My Gear
Phillip takes a thoughtful, stripped-back approach to his photography, favouring quality over quantity when it comes to gear. His setup is simple, but powerful—anchored by his Fujifilm X-H1, a robust, weather-sealed workhorse that delivers stunning image quality and tactile control. It's paired with two versatile lenses that allow him to adapt to almost any scene without the bulk of a large kit.
For wide to mid-range scenes—sweeping landscapes, moody woodlands, and dramatic skies—Phillip turns to the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8. This lens is razor-sharp across the frame and gives him the flexibility to shoot wide for environmental shots or tighter for more intimate compositions, all while maintaining a constant aperture for consistent exposure control in changing light.
When he needs more reach—perhaps to compress distant layers of hills or capture fleeting light dancing on far-off mountains—he reaches for the Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8. This telephoto zoom is equally sharp and stabilised, perfect for capturing those fleeting moments of atmosphere from a distance without compromising on clarity or depth.
Phillip doesn’t overpack—he carries just the essentials in his Shimoda X50 backpack, a rugged, purpose-built bag that keeps his gear accessible and protected, whether he's scaling coastal cliffs or navigating foggy forests.
To get things just right in-camera, Phillip uses LEE Filters, often a circular polariser to cut through glare and deepen skies or reflections, and neutral density filters to extend exposure times for those dreamy, ethereal water or cloud movements. These tools help him control contrast and tone without relying too heavily on post-processing.
Overall, Phillip’s minimalist kit is a reflection of his philosophy—intentional, adaptable, and always ready for the changing conditions of the natural world. He doesn't chase gear; he focuses on vision. And with this setup, he captures everything from the chaos of storms to the stillness of misty woodlands, all with clarity, emotion, and purpose.
Fujifilm X-H1
Phillip’s Fujifilm X-H1 is more than just a camera—it’s the heart of his creative process, his trusted workhorse through nearly every photographic journey. Built like a tank but refined in operation, the X-H1 suits his style perfectly: tough enough for the elements, responsive enough for fleeting light, and intuitive enough to disappear in the hand when the moment matters most.
With its robust weather-sealed body, the X-H1 travels with Phillip into all conditions—stormy coastlines, fog-drenched woodlands, frosty mountain trails. He doesn’t baby it. This camera is made to work, and that’s exactly how he uses it—in the field, in the dirt, and in the heart of the landscape.
The in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) is a game-changer, especially when he's shooting handheld in low light, chasing the subtle glow of pre-dawn fog or holding steady during golden-hour exposures. It lets him be nimble—no tripod required unless the situation truly demands it.
What really sets the X-H1 apart for Phillip, though, is the tactile control. With dedicated dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation, he can stay immersed in the scene, adjusting settings by feel without diving into menus. That level of control keeps him grounded and focused—connected to the landscape rather than the gear.
The camera’s film simulations, like Classic Chrome and Eterna, also help Phillip preview the mood of a shot while in the field. It's not just about technical perfection—it’s about emotion, atmosphere, and storytelling. And the X-H1 delivers that every time.
For Phillip, the X-H1 isn’t flashy or the latest—it’s dependable, rugged, and deeply familiar. It’s the tool he trusts to capture the stillness of a foggy woodland, the power of a crashing wave, or the delicate balance of light and shadow on a hillside. It’s a camera that works as hard as he does—and that’s why it earns its place in his hands every time.
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR
The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR is Phillip’s go-to wide-angle lens—the one that rarely leaves his camera, and for good reason. It’s his do-it-all workhorse, perfectly suited for everything from sweeping landscapes to tighter, more intimate scenes. Whether he's photographing dramatic skies over moorland, the layered textures of a forest, or the raw coastline at dawn, this lens is what he trusts to deliver consistency, clarity, and creative flexibility.
Phillip uses the 16mm end (equivalent to 24mm full-frame) to open up vast spaces—capturing the grandeur of the landscape with bold foregrounds and dynamic compositions. It’s his default for scenes that need depth and scale, where leading lines pull the viewer into the frame. Think stormy skies rolling over wildflower meadows, or the soft light of golden hour brushing across tidal flats.
