Louise Carey
E-commerce editor, Digital Camera World
As the ecommerce editor of www.digitalcameraworld.com, it’s not too often that I get to stretch my photographic muscles during my day job. However, my not-so-secret passion is capturing self-portraiture for my personal Instagram and TikTok accounts. I’ve not only enjoyed the process of learning more about social media, but I’ve also loved regularly getting out into nature and being creative.
When you’re capturing self-portraits, you’re both model and photographer, so it’s crucial that your kit can back you up. I use two different cameras, depending on the situation. For wider landscapes where light and compact kit is key, I’ll opt for the excellent Fujifilm X-T200 and its accompanying kit lens, the Fujinon XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ. Not only does the X-T200 feature an articulating screen that I can effectively use as a ‘viewfinder’ when I’m standing in front of the camera, but I barely notice it in my kitbag.
The XC 15-45mm is a cracking piece of glass, considering it came bundled with the X-T200 as a kit lens. Admittedly, if you’re looking for bokeh, this isn’t the lens for you. However, its sharpness makes it perfect for capturing landscape details.
Yet sometimes there’s nothing better than some silky bokeh. If I’m shooting closer portraits, I’ll opt for my Nikon D800 and Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 G. I’ve had the D800 for years, and I love how versatile it is. Meanwhile, I believe that a 50mm f/1.8 is the best value for money a photographer can get (regardless of the brand).
Overall, I’m really happy with my kit. However, I like to regularly reassess what my needs are as a photographer, and whether my kit is meeting them. With MPB being the world’s largest digital photography gear resale platform, it’s really useful to scroll through the website to see whether it’s worth trading in a camera or lens to upgrade my kit.