I swapped my heels for trekking boots and never looked back!
My photography journey kicked off in 2012 when I boldly left corporate life behind and chased my dream of travelling the world.
With my first Canon DSLR, I started documenting my adventures and quickly realised that photography wasn’t just a hobby but a new way of life.
Through photography, I developed a deep connection with the outdoors, immersing myself in nature’s raw beauty to find the perfect shot.
I was soon drawn to the Arctic, enchanted by its magical icy landscapes and seascapes.
Whether trekking or staying up all night to capture a star-studded sky and chase the northern lights, I’m always willing to go the extra mile for a compelling photograph.
Over the years, I have carefully picked my gear to keep up with my wild adventures, ensuring I am always ready to capture that perfect moment, no matter how tough the conditions.
Guiding tours has pushed me out of my comfort zone, often requiring me to shoot handheld and switch between genres quickly.
Without my beloved tripod, I have learned to adapt and act fast, capturing fleeting moments in dynamic situations. It is a rewarding experience that keeps my creativity evolving and ensures that no two days or photos are identical.
Canon EOS R5 – this camera is the heart of my setup. Its incredible image quality, dynamic range, and reliable performance make it the perfect companion for my landscape work.
This camera delivers every time, whether capturing fleeting light on icy peaks or the vibrant auroras dancing in the night sky.
Canon EOS Ra – this is my second camera body. It is specially designed for astrophotography, and I use it exclusively for Milky Way shots. Its sensitivity to specific wavelengths reveals vivid detail and colour in the night sky that standard cameras can’t match.
I carry these three lenses on most of my trips:
Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM – this wide-angle lens is ideal for dramatic compositions, especially when I want to exaggerate perspective or include more of the scene in tight spaces. If I had to choose only one lens, this would be it.
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM – my versatile lens for landscape. It is sharp and perfect for most situations, from sweeping vistas to intimate scenes.
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM – this lens is perfect for isolating distant subjects like mountains and wildlife or capturing fine details in expansive landscapes.
When airline weight limits allow, I like to bring one of the following lenses along, depending on the destination and what I am planning to shoot:
Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM ART – this lens is my top choice for night photography. It excels at capturing the northern lights, the Milky Way, or dramatic angles inside ice caves.
Its fast aperture and sharpness make it a dream to work with in low-light conditions.
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM – a lightweight, compact lens perfect for capturing nature’s intricate details, like leaves or flowers.
Canon EF 100 mm f/2,8 Macro USM – I turn to this macro lens to focus on the tiniest details.
Really Right Stuff Tripod TVC-24L Series 2 Mk2 – a sturdy tripod is essential for sharp images, especially in extreme conditions. This one is lightweight yet incredibly stable, even in strong winds or on icy surfaces.
Acratech Ultimate Ball-Head & Leveling Base – these tools give me the flexibility and precision I need for perfect compositions, whether I am m working on uneven terrain or adjusting angles for night shots when I need to move the camera upwards to capture the stars or auroras.
For landscape photography, an L-bracket is indispensable. It allows me to switch seamlessly between portrait and landscape orientations without losing my composition, keeping me agile while shooting.
I am an Ambassador for VF Foto Magnetic Filters and love their magnetic filter system.
I use ND filters and a polarizer most often, which allow me to control light and enhance contrast effortlessly. The magnetic design makes changing filters quick and hassle-free, a lifesaver in dynamic environments.
When navigating rugged terrains or enduring the harsh conditions of the Arctic, I rely on a backpack that can keep pace with my adventures.
The 45L Gitzo Adventury Backpack is my trusted companion. It is spacious enough to hold all my essentials while remaining comfortable during long hikes. Its well-designed compartments keep my gear organised and protected, no matter how challenging the journey.
My backpack isn’t just for cameras and lenses. It is always packed with essentials to keep me prepared for any situation.
My kit includes screwdrivers, gaffer tape, a headlamp, hand warmers, extra SD cards, earbuds for music, a pocket knife, and a compass. I also carry a power bank and multiple batteries since live view and cold weather drain them much faster.
I also bring a blower to remove dust and sand and a few lens wipes to keep my gear clean. Because I am a bit old-school, I always have a few business cards tucked in. You never know when you will meet someone with the same passion for photography!
Depending on the location, I usually carry a hot flask and my favourite mug for tea or coffee, snacks, lip balm, bug spray, and an extra pair of socks and gloves.
I also pack my small plush Pink Panther for good luck. It’s a little reminder to enjoy the journey, no matter how challenging the conditions are!
I edit my images on my Apple Mac Pro, paired with a 32-inch monitor. This setup allows me to fully immerse myself in editing and bring out the finest details in every shot.
For editing, I rely on Adobe Camera Raw, Photoshop, and a few plugins like Denoise from Topaz Labs to refine and enhance the final result.
These tools help me perfect each image, ensuring it aligns with my creative vision.
I also rely on my Apple iPhone, loaded with apps like PhotoPills, weather, and aurora forecasts, to help plan shots and prepare before my travels. It’s my go-to tool for staying ahead of the game!
A few years ago, while chasing the northern lights in Norway, I learned a hard lesson about preparation. We had rushed out of the car with just our cameras and tripods, leaving our backpacks behind in the excitement.
I found myself standing on slippery rocks, carefully framing my shot when, suddenly, the sky exploded into a breathtaking display of pinks and greens, truly a once-in-a-lifetime aurora.
In a rush to adjust the angle, I slipped, ripping the camera off the tripod head and leaving myself holding a loose L-bracket. The tools I needed to fix it were still in the car.
All I could do was stand there, stunned, watching the most extraordinary aurora I’ve ever seen vanish as quickly as it had appeared, leaving me with nothing but disappointment.
That experience taught me always to carry my backpack, no matter how short the distance.
Now, I never leave without screwdrivers, gaffer tape, and anything else I might need for those unpredictable moments in the field.
There are no second chances when nature decides to put on a show!
Credit : Source Post
