GEAR And Paper

Cameras, lenses, printers, computers, etc. etc. They are the tools that we rely on to make our images. There are a lot of options available, from digital cameras to film cameras, from laptops to desktop computers. The choices seem endless, but in the end it is the photographer who makes the images. Vision, composition, artistic aesthetic are as, if not more, important than the manufacturers we select to provide us with our tools.

Many of our followers ask us about the products that we use to make our images. This site lists the software solutions that we prefer. As for camera equipment, most of today’s technologies will help you produce a decent if not great image. Reviews are worth reading, especially to learn about product features that may be important to you. But there are many reviews of cameras and lenses that imply that one camera/lens is better than the others. But “better” is a relative, if not personal term. Our belief is this:

“The best cameras and lenses are what you take with you and what you enjoy using!”

Mirrorless cameras are all the rage these days for casual and professional photographers, although larger build cameras remain in use - especially for motion and high-end portrait work. If you are in the market for camera and related products we suggest checking the reviews on sites such as B&H Photo and Amazon (links below). You may also want to hold and try out the cameras to ensure that you will be comfortable using them.

We purchase our equipment (cameras, printers, computers, etc.) and photographic supplies (papers, ink, etc.) at B&H Photo and Video, and Amazon. They have excellent prices and customer service, as well as generous return policies. Amazon is of course popular for purchasing camera equipment, paper and photography books (in addition to just about anything else).

Fujifilm equipment is one of our preferred choices for mirrorless cameras. We use their X100, XPRO, and XT products.

As for film, well, we still shoot film. Yes, it doesn’t provide the immediate gratification of using a digital camera, especially since post-processing of digital images can get you pretty close to the film look. But it’s not the same. For film we still use Leica and scan the resulting frames of the film. There is that certain “look” to Leica images, and an enjoyment to the process.

We do have a preference for certain papers that work well with our style of work. We have used Epson, Canson, Ilford and Hahnemühle papers, with Hahnemühle being our current favorite. We appreciate the consistency of their production and the wide variety offered (with Hahnemühle Photo Rag® at the top of our list). And one of the print labs that we use (Loupe Digital) is a Hahnemühle certified studio. You can check out Hahnemühle reviews at one of the links below.