, accompanying gear, and software I use across iOS and macOS.
The most important thing to note is that a bigger, better camera with more impressive specifications will not produce better photos. You need to practice, experiment, and not give up. Similar to learning an instrument or a craft, it takes years of mistakes to learn how to be good.
Big camera
Today I shoot with the Fujifilm X-T4 (which also works well as a Zoom camera). I arrived at this setup after dabbling with a Canon PowerShot, a heavy Nikon DSLR, and a virtually pocket-sized full frame Sony. The Fujifilm is the perfect combination of versatility, size, and weight.
Lenses
With the X-T4 I swap between three lenses regularly (and my wife patiently watches me) depending on the environment and subject.
Bags
The camera bag says more about you as a photographer than the camera. Lowepro? You're either an actual professional or you yearn for the 1990s to make a comeback. Leather messenger bag? You've never shot in a wet environment. No bag at all? Respect.
I am all in on Peak Design products. They are more functional than MacGyver, look great, and last forever (so far). When I'm confident that I only need my camera and lenses, I wear the Peak Design Everyday Sling 5L. When traveling with a tripod, iPad, or other large items, I wear the Everyday Backpack.
If you really want to look cool and blend in to a new city, I recommend attaching the Peak Design Capture to one of your backpack's straps. This allows you to casually walk around hands-free with your camera positioned at a convenient spot of your body. My wife is too kind to allow me to live like this.
Straps
Every time I witness someone carrying a camera without a strap my stomach turns. I always have my camera strapped to my body. I've never dropped a camera, but in Marrakech I stepped out of a taxi without zipping up the side of my backpack. My zoom lens crashed against the ground on the first day of my honeymoon. Fortunately it still works.
Accessories
One cannot simply operate a digital camera without a few accessories. When trying to shoot a scene filled with movement, it's helpful to increase the number of frames per second in burst mode. You can accomplish this with the Fujifilm Vertical Power Booster which also provides a much stronger feel in your hands.
When shooting long exposures, you can set a 2 second countdown so pressing the shutter does not vibrate the camera. I find those 2 seconds to be excruciating shot after shot. The Fujifilm Remote Release moves the shutter button from the camera to your finger.
One small, helpful addition to a largeish camera kit is a thumb grip. With the Lensmate Thumb Grip your thumb becomes a lot more useful while holding the camera.
For years I struggled with a cheap, flimsy tripod that would fall over with a gust of wind. I went with the Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ thanks to a Wirecutter review.
Dinner Party Camera
When friends and family come over for dinner, I will occasionally take out the Leica Sofort. It's a great way to capture moments and make them tangible. By the end of the night there's a collection of small prints on the table. Trust me.
The Sofort case is designed for the Sofort to gracefully slide in and out without hesitation. The little red “SOFORT” tag is so satisfying.
Small cameras
The Ricoh GR IIIx is my walking around camera. I keep it in my backpack when I go to work just in case I feel inspired to snap some photos during a coffee break.
AI assistant camera
After joining Meta as a product designer in January 2025 I acquired a pair of the Ray-Ban glasses and was amazed by how compelling it is as both a product and a glimpse into the company's long-term vision. Interacting with Meta AI is two words away at any moment without holding a phone or raising my wrist. And, most importantly, the camera acts as a new artistic challenge. I adore the camera's perspective on the world and its ability to seamlessly capture moments on the playground with my kids.
Software
The intersection of photography and software is thrilling. Year after year new, innovative apps launch that expand how we capture and edit photos. Below are a few apps I use in my photography kit.
Lightroom CC allows me to view, edit, and share photos from my Mac, iPhone, and iPad. I also store all of my photos in Adobe Cloud.
With TouchRetouch you can make objects and lines disappear from your photos with a swipe or a tap. I've removed people, cars, power lines, and even cows.
