The Gear Behind the Photographs
Does camera gear really matter when it comes to landscape photography? Some may disagree, but in my experience, it absolutely does.
That said, it’s not the be-all and end-all of making a good photograph. Modern cameras are incredibly capable, and great images can be created with almost any system. What matters more is choosing equipment that suits the photographer behind it.
For me, that means being comfortable with the size, weight, ergonomics, functionality, menu system, lens options and overall handling of the gear I carry. When a camera feels intuitive and dependable, it removes much of the friction from the process and allows me to focus fully on the creative side of photography.
I’ve been using Fujifilm’s X Series for many years now and remain just as happy with that decision today as I was when I first made the switch. Spending so long with the system means I know the camera inside out. While working in the field, I can adjust everything I need quickly and instinctively without diving through menus, which keeps my attention exactly where it should be — on the landscape and the light.
Below is a rundown of the photography gear I currently use when creating my landscape photographs.
Camera Body & Lenses
Fujifilm X-H1
My main camera body is the Fujifilm X-H1, a camera that has proven itself time and time again in tough conditions. It’s built like a tank, with a solid magnesium alloy body that feels dependable when working outdoors in all kinds of weather. The in-body stabilisation is incredibly useful when shooting slower shutter speeds, and after many years using the camera I know it inside out. Everything feels intuitive and familiar, which allows me to focus entirely on composing the photograph rather than thinking about the camera.
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR
This lens is the workhorse of my landscape kit. The 16–55mm range covers many of the scenes I’m drawn to, from wider landscape compositions to slightly tighter frames. It’s a solidly built lens that feels incredibly reliable in the field, and the sharpness it delivers is outstanding. For me, it’s one of those lenses that simply gets out of the way and allows the scene to take centre stage.
Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
The 100–400mm gives me the reach to explore landscapes in a completely different way. Telephoto lenses allow me to isolate distant details, compress layers in the landscape and create more abstract compositions that might otherwise go unnoticed. The image stabilisation is fantastic and makes working at longer focal lengths far easier, even in changing light. It’s an incredibly versatile lens that opens up a wide variety of photographic possibilities.
Fujifilm VPB-XH1 Vertical Power Booster Grip
The battery grip is a simple addition that makes a big difference during long days in the field. It allows me to carry additional batteries in the camera itself, extending the overall shooting time without needing to constantly stop and swap them out. This is especially useful during longer sessions such as sunrise, sunset or when flying the drone and shooting stills in between. It also improves the overall handling of the camera, particularly when working with larger lenses like the 100–400mm, giving the setup better balance and a more comfortable grip.
Fujifilm RR-100 Remote Release
The Fujifilm RR-100 remote release is a small but very useful tool in my landscape kit. When working with longer exposures or slower shutter speeds, even the slightest movement can introduce unwanted vibration. Using a remote release allows me to trigger the shutter without touching the camera, keeping everything perfectly still and ensuring maximum sharpness.
It’s especially helpful when shooting on a tripod during sunrise, sunset, or blue hour, where longer exposures are often needed to capture the mood and light of the scene. Simple, lightweight and reliable, it’s one of those accessories that quietly plays an important role in producing the final photograph.
DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone
For those moments when I want to capture a scene from a completely different perspective, I carry the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Drones have opened up a whole new way of seeing the landscape, allowing me to explore compositions, patterns and scale that simply aren’t visible from the ground.
The Mini 4 Pro is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry in my bag without adding too much extra weight. I also carry several spare batteries, which allows me to stay in the air longer when conditions are good and the light is constantly changing.
Alongside the drone, I use the official DJI Mini 4 Pro filters, which are particularly useful during sunrise and sunset. These help control exposure and shutter speed, allowing for smoother motion in clouds or water and producing more natural-looking aerial footage and photographs.
I also use the DJI Smart Controller, which makes flying the drone far more convenient in the field. Having a built-in screen means I can power up quickly without needing to connect my phone, making the whole process much simpler when I’m out on location.
It’s a fantastic tool to have in the bag and one I often reach for when I want a fresh perspective on a landscape I know well.
