Besides hiking, I have to admit that photography is a big passion. However, I’m really not that good of a photographer and I’m really crap at editing. But I just like making memories that way. Maybe I should refer to it as something I like to do instead of saying it’s a passion. Oh, hang on, isn’t that the definition of “Passion”?
Anyway, I got my first camera from my dad when I was 14. I found his old Pentax in the back of a cupboard. It was the type of camera that worked with a film roll (Yes, I’m not twenty anymore and back then the digital cameras still had to be invented). The camera was broken and with all my savings I had it fixed and started on my first photography adventures.
I still remember the excitement when you went to the photo shop to have the pictures developed. You never knew beforehand how your pictures would turn out and had to wait for almost a week for them to be developed. Being a student I was very spares of taking pictures. Taking pictures was an expensive hobby in those days. Several cameras and upgrades later the excitement hasn’t disappeared but just became more… instant.
Form of self-care
I only realized later on that photography is part of my self-care and keeping that balance in my life. It’s only in the past years that I freed up my time to enjoy my photography – again. A lost passion that was gathering dust in the cupboard because I just didn’t have the time (or not took the time) to follow. For years the only moment my camera saw the daylight was when we would go on holiday. I then had to figure out what all the dials meant 🤦🏼♀️ so lot of the fun was gone.
Now that I use my camera almost every day, I enjoy it so much more!
What’s in my camera bag?
That is a question I get asked a lot and a difficult one to answer since it depends on what kind of adventure I am going on. I only carry what I really need to take the pictures I think I’m gonna take (haha, this sounds more complicated than it actually is). You don’t want to be hiking with an extra 10kg (20lbs) on your back. But, at the same time, you don’t want to regret you didn’t bring any valuable equipment.
My camera equipment
Buying appropriate camera gear can be a daunting quest. Over the years I’ve been through some cameras but I remained faithful to Canon. It delivers what it promises, I find it very intuitive to use and it fits nicely into my hand.
If you are facing the task of choosing a new camera, get some professional advice and please, go to a store! Take it in your hand, push the buttons and turn the dials. Trust me, it will be worthwhile going into town.
The camera I currently use is a DSLR Canon 7D Mark II and I also have an older Canon 70D. I take the second body with when weight is not of concern or when it’s nice to work with two lenses and you don’t have time to switch. This comes in handy when going on a game drive in Kruger National Park South Africa (yep, still my backyard).
The lenses I’ve gathered in the meantime are :
- Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Pancake Lens
- Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Nano USM Lens
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/4.0L IS USM Lens
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
- Canon EF 300mm f/4 L IS USM Lens
In my gear cupboard, I also keep a Manfrotto 055 Tripod. I seldom take this with me on my hikes but will use it in my backyard when I’m shooting sunrise or sunset. It also comes in handy when I’m practicing my star trails (read practicing because I’m not really getting anywhere yet).
What’s my camera bag?
I stow everything in my Lowepro Vertex 100 aw backpack. However, I have to plead guilty that when going on a day road trip I’ll just throw everything on the back seat. Especially when going to Kruger Park you want everything within hand’s reach so the cameras are just on my lap the whole time.
May your photos be second only to your adventures
Don’t get me wrong, I love my camera! But sometimes it’s just nice to take a bit more time and create memories with your mind and heart. It’s the memories that make us who we are. They create our worldview in ways we hardly realize, using the past to improve the present.
And the best thing about memories is creating them!
Peggy
P.S. Do you have lost passions which you would love to pick up again but just don’t know where to start? Then download my free blueprint to create that life-work balance and start making memories!
