As a travel blogger and photographer, my gear plays a huge part in how I tell stories. Over the years, I’ve curated a setup that feels reliable, creative, and efficient for both photography and video, without overpacking or losing sight of what travel is really about: being present and noticing the world around you.

Here’s a peek inside my camera bag, including a few personal tips, thoughts behind my gear choices, and the accessories I always rely on.

Cameras & Lenses

Go-To Camera: Nikon Z6III

The Nikon Z6III is my go-to camera. It’s a dream for both travel photography and video. This full-frame mirrorless camera is lightweight yet powerful, perfect for everything from fleeting golden hour moments to charming cobblestone alleyways.

Here’s why I love it:

  • 24.5MP sensor delivers stunning clarity
  • Partially stacked CMOS sensor enables ultra-fast readout speeds for better autofocus, reduced rolling shutter, and gorgeous dynamic range
  • 6K video for cinematic quality straight out of camera
  • In-body image stabilisation means I can shoot handheld, even in low light or on uneven terrain, without everything turning into a shaky blur
  • Advanced autofocus with subject tracking locks effortlessly onto faces, eyes, or animals, which is super helpful when you’re capturing spontaneous moments on the go

Why It Works for Video

I only shoot handheld, and the Z6III makes that super easy. The in-body stabilisation keeps everything smooth, even without a gimbal. The colour straight out of camera is beautiful: soft, natural, and ready to post. It also allows slow-motion in 4K at 120fps, which is perfect for cinematic transitions and gentle movement shots. And being able to film in 6K or oversampled 4K without extra gear is such a bonus.

Why I Don’t Use a Drone

While drone footage can be stunning, I’ve never felt the need to carry one. I prefer shooting from ground level, how we experience a place naturally. Plus, I like to keep my gear light!

All-rounder Lens: Nikkor 24–180mm

This lens is my everyday all-rounder. The Nikkor 24–180mm gives me the freedom to shoot wide landscapes, street scenes, or zoom in on little details without switching lenses. It’s sharp, versatile, and reliable. The kind of lens that becomes an extension of how you see the world.

iPhone

These days, a phone with a solid camera is more than enough to capture stunning photos and videos. Phone cameras have come a long way, and that’s why I still turn to my iPhone 15. It performs surprisingly well, especially in good light and for handheld shots with movement. I often shoot videos with my iPhone, but when I’m after that cinematic quality or working on content for professional use, I always reach for my Nikon Z6III.

Analog: Pentax MX

I occasionally shoot with a Pentax MX paired with an SMC Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 lens. It’s fully manual, beautifully built, and creates that nostalgic film look I love. It slows me down (in a good way) and reminds me to look more closely at what’s in front of me.

My favourite film stocks:

  • Kodak Gold 200: warm, sunny tones that are perfect for everyday adventures
  • Kodak Portra 400: amazing colours and super versatile, especially in soft light

Photography Accessoires

Filters

ND filters reduce the amount of light hitting the sensor, allowing you to shoot with a wider aperture and create more bokeh (that beautiful, soft blur in the background). This is especially helpful in travel photography, where bright daylight can often be a challenge. The URTH Variable ND Filter has been a game changer for me, particularly when shooting video in such light. It lets me control the shutter speed while maintaining that smooth, cinematic motion blur, without worrying about overexposure.

Memory Cards

For memory, I use the both the SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB V60 and the SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB V30.

  • The V60 is a must when shooting 4K video: it’s fast, reliable, and handles the high bitrates without any issues
  • The V30 is my go-to for photography, which is more than fast enough for shooting in RAW and has never let me down

Backup

To keep everything safe while travelling, I use my SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD (2TB). It’s compact, lightning-fast, and incredibly durable. It gives me peace of mind knowing my files are backed up on the go.

SD reader

The USB-C to SD Card Reader is an absolute must-have for quick transfers to my phone when I want to preview, edit, or share something on the go.

Editing

I edit everything in Adobe Lightroom, using my own custom presets. These give my photos that soft, natural aesthetic you’ll recognise from my feed: warm neutrals, balanced tones, and gentle contrast. My editing process is simple and consistent, with a focus on keeping things true to how the moment actually felt.

A Note If You’re Just Starting Out

If you’re beginning your photography journey, you don’t need a full professional kit from the start. What matters more is learning how to see light, noticing composition, and developing your own creative style. Invest in the basics (a decent camera or phone, one good lens, and Lightroom), then grow from there.