Tripods, Heads & Camera Bags
Benro Mach3 TMA47AXL Aluminium Tripod
A solid tripod is an essential part of my landscape photography kit, and the Benro Mach3 TMA28A has proven to be incredibly reliable in the field. Built from aluminium, it strikes a great balance between strength and durability, giving me a stable platform for shooting in all kinds of conditions.
Whether I’m working with longer exposures, photographing in low light, or using my telephoto lens, having a sturdy tripod allows me to compose carefully and keep everything perfectly sharp. It’s a dependable piece of equipment that I trust when the wind picks up or the terrain gets uneven, and it’s more than capable of supporting my camera setup out in the landscape.
Benro G3 Ball Head
A more recent addition to my kit is the Benro G3 Ball Head, which I switched to after previously using a Manfrotto setup. The change has been a very welcome one. The G3 offers incredibly smooth movement while still locking down firmly once the composition is set, giving me confidence that the camera will stay exactly where I place it.
It’s strong enough to comfortably support my camera and longer lenses, yet precise enough to allow small adjustments when refining a composition. When working in landscape photography, where tiny framing changes can make a big difference, having a ball head that is both stable and responsive is incredibly valuable. This has quickly become an essential part of my tripod setup.
Benro GD3WH Geared Head
Another recent addition to my kit is the Benro GD3WH geared head. While a ball head is great for speed and flexibility, a geared head allows for a much more precise and deliberate approach to composition. Each axis can be adjusted independently using fine control knobs, making it far easier to make small, accurate framing adjustments.
This is particularly useful when I want to slow down and really refine a composition, especially when working with longer lenses or scenes that require careful alignment. The lightweight magnesium build keeps the weight manageable while still feeling solid and dependable on the tripod. It’s quickly become a fantastic tool for moments when precision matters most.
Benro Travel Angel Carbon Fibre Tripod
When travelling abroad, I switch to the Benro Travel Angel Carbon Fibre Tripod. Weight and packability become much more important when flying or moving around unfamiliar locations, and this tripod strikes a great balance between portability and stability.
The carbon fibre construction keeps the weight down while still providing a solid platform for my camera. With its compact folding design and five-section legs, it packs down small enough to fit comfortably into luggage or a travel backpack. Despite its lightweight design, it still offers the stability I need for long exposures and careful compositions while exploring new landscapes.
TILOPA 50L DuraDiamond
The F-Stop Tilopa 50L in black is currently the workhorse of my camera bag lineup. When I’m heading out with a full landscape kit, this is the bag I most often reach for. It offers a huge amount of space without feeling overly bulky, allowing me to comfortably carry my camera body, lenses, filters, tripod and other essentials for a full day in the field.
The build quality is excellent — solid, sturdy and clearly designed with outdoor photographers in mind. It’s a bag that feels dependable when walking long distances or working in changing conditions. I also appreciate the low-key design. It doesn’t scream “expensive camera gear inside,” which is always a bonus when travelling or moving through public areas.
Between this and my Shimoda bags, it forms the backbone of the kit I rely on when heading out to photograph the landscape.
Shimoda Action X50 v2 Medium — Army Green
The Shimoda Action X50 v2 is one of the main bags I rely on when heading out with a full landscape kit. It’s built with outdoor photographers in mind, offering a large 50-litre capacity and modular internal system, which means I can carry my camera, lenses, filters, tripod and personal gear comfortably for a full day in the field.
What I particularly like about this bag is how well it balances capacity, comfort and accessibility. The rear and side access points allow me to reach my camera quickly without unpacking everything, while the adjustable harness system makes long walks far more comfortable.
The expandable roll-top design is another feature I really appreciate. On days when I’m carrying extra clothing, food or accessories, it gives me that additional space without needing a different bag. It’s also built with durable, weather-resistant materials and even includes a rain cover, which is exactly what you want when working outdoors in unpredictable conditions.
Overall, it’s a rugged, well-thought-out bag that feels purpose-built for photographers who spend a lot of time outdoors, and it’s one of the bags I trust most when carrying my gear into the landscape.