As he zooms through the focal range toward 55mm, he begins to compress the scene, picking out details, textures, and layered compositions—a perfect tool for woodland abstracts, distant ridgelines, or moments when the light isolates part of the landscape. The constant f/2.8 aperture also gives him extra control over depth of field and low light, useful for those atmospheric early mornings or darker forest interiors.
The lens is razor-sharp, edge to edge, and weather-sealed—so Phillip can shoot in wind, rain, or spray without hesitation. It’s a reliable, rugged companion in his minimalist setup, ideal for a photographer who wants to stay mobile and responsive to the changing conditions of the natural world.
In short, the XF 16-55mm is Phillip’s creative anchor—a lens that does the job of three, without compromise. It helps him move fluidly through a scene, adapt on the fly, and keep his focus where it belongs: on the light, the landscape, and the story in front of him.
Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR
The Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR is Phillip’s trusted telephoto—a lens built like a tank and engineered for reliability, no matter where he is or what he’s shooting. Whether he’s battling sideways rain on a coastal cliff or capturing fleeting emotions at a wedding, this lens is the dependable workhorse he leans on when precision and reach matter most.
In his landscape work, Phillip uses the 50-140mm to compress perspective, isolate subjects, and pull drama out of the distance. It’s his go-to when the scene calls for subtlety over grandeur—like mountain peaks bathed in light, rolling hills layered in mist, or light breaking through clouds miles away. The image stabilisation (OIS) is a lifesaver in the field, letting him shoot handheld with confidence, even in fading light or strong winds.
The constant f/2.8 aperture gives him control over depth of field, allowing for beautifully soft backgrounds or sharper layering, depending on the moment. Whether it’s fog rolling through pine trees or reflections caught in still water, he can frame the scene tightly and intentionally, crafting compositions with real emotional weight.
But this lens isn’t just a landscape tool. On wedding days, it becomes Phillip’s silent observer—perfect for capturing natural, candid moments without intruding. The fast autofocus, stunning sharpness, and creamy bokeh let him document everything from teary vows to laughter across the room, all while keeping a respectful distance. It’s the kind of lens that works just as well shooting a windswept mountain as it does during a quiet, intimate exchange between a couple.
Fully weather-sealed and robust, the 50-140mm is built to withstand whatever Phillip throws at it—mud, mist, salt spray, or champagne toasts. It’s not flashy, it’s not fussy—it just gets the job done, again and again.
For Phillip, it’s more than a lens—it’s a trusted companion that always delivers, no matter the story, the setting, or the storm.
Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens
Phillip refers to the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR as the ultimate workhorse—his absolute beast of a lens. It’s the one he reaches for when he wants to see deep into the hills, pulling distant subjects out of the landscape with clarity and intent. Whether it’s isolating a lone tree on a ridge, compressing layers of rolling terrain, or locking onto wildlife across the valley, this lens gives him that extra reach without compromising image quality.
Thanks to its incredible focal range and stabilisation, Phillip can work handheld when conditions demand it, even in the wind-blasted highlands or during moody golden-hour moments. It's weather-sealed, robust, and built for the field—exactly the kind of gear he trusts on long hikes and unpredictable shoots. For him, it’s not just a telephoto lens—it’s a creative tool that lets him sculpt compositions from afar, tighten up his storytelling, and turn expansive scenes into intimate moments. This lens doesn’t just capture the landscape; it reveals it.
Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 Tripod
Phillip’s Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 Tripod is his go-to workhorse in the field — the one tool he trusts, no matter the conditions. It’s been through it all: hammered by coastal winds, drenched in sideways rain, and scraped across rocky mountain trails. Yet, it keeps showing up, rock-solid and reliable.
