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Downtown Calgary 2023

  • How I Ended Up with the Cameras I Have

    If you’ve ever gone down the rabbit hole of choosing camera gear, you know it’s never just about the specs. It’s about finding the gear that fits you — your style, your rhythm, your way of seeing. My camera journey has definitely been a bit of a winding road, full of lessons, discoveries, and a few gear swaps along the way.

    Starting Out with the Nikon Z 6II

    When I decided to really dive into photography again, I wanted to do it right this time. Years ago, I had a Canon — a great camera, but I never truly learned how to use it. This time around, I did my research, took my time, and eventually chose the Nikon Z 6II.

    It checked all the boxes: full-frame, mirrorless, compact, and capable. I was excited to finally get serious about learning the craft — not just taking photos, but understanding why I was taking them.

    Learning Why Two Cameras Are Better Than One

    Then came my first photo tour, which was both thrilling and eye-opening. One of the first things I learned before the tour from more experienced photographers was that having two camera bodies can be a lifesaver. It saves time swapping lenses and gives you backup peace of mind.

    So, I added a Nikon Z 7II to my setup. Perfect, right? Well… almost.

    On that tour, I caught myself constantly reaching for the “better” camera — the Z 7II — and kind of ignoring the Z 6II. I didn’t mean to, but it happened. The Z 6II slowly became “the other camera,” and that imbalance bugged me. I wanted both cameras to feel equally great to use.

    The Temptation of the Nikon Z 8

    Not long after, Nikon released the Z 8, and it was getting rave reviews — especially for its autofocus. Everyone was saying how quick, accurate, and effortless it was. I was intrigued.

    So, yes — I caved. I sold my Z 6II and bought the Z 8. And wow, what a difference. From the first few shoots, I could feel how much smoother it handled, especially when tracking subjects. It just made photography feel easy and fluid again.

    Finding Balance (and Buying a Second Z 8)

    Fast forward to planning another photo tour. I remembered how frustrating it was having one camera that always felt “better” than the other. I didn’t want to repeat that mistake.

    So I did something that made total sense to me — I bought a second Nikon Z 8. Now I had two identical setups, and it was the best decision ever. No more second-guessing which body to grab, no more subtle guilt over neglecting one camera. Just two reliable, powerful tools that let me focus entirely on the experience of shooting.

    My Travel Setup

    These days, I use the Z 8s for any photography-focused trips or serious shoots. They’re my workhorses — one usually with a wide or mid-range lens, the other with a telephoto.

    But when I’m traveling for pleasure and want to keep things lighter, I’ll pack the Z 7II instead. It’s smaller, lighter, and still delivers gorgeous image quality — perfect for more relaxed travel days when I’m not chasing the perfect shot.

    Looking Back

    It’s funny how camera choices can tell a story — not just about the gear, but about how you grow as a photographer. For me, it started with wanting something full-frame and manageable, and it evolved into learning how much balance and consistency matter when you’re shooting in the field.

    Now, I feel like I’ve found my groove. My gear finally fits the way I shoot — not the other way around.

  • The Camera That Finally Clicked

    How I Chose My Nikon Z 6II

    For years, I told myself I’d get back into photography “someday.” I’d owned a Canon once — long ago — but never truly learned how to use it. Back then, I shot everything on auto and hoped for the best. The best never came. It wasn’t until three years ago that I decided this time would be different.

    I wanted to take photography seriously, to understand it, and to grow with it. That meant starting with one of the most important decisions a photographer can make: choosing the right camera system.

    Step 1: Doing the Research

    If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I hate regret — especially when it comes to investing in creative tools. So, I did what every aspiring photographer does: I researched endlessly.

    I read reviews, watched YouTube comparisons, joined photography forums, and talked to other photographers about their setups. I didn’t want to buy something I’d outgrow in a year. I wanted a camera that would challenge me, inspire me, and still feel relevant as my skills evolved.

    That’s when I realized I was ready to go full-frame — not because I needed the “pro” label, but because I wanted that extra depth, detail, and low-light flexibility that full-frame sensors deliver.

    Step 2: Choosing Mirrorless Over DSLR

    Since the purchase of my old Canon DSLR, the photography world had changed. Mirrorless cameras had appeared and evolved — lighter bodies, sharper EVFs, faster autofocus, and incredible image stabilization.

    I wanted a camera that could travel easily, perform beautifully, and still feel substantial in my hands. The decision became clear: I was going mirrorless.

    Step 3: Finding “The One” — The Nikon Z6II

    After weeks of comparisons, I kept coming back to the Nikon Z6II. It felt like the perfect balance — professional performance without the bulk, a beautifully intuitive layout, and that full-frame sensor I was looking for.

    The dual card slots, 5-axis stabilization, and reliable autofocus sealed the deal. It wasn’t overkill, but it wasn’t entry-level either. It was that sweet spot where creativity meets confidence.

    When I held it for the first time, it just fit. Solid but not heavy, advanced but not intimidating. It felt like a camera I could actually grow with.

    Step 4: Building My Starter Lens Kit

    Of course, the camera body is only part of the story. I needed lenses that would give me flexibility to explore different styles while I found my creative voice.