Shimoda Explore 35 v2 Backpack — Army Green
The Shimoda Explore 35 v2 is the bag I tend to reach for when I don’t need to carry my entire kit. It’s perfect for sunrise shoots, sunset sessions and shorter day trips, where I only need the essentials rather than a full expedition setup.
It offers plenty of room for my camera body, a couple of lenses, filters and personal items, while still remaining compact and comfortable to carry for long walks. Like all Shimoda bags, it’s built with outdoor photographers in mind — rugged, weather-resistant and designed to handle the realities of working in the landscape.
What I particularly like about the Explore series is how lightweight and practical it feels, making it ideal for those moments when I want to move quickly and travel a little lighter without sacrificing protection for my gear. It’s a dependable bag that fits perfectly into those smaller photography outings where simplicity is key.
Filters, Power & Storage Accessories
Shimoda Accessories
Alongside my Shimoda backpacks, I also use a range of Shimoda accessories that help keep my kit organised and easy to manage while out in the field. These smaller items might seem simple, but they make a big difference when it comes to keeping everything protected and exactly where I expect it to be during a shoot.
I carry things like a Shimoda memory card wallet, which keeps my SD cards safe and organised, as well as filter wrapsthat protect my filters from scratches while keeping them easy to access. I also use a number of Shimoda accessory pouches, which are perfect for storing the smaller items that are always part of a photography kit.
Inside these pouches I keep things such as my Anker power bank, charging cables and drone accessories, ensuring everything is neatly stored rather than loose in the bag. All of these accessories are in Army Green, matching my Shimoda camera bags, which keeps the whole setup looking consistent and easy to identify when packing or unpacking gear.
They’re small additions, but together they help keep my kit organised, protected and ready to go whenever I head out into the landscape.
LEE100 Deluxe Filter Kit
Filters are an important part of my landscape photography workflow, allowing me to control light in-camera and achieve a more balanced exposure before the photograph is even taken. I use the LEE100 Deluxe Filter Kit, a system known for its quality, reliability and ease of use in the field.
The system allows me to quickly attach and swap filters depending on the conditions I’m working in. Included in my kit is a circular polariser, which is incredibly useful for reducing reflections, cutting glare and enhancing colour and contrast in the landscape. I also use a selection of graduated neutral density filters — including a soft grad, medium grad and hard grad — which help balance bright skies with darker foregrounds, particularly during sunrise and sunset when the contrast in the scene can be quite strong.
Alongside these, I often carry a 10-stop neutral density filter, which is especially useful when photographing along the coast. This allows me to create long exposures even in brighter conditions, smoothing the movement of water and clouds to produce a more atmospheric and minimalist image.
Together, these filters give me the control I need to shape light and exposure while staying true to the scene in front of me.
Field Clothing & Footwear
Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket
The Rab Neutrino Pro Down Jacket is a recent addition to my field clothing, and it has quickly become a favourite for colder mornings and winter shoots. Landscape photography often means standing still for long periods while waiting for the light to change, and having proper insulation makes a huge difference when the temperature drops.
This jacket uses high-loft 800 fill-power goose down, which delivers excellent warmth while still remaining relatively lightweight and packable. The Pertex® Quantum Pro outer fabric adds weather resistance and durability, helping it handle wind, light snow and harsh outdoor conditions.
What I particularly like is the balance between serious warmth and practicality. It packs down well into a camera bag when I’m moving, but when the cold really sets in — especially during sunrise, sunset or winter mornings in the field— it’s the perfect layer to throw on while waiting for the right moment.
It’s a technical jacket built for the mountains, but it works perfectly for photographers who spend long stretches of time outdoors in cold conditions.
Rab Nexus Pull-On
The Rab Nexus Pull-On is my go-to fleece layer when I’m out photographing in cooler conditions. It’s lightweight, breathable and incredibly comfortable, making it ideal for early morning shoots, long walks and changing weather.
Made from Thermic™ stretch fleece, it provides a great balance between warmth and breathability while remaining low-bulk and easy to layer under a jacket. That’s important when working outdoors, as conditions can change quickly and layering becomes key to staying comfortable.
The half-zip design also allows me to regulate temperature easily while walking or setting up compositions, and the stretch fabric gives plenty of freedom of movement when carrying a camera bag or working around a tripod.