With its sturdy aluminium build and intuitive design, this tripod is more than just a support — it’s a foundation. Whether Phillip’s capturing long exposures of misty waterfalls or waiting patiently in the pre-dawn cold for the perfect light, the MT055XPRO3 holds steady. The 90° centre column mechanism gives him the flexibility to compose from low angles or awkward terrain without compromise, and the chunky leg locks are built to take a beating and keep going.
It’s not flashy, it’s not fragile — it’s a proper tool. For Phillip, it’s the unshakable partner in his landscape and wedding photography, the one piece of gear he never has to second-guess, no matter how rough the day gets.
Manfrotto 496 Ball Head With Q6 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate
The Manfrotto 496 Ball Head with Q6 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate is the perfect match for Phillip’s style of photography — dependable, fast, and built for real-world use. When he's out chasing fleeting storm light or reacting quickly during a wedding ceremony, he needs gear that won’t slow him down. This ball head delivers.
Compact yet strong, the 496 offers smooth, precise movement with just the right amount of resistance — allowing Phillip to fine-tune his composition with confidence, whether he's using a wide-angle to capture a fog-laced woodland or locking in a heavy telephoto for a distant landscape detail. The tension control is intuitive, giving him the freedom to move quickly without sacrificing stability.
The Q6 Arca-type quick release system is a game-changer for fast-paced work. It lets Phillip mount and unmount his camera in seconds, which is critical when the light is changing fast or he’s moving between locations. It’s rock solid too — once that plate’s locked in, he knows his camera isn’t going anywhere.
In short, this ball head is no-nonsense and built for serious use. For Phillip, it’s the kind of tool that just works — quietly, efficiently, and without ever getting in the way of the shot.
Shimoda Action X50 V2 Backpack Army Green
For Phillip, the Shimoda Action X50 V2 Backpack in Army Green isn’t just a camera bag — it’s an essential part of his photography life. This is the bag that goes everywhere with him, from rugged coastlines to stormy mountain ridges, wedding venues to woodland trails. It’s the one piece of kit he trusts to carry everything he needs without fail.
Built like a tank but designed with a photographer’s instincts in mind, the Action X50 V2 nails the balance between toughness and functionality. Its weather-resistant materials and roll-top design make it fully capable of handling the wild conditions Phillip so often finds himself in — rain, mud, snow, whatever. The bag shrugs it off.
Inside, it’s dialled for real-world use. With customizable core units, Phillip can organize his cameras, lenses, and accessories in a way that suits his needs — whether he’s packing his wide and telephoto for a wedding day or going minimalist for a landscape trek. Side and rear access points mean he can grab his gear fast, without having to dig or unpack. And with plenty of space for extras — a drone, snacks, layers, even a laptop — it adapts to long days and changing plans with ease.
That Army Green finish? It’s not just about looks — it blends in with the natural environments Phillip loves to photograph, giving it a low-key, rugged presence that suits his style to a tee.
This bag doesn’t just carry gear. It carries Phillip’s entire process. And frankly, he won’t use anything else.
Shimoda Explore V2 30 Backpack Army Green
When Phillip’s not deep in the wilderness or working a full-scale wedding, he reaches for his Shimoda Explore V2 30 Backpack in Army Green — his go-to alternative for street photography and lighter day trips. It’s the perfect balance of compact size, smart design, and rugged reliability, tailored for days when he wants to travel lighter but still be fully prepared.
The Explore V2 30 still brings that same Shimoda toughness he relies on, just in a sleeker, more nimble form. Whether he’s weaving through busy city streets, exploring quaint villages, or chasing fleeting light through hidden woodland paths, this bag moves with him — never bulky, never in the way.
It’s designed to carry just enough — a camera, a couple of key lenses, and a few essentials — all snugly packed in a customizable interior that keeps everything secure and easily accessible. With quick side access, Phillip can grab his camera at a moment’s notice, perfect for capturing those spontaneous street scenes or moments of unexpected beauty.
The Army Green finish keeps things subtle and stylish, blending well in both urban and natural settings, while the bag’s low-profile look doesn’t scream “camera bag” — which Phillip appreciates when traveling light or working discreetly.
