New glass, fresh eyes.
My photography journey started with a box brownie in the ’70s, a photography component at high school, and underwater photography in the ’80s using slide film. Photography took a back seat through the ’90s, but was rekindled in the early 2000s with a Canon 350D and 100mm macro lens. That macro lens (for dentistry) opened my eyes to a different way of seeing – getting close, noticing details, finding beauty in the small things.
There no sponsorships. Just genuine enthusiasm for what works. I’m an open book about the tools I use and where I keep learning. This gear didn’t arrive all at once. From there, it’s been a progression: Canon 7D → Canon EOS R → Canon R5 Mark II, adding lenses as I understood what I needed to see better. These are the cameras that help me find quiet beauty, and the channels that keep me curious.
Camera Bodies
My progression: Box Brownie → Nikonos IV → Canon 350D → Canon 7D → Canon EOS R → Canon R5 Mark II
The 7D was my workhorse for learning fundamentals. The EOS R brought me into mirrorless and opened up the RF mount ecosystem. The R5 Mark II is where resolution meets the demands of food photography and macro work – the detail it captures is extraordinary.
Lenses
For Food Photography:
RF 50mm F1.2 – My primary food lens. That F1.2 lets me isolate a single scallop, blur everything else away, and draw you straight into the plate.
For Macro Work:
RF 100mm F2.8 Macro – The lens that taught me “lean in to learn.” Raindrops on wooden pegs. Blackberry drupelets. The bumpy skin of a backyard lime.
EF 100mm F2.8 Macro v1 – My first macro lens. Still beautiful, still teaching me to slow down.
RF 50mm F1.2 – While not a dedicated macro lens, that F1.2 aperture creates stunning close-up work with extraordinary background separation. Perfect for ingredient details and intimate food moments.
For Storytelling & Context:
EF 24-105mm F4 – The reliable generalist. Kitchen scenes, market visits, wide shots showing the whole story.
RF 14-35mm – When I need to capture place – the sweep of a coastline, the bustle of a fish market.
For Travel:
RF 50mm F1.2 – When I travel, especially overseas, I’m limited to one lens. I choose the 50mm prime. Not because it’s convenient, but because it forces compositional thinking. You can’t zoom your way out of a problem – you have to move, consider angles, work within constraints.
For Distance & Reach:
EF 70-200mm F2.8 Mark II – Compression and intimacy from a distance.
RF 100-500mm – For the landscapes and wildlife moments when beauty calls from far away.
YouTube Channels
These channels (in no particular order) have shaped my approach to photography. Each one brings something different – technical mastery, creative vision, or a way of seeing I hadn’t considered. I’m still learning, still curious.
@JaredHoyman – Jared Hoyman – Canon-shooting photographer and videographer with a laid-back, no-nonsense approach and a good sense of humour or as he calls Jaredtiffic. Jared shares what he’s learned without taking himself too seriously – which makes the content both useful and enjoyable.
@ian_worth – Relaxed landscape photography from Wales with honest, easy-to-follow insights. Ian’s outdoor adventures with Fuji and OM cameras show how he approaches light and composition without making it feel overly technical.
@jan_wegener – Relaxed, practical bird and wildlife photography tips with down-to-earth field and editing insights. Jan’s videos focus on real shooting and clear explanations rather than just gear talk.
@simon_dentremont – Relaxed, informative photography tutorials that help you take better photos with confidence. Simon breaks down camera settings, composition, and Lightroom techniques in ways that just make sense.
@simoncennals – Simon Cennals – Photography and adventure from the Canadian Rockies with a relaxed, real-world approach. Simon shares what he’s learning in the field without getting bogged down in tech jargon.
@seantuck – Thoughtful street and creative photography with a calm, inspiring approach. Sean blends practical tips with ideas about light, intention, and storytelling. His videos feel like conversations rather than lectures.
@TheBiteShot – Joanie (The Bite Shot) – Fun, practical food photography tutorials with helpful tips and techniques. Joanie breaks down the art of making food look delicious – from camera basics to lighting and composition – without making it feel intimidating.
@vaskoobscura_ – Practical Canon photography tips and techniques with a relaxed, real-world approach. Vasko draws on years of professional experience to share useful insights and honest gear reviews without making it overwhelming.
@fototripper – Gavin Hardcastle (Fototripper) – Relaxed, practical landscape photography tips with humour and real-world setup insights. Gavin uses Hasselblad, Sony, and other gear as he travels and shoots around the world, sharing his approach to light and location choices with honest insight and a good dose of humour.
@duade – Duade (Duade Paton) – Relaxed, practical wildlife photography tips and field-tested insights. Duade shares real-world tips on camera technique and composition – often centred around birds and wildlife – without making it overly technical. His videos feel like you’re learning alongside someone who genuinely loves being out in nature with a camera.
Photo Co
My local camera store. These people understand that photography is a craft, not just transactions. They talk gear, answer questions, and support the Adelaide photography community. Supporting local matters – in food and in photography.
Canon
The tools I use to tell stories. I’ve built my kit across three bodies and multiple lenses because Canon’s ecosystem lets me see and share the way I want to.