For me, it’s the perfect mid-layer for landscape photography — warm enough to take the chill off during sunrise or sunset, but breathable enough that I don’t overheat when covering ground between locations.
Rab Force Tee
The Rab Force Tee is a lightweight base layer that I wear when photographing in warmer conditions. It’s incredibly light, breathable and comfortable, making it ideal for long walks, summer shoots and warmer sunrise or sunset sessions in the field.
Made with technical fabric designed to wick moisture and dry quickly, it helps keep you cool and comfortable when moving around with a camera bag or setting up compositions. It also features odour control and UV protection, which makes it a great option for spending long days outdoors in the landscape.
For me, it’s a simple but very practical piece of field clothing — lightweight, comfortable and cool, whether worn on its own in summer or layered under a fleece and jacket when the temperature starts to drop.
Rab Torque Pants
The Rab Torque Pants have been my go-to trousers for almost ten years now, and they’ve proven themselves time and time again out in the field. When you spend a lot of time walking through uneven terrain, wet grass and rough landscapes, having clothing that’s both comfortable and durable becomes incredibly important.
These trousers strike a great balance between toughness, flexibility and comfort. The reinforced areas add durability where it’s needed most, while the stretch fabric allows for complete freedom of movement when climbing over fences, setting up a tripod or covering miles on foot.
They’re also lightweight and breathable, which makes them suitable for use across most of the year. After nearly a decade of use, they’ve become a dependable part of my outdoor kit and something I rarely head out without when photographing the landscape.
Vallerret Markhof Pro V3 Photography Gloves
The Vallerret Markhof Pro V3 photography gloves are, quite simply, the best gloves I’ve used for shooting in cold conditions. When photographing in winter or during early morning shoots, keeping your hands warm while still being able to operate your camera properly is essential.
These gloves are specifically designed for photographers, featuring flip-back thumb and index fingertips, which allow quick access to camera controls without having to remove the gloves entirely. This makes adjusting dials, pressing buttons or changing settings far easier when working in cold weather.
They’re warm, comfortable and well built, with a great balance between insulation and dexterity. For landscape photography, where you can spend long periods standing still waiting for the right light, they make a huge difference in keeping your hands warm while still allowing you to work efficiently behind the camera.
Muck Boot Arctic Sport Tall Boots
Living in Dale Abbey, the landscape quickly turns into a bog and mud fest during the autumn and winter months, so a solid pair of boots is absolutely essential. For me, the Muck Boot Arctic Sport Tall Boots are the perfect solution when the fields, paths and woodland tracks become saturated.
These boots are 100% waterproof, which means I can walk through deep mud, wet grass and standing water without worrying about soaked feet. They’re built with neoprene insulation and a fleece lining, providing excellent warmth and comfort during cold winter mornings in the field.
The tall design also helps keep mud and water out, which is particularly useful when crossing flooded fields or walking through long grass. Despite being tough and durable, they’re surprisingly comfortable for long walks and standing around waiting for the light to arrive.
For photography in the British countryside — especially somewhere like Dale Abbey in winter — they’ve become an essential piece of kit that allows me to focus on the landscape rather than worrying about where I’m stepping.
Altra Lone Peak 9 GTX
For spring and summer, when the days are longer and the walks get further — often with Indie in tow — comfort becomes the priority. For those days I wear the Altra Lone Peak 9 GTX trail shoes.
These are lightweight trail shoes designed for long days outdoors, and they strike a great balance between comfort, grip and protection. The GORE-TEX waterproof membrane keeps my feet dry in wet grass, puddles and muddy paths while still remaining breathable when the temperature rises.
They also feature a Vibram® Megagrip outsole, which provides excellent traction on mixed terrain — perfect for woodland trails, fields and uneven ground. Combined with Altra’s cushioned midsole and wider toe box, they’re incredibly comfortable when covering miles on foot.
For me they’re the ideal footwear when I’m heading out for longer walks, day trips or extended photography sessions, where comfort and reliability matter just as much as performance. When I’m walking further across the countryside with Indie beside me, these are the shoes I reach for.