For Phillip, the Explore V2 30 is the freedom bag — ideal for creative roaming, minimalist gear setups, and the kind of photography that unfolds organically, one moment at a time.
Lee Filters and Lee Polariser
Phillip’s approach to landscape photography is deliberate, refined, and unapologetically old-school — especially when it comes to handling tricky skies. He doesn’t leave highlight recovery to chance or Lightroom sliders. Instead, he relies on the precision and control of LEE Filters to get the balance right in the moment.
When faced with dramatic skies — the kind that blow out highlights with one misstep — Phillip reaches for his LEE graduated neutral density filters. With a tactical mindset, he slots them in, meters the scene, and makes minute adjustments until the exposure sings. He’s not guessing — he’s reading the light, knowing exactly where to drop the grad to tame a blown-out sky while keeping the land rich with detail.
And when glare threatens to flatten the scene — reflecting off wet rocks, slick leaves, or distant water — Phillip turns to his LEE circular polariser. It’s his secret weapon for cutting through haze and revealing those deep contrasts and natural colours that define his style. It's not just about removing reflections; it's about clarifying the landscape, pulling out texture and tone that would otherwise be lost.
This isn’t spray-and-pray photography. It’s calculated, thoughtful, and built on years of fieldcraft. For Phillip, filters aren’t just accessories — they’re essential tools in a well-worn system that helps him stay connected to the process, the craft, and the landscape itself.
3 Legged Thing QR11 2.0 Universal L Bracket - Darkness
The 3 Legged Thing QR11 2.0 Universal L Bracket – Darkness is Phillip’s go-to bit of kit for fast, fuss-free orientation changes. Designed with versatility in mind, it clamps securely to Arca-Swiss compatible heads and gives him the freedom to switch from landscape to portrait in seconds—no faffing, no re-framing nightmares. Built from aircraft-grade magnesium alloy, it’s rugged enough to keep up with his demanding outdoor work, yet lightweight enough not to weigh him down when he's hiking through remote terrain. The bracket’s “Darkness” matte black finish is low-key and tactical—just the way Phillip likes it. Whether he's shooting windswept seascapes or composed woodland portraits, this L-bracket keeps his composition locked and level, every single time.
Men’s RAB Microlight Alpine Down Jacket – Black
For Phillip, every ounce in the bag has to earn its place—and the Microlight Alpine Down Jacket more than proves its worth. Out in the wild, chasing light across rugged landscapes and unpredictable weather, this jacket becomes a trusted layer that never lets him down.
It packs down small, so when the hike in is long and the gear load is heavy, it disappears into his bag without complaint. But when the temperature drops—whether he’s waiting for sunrise in the highlands or braving coastal winds in North Wales—it delivers serious warmth, especially when teamed with a waterproof shell. The hydrophobic down keeps insulating even when damp, and the slim fit means no faffing around with bulky layers while he’s setting up shots.
For Phillip, it’s not just about staying warm—it’s about staying out longer, shooting smarter, and focusing on the landscape without being distracted by the cold. The Microlight Alpine lets him do just that. Reliable, technical, and always ready to go—just like his camera.
Vallerret Markhof Pro V3 Photography Glove, FlipTech Finger Caps with Magnets, Non-Slip Grip, Merino Wool Lining, Pocket & Tripod Key
For Phillip, shooting in the depths of winter or during an early spring frost isn’t just part of the job—it’s where some of his best work happens. But when the temperature drops and the wind bites, nothing kills creativity faster than numb fingers. That’s where the Vallerret Markhof Pro V3 gloves come in—part tool, part clothing, all about keeping him shooting no matter how brutal the conditions.
These gloves are purpose-built for photographers. The FlipTech finger caps snap back magnetically, giving Phillip quick, precise access to camera dials and shutter buttons without having to strip down to bare skin. The non-slip grip means his camera stays secure, even when clambering over rocks or adjusting tripods on icy ground.