    Here’s what I chose:

    NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S – For landscapes and wide scenes. It lets me get close and dramatic with foregrounds while keeping horizons crisp and clean.

    NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S – My everyday, do-it-all lens. Sharp, versatile, and perfect for everything from travel to portraits.

    Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 Contemporary plus a Nikon Z adapter – My wildlife powerhouse. This lens would connect me back to my early fascination with birds and distant subjects, and it was pure joy for capturing nature’s details.

    Each of these lenses supported a different side of my photography — the calm, the candid, and the wild. Together, they make up a toolkit that’s both practical and inspiring.

    Step 5: More Than Just Gear

    In the end, choosing my camera system wasn’t just about specs. It was about starting a relationship — one built on intention, curiosity, and commitment.

    The Nikon Z6II wasn’t just a camera to me. It was a promise — that this time, I would slow down, learn, experiment, and keep showing up with my camera in hand.

    And that time, I wouldn’t let it collect dust on a shelf.

    Even though I no longer own this camera, it was a very good choice at the time.

  • How to Choose Your First Camera System

    A Photographer’s Journey from Birds to Landscapes

    When I bought my first camera, all I wanted was to photograph birds and wildlife. I spent hours chasing light — and feathers — waiting quietly for a heron to land or a chickadee to pause just long enough for me to focus.

    Those moments taught me patience, but as I grew behind the lens, something shifted. I found myself drawn less to motion and more to mood — the calm of a misty morning, the warmth on a face, the stillness of a mountain reflected in a lake.
    That’s when I realized photography isn’t just about what you shoot — it’s about how your camera feels when you do it. And choosing your first camera system is a lot like finding a creative partner for that journey.

    Step 1: Start With What You Want to Capture

    Every photographer begins somewhere. For me, it was wildlife — fast, unpredictable, and demanding gear that could focus quickly and zoom far.
    If that’s your passion, you’ll want a camera with fast autofocus and telephoto lens options.
    But as I transitioned toward portraits and landscapes, I started valuing other things:
    • Beautiful color tones
    • The ability to handle changing light
    • Lenses that let me play with depth and softness
    That’s why knowing what inspires you is the best place to start when choosing your first camera. It shapes everything — from the system you buy to the way you grow.

    Step 2: Mirrorless vs DSLR — The Modern Dilemma

    The first big choice is usually mirrorless vs DSLR.
    I chose mirrorless as it seems this is the new norm. I can see my exposure live through the viewfinder — every adjustment reflected instantly.
    DSLRs (like the Canon Rebel or Nikon D5600) are great starting points — durable, proven, and easy to find second-hand.
    Mirrorless cameras (like the Canon R50, Nikon Z50, Sony α6400, or Fujifilm X-S20) are lighter, more compact, and represent where photography is headed.
    If you’re choosing your first camera today, I’d say go mirrorless — it’s the best long-term investment for beginners.

    Step 3: Full Frame or Crop Sensor

    Whether to choose a full frame or crop option is another dilemma with long-lasting consequences. If you are considering going professional, full frame is worth a serious consideration. Full frame cameras come at a higher price mark and require full frame lenses if you wish to use them to their full potential.
    If photography is meant to be a hobby, crop sensor will be sufficient.

    Step 4: Think System, Not Just Camera

    Here’s something I wish I’d known earlier: buying a camera means buying into a system — the lenses, accessories, and future upgrades that come with it.
    For wildlife, I needed long lenses. For portraits and landscapes, I wanted sharp primes and wide angles.
    Different brands offer different strengths:
    • Canon RF and Nikon Z systems have excellent all-around lenses.
    • Sony E-mount offers the widest selection and best third-party support.
    • Fujifilm X-mount blends stunning image quality with a tactile shooting experience.
    Your lenses will likely outlast your camera body, so think long-term. Choose a system that fits both your current interests and where your creativity might go next.

    Step 5: Don’t Drown in Specs

    It’s easy to get caught comparing megapixels, sensor sizes, and burst rates. But the truth is — any modern camera can produce beautiful images.
    For a beginner photographer, what matters more is:
    • How comfortable the camera feels in your hands
    • How intuitive the menus are
    • How good the autofocus is in the situations you shoot most
    When I was photographing birds, autofocus speed mattered most. Now that I shoot portraits and landscapes, it’s all about dynamic range, color, and how the camera handles light.
    Your needs will evolve — and that’s perfectly okay.

    Step 6: Try Before You Buy

    If you can, visit a camera store or rent a few models for a weekend. Hold them, shoot with them, and see which one makes you excited to go out and take photos.
    When I picked up the camera that eventually became my go-to, it just felt right. The dials, the grip, the sound of the shutter — it clicked, literally and figuratively.

    Step 7: Let Your Passion Lead, Not the Gear

    Whether you’re photographing birds, people, or sweeping landscapes, remember this: the best camera for beginner photographers isn’t the one with the most megapixels — it’s the one that keeps you inspired.
    Cameras are tools. Vision is what turns them into art.
    Choose a system that feels like an extension of your curiosity. Learn it, trust it, and take it everywhere. The more you shoot, the more you’ll discover what kind of photographer you really are.