Workspace & Editing
SANODESK QS1 Electric Standing Desk
A recent addition to my office and editing setup is the SANODESK QS1 electric standing desk. As the years go by, I’ve definitely started to notice the benefits of being able to move around more while working, and the urge to stand and stretch during long editing sessions has become far more apparent.
This height-adjustable desk allows me to easily switch between sitting and standing, which has made a noticeable difference when spending long periods editing photographs or working on my website. The electric adjustment and memory settings make it quick to move between preferred heights, so the transition is effortless throughout the day.
It’s a simple upgrade, but one that has made my workspace far more comfortable and flexible. Editing can often mean hours at the computer, so having the ability to stand, stretch and change posture has been a really welcome improvement to my daily workflow.
VASAGLE Adjustable Bar Stools
To complement the standing desk and overall office space, I recently added a set of VASAGLE adjustable bar stools. They fit perfectly with the desk setup and provide a comfortable option when I want to sit at a higher working position rather than using a traditional office chair.
The stools feature adjustable height and a 360° swivel, which makes them practical when moving around the workspace or switching between sitting and standing throughout the day. The metal footrest and supportive backrest also make them surprisingly comfortable during longer editing sessions.
Finished in caramel brown PU leather, they bring a bit of warmth and character to the office space while still keeping the setup clean and functional. It’s a simple addition, but one that complements the standing desk nicely and helps create a workspace that feels both comfortable and practical for editing and day-to-day work.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4)
When it comes to editing my photographs, speed, power and reliability are essential. The 15-inch MacBook Air with Apple’s M4 chip is the machine I rely on to handle that workload.
Powered by the Apple M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and GPU, combined with 16GB of unified memory, it delivers the performance needed to move smoothly through large RAW files and demanding editing sessions. Whether I’m working in Lightroom, Photoshop or exporting images for the website, everything feels fast and responsive.
The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is another huge advantage when editing photographs. With its sharp resolution and excellent colour reproduction, it allows me to clearly see the subtle tones and details that matter when refining an image.
Despite its performance, the MacBook Air remains thin, lightweight and capable of up to around 18 hours of battery life, which makes it just as useful when working away from the desk or travelling.
For me, it’s the perfect balance of power and portability — giving me the confidence that when I sit down to edit a photograph, the computer will keep up with the creative process rather than slow it down.
Editing Software — Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom
When it comes to editing my photographs, I keep things simple. Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom are the only tools I use, and together they form the backbone of my editing workflow.
Lightroom is where the majority of the work happens. It allows me to organise, catalogue and develop my RAW files efficiently while making careful adjustments to colour, tone and contrast. It’s an incredibly powerful tool for refining an image while staying true to the scene I experienced in the field.
For more detailed work, I turn to Photoshop. This is where I handle any precise adjustments or finishing touches that require a bit more control. The combination of the two programs gives me everything I need to take a photograph from capture to final image.
For me, keeping the workflow focused on these two tools helps maintain consistency, efficiency and creative controlthroughout the editing process.
Field Tech & Essentials
When it comes to being prepared and having confidence out in the field, Phillip relies on a small collection of technology and practical tools that make time spent outdoors easier, safer and more efficient.
One of the most important tools he carries is his iPhone 17 Pro Max, which acts as a powerful companion while working in the landscape. It’s used for a variety of essential apps including weather forecasting, mapping, compass navigation, location tracking and staying in contact when exploring further from home. Having these tools readily available provides reassurance and allows Phillip to make informed decisions when planning or adjusting a shoot.
Alongside this, his Apple Watch Series 9 offers many of the same features but with the added convenience of being right there on his wrist. Whether quickly checking the weather, tracking movement or navigating with maps, it allows information to be accessed instantly without needing to reach for his phone.
For longer outings, Phillip often carries a Jetboil stove, which makes it easy to prepare a hot drink while out in the landscape. During cold mornings or long waits for the light to arrive, a warm cup of coffee or tea can make all the difference.
Finally, a Leatherman multi-tool is always kept in his bag. While it’s rarely needed, it’s one of those items that provides peace of mind — a reliable tool that can help in small emergencies or unexpected situations while out in the field.