Inside, the Merino wool lining offers breathable, natural warmth that keeps his hands toasty without overheating. Add in a weather-resistant outer shell, a handy zip pocket for memory cards or a lens cloth, and even a tripod key built right in—and you've got a glove that doesn’t just keep up, it leads the charge.
For Phillip, these gloves aren’t a luxury—they’re mission critical. Because when your hands freeze up, it’s game over. But with the Markhof Pro V3s? The shoot goes on.
Apple Watch Series 9 GPS 45 mm
Phillip’s all-in-one outdoor sidekick—smart, subtle, and always on hand.
While the camera gear does the heavy lifting, Phillip’s Apple Watch Series 9 quietly keeps everything running smoothly in the background. Lightweight, tough, and sleek in the midnight aluminium finish, this bit of kit has become a core part of his outdoor setup—not just for photography, but for everything from long-distance walks to staying organised on the go.
Out in the field, it’s his wrist-based command centre. With GPS tracking, he can log routes, mark locations for return shoots, and stay aware of changing conditions. Need to check the time for golden hour? It's right there. Glance at the weather? Sorted. Silent haptic alerts keep him on schedule without pulling him out of the moment or making a sound—ideal when he’s deep in the zone on a remote hillside.
It’s also a wellness and pacing tool. During those multi-hour hikes with a full kit loadout, the Series 9 keeps tabs on heart rate, elevation, and energy output—perfect for Phillip’s love of long-distance walking and keeping his stamina in check.
And when he’s done shooting and back at base? It’s a seamless handoff to messages, music, and reminders—without ever needing to dig into his bag. In short, the Apple Watch Series 9 is like the dependable assistant that’s always with him, tracking, guiding, and making sure he’s right where he needs to be—whether that’s on the trail or behind the lens.
Post Processing
After a long day in the field—whether it’s been chasing fleeting light through woodlands or battling the elements on a rugged coastline—there’s nothing better for Phillip than coming back to base. This space is his haven.
The warmth of the wooden desk, the clean aesthetic of the dark wall tones, and the fresh touch of green from the potted plants all make for a calming contrast to the wild outdoors. His MacBook is ready for the next stage—downloading, reviewing, and editing the day’s captures—while the reliable stack of rugged Lacie drives sits close by, a nod to his workflow and need for bulletproof storage.
The large Roman numeral wall clock reminds him that time moves slower here—this is where he pauses. Framed above, one of his own prints glows with ethereal light, a quiet reminder of why he does what he does. The Apple headphones rest nearby, ready to drown out the world and let him sink into post-processing, music, or just peace.
This is more than a workspace—it’s a retreat. A spot to recharge, reflect, and reconnect before the next adventure begins.
For Phillip, editing isn’t an afterthought—it’s where the story truly takes shape. After hours in the field chasing perfect compositions and waiting on just the right light, he needs a laptop that can handle every detail without compromise. That’s why he relies on the Apple MacBook Air M4, 16GB, 15-inch in Midnight—a machine built for creative firepower in a sleek, ultra-portable shell.
Colour accuracy? Non-negotiable. The MacBook’s Liquid Retina display gives him crisp detail and faithful tones that match what he saw through the lens, making it a dream for fine-tuning highlights, shadows, and subtle shifts in light. Whether he’s editing vibrant sunsets or moody woodland scenes, the colour science is dialled in and trustworthy.
With the new M4 chip under the hood, this machine doesn’t break a sweat. Massive RAW files, multi-layered edits, and running Lightroom, Photoshop, and everything in between? It handles it all smoothly and silently. The 16GB RAM ensures zero slowdowns, and the larger 15-inch screen gives Phillip room to breathe and work with precision.
It’s light enough to travel with him, powerful enough to be his main machine, and reliable enough to take on the heaviest workloads without skipping a beat. In a world where timing, detail, and colour are everything, the MacBook Air M4 is Phillip’s ultimate editing tool—quietly doing the heavy lifting so he can focus on bringing his vision to life.
