Since I started shooting
about 10 years ago, I've used many different pieces of equipment. In
general, the quality (and price...) of the equipment has increased with
time, but the degree to which my photography has improved is more a
function of improved skills than improved equipment.
Notwithstanding, good quality equipment is important in that it allows a
photographer to get the most out of any opportunity.
I
shoot primarily with a 4x5 large-format system, but still occasionally
shoot with film or digital 35mm systems. The large-format system
provides more film area, which provides for far greater photographic
detail; the system also provides for movements that 35mm is not capable
of, giving greater control over perspective and depth-of-field. The
35mm, especially the Nikon digital SLR, is very convenient when I travel
for work. I never carry both systems, unless I'm traveling in my
truck; too much equipment is as big a problem as too little.
Regardless of which system I carry, I always take a small digital camera
with me for quick snapshots and to 'preview' what an image will look like
before I decide to setup a larger camera.
Being able to quickly access
what I need when out in the field is key to not missing out when light is
changing rapidly. I've found that familiarity helps, so both my
large format and 35mm systems are stored in two separate, but identical,
bags. No repacking of gear is necessary, so I always know where
everything is. And since everything is pre-packed and ready to go, I
don't worry about getting out in the field and finding that one item or
another was left in the other bag. The LowePro Orion AW bags shown
below are convertible and can be used on their own for dayhiking -
carrying equipment and hat, coat, gloves and food - or, the lower
belt-pack portion can be worn separately, around front, when I'm carrying
a backpack on overnight outings. They're waterproof, comfortable and
very compact - I can't say enough about how much time and worry a good
pack system can spare!
