My 10 favourite photography things...

That aren’t a photo camera.

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Be it for myself or for others, I spend a lot of $$$ each year on creative gear and the truth this, much of it doesn’t leave a lasting impression on me.

I mean sure, it’s cool and there’s some value, but there’s only a small collection of items that give me this ‘HOLY SH*T!’ experience, where I feel like I’m getting way more value than what I paid.

Well, I’ve collected ten of those things that I’ve invested in over the last couple years and would still recommend for creatives today. Enjoy!

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1. Ona Clifton Backpack

It’s not the perfect backpack but it’s incredibly versatile where I find myself reaching for it more times than not. And most importantly, it doesn’t scream camera bag when I’m travelling. Modular design and available in a beautiful leather finish as well.

2. AirPods Pro II

This is the best iteration of AirPods if you’re asking me. Whether it’s transparency mode to appear aloof in the streets, cutting out all that airplane noise, or juggling calls away from your office, AirPods have become synonymous with the creative on-the-go. Highly recommend these specific ones.

3. Profoto A2 & Trigger

Off-camera lighting is not complicated and the Profoto system is the best example of that. I’ve started migrating my lighting solution to this, starting with the A2, and it’s proven to be far more valuable than the price of entry. Simple, well made, and just a damn good light.

4. PortaBrace Bag

Why didn’t anyone tell me that they made bags specifically for rigged-up cinema cameras?! Where you could have your kit built out and just drop it in and out of one protective bag with ease. That’s exactly what PortaBrace provides. A must-have solution for the working creative.

5. Masters of Photography: Joel Meyerowitz

I take all kinds of online workshops. Whether it’s from masters or novices, I will easily spend on education because you just NEVER know when you’ll come across a nugget of information that changes your entire workflow. While it carries a hefty price tag, this masterclass is easy worth every penny. If you’re serious about improving your street photography, get this course!

6. Apple Studio Display

You ever just think something can’t be worth it, and then you take a chance and suddenly realize you should’ve just invested months ago? That’s what the Studio Display was for me. A solid screen with great colour accuracy that works perfectly in an Apple ecosystem.

7. Grovemade Laptop Stand

I think this might be the most underrated item on a the list. It’s a laptop stand. It makes your laptop… stand. But I guess I never came across one that looked and felt as nice as this one!

8. Segregation Story by Gordon Parks

I’ve been waiting for these images to be collected into a modern book for years. This photobook delivers a powerful collection of images from the Parks archive and serves as a visual reminder of the lingering effects of slavery in America. I’ve only had this in my collection for a few weeks but I cannot recommend it highly enough.

9. Canon C70

I can count on one hand the number of cameras that have left a lasting impression on me. The Canon C70 is one of those cameras. Yes, it’s a cinema camera but one that became essential for the documentary work around my photography trips. The mix of a great sensor, built-in ND filters, DSLR design, regular software updates, and more, this might be the best camera to invest in if you’re looking to get serious about video production.

10. A Dumb Watch

I’ve owned an Apple Watch since they were on the market and would upgrade it every 3-4 years but this year, after hanging out with too many watch people, I decided to get a dumb watch. Specifically this G-SHOCK from Hodinkee. Do you need this specific watch? No. But if you’ve been on a smart watch for years like me, I think it’s worth swapping it out on occasion and see what it does for your work.

The first episode of the Church & Street show is streaming now. Follow me as I go on some photography adventures around the world and meet some remarkable people along the way.

There it is!

I’ve kept this short and easy to read on purpose so if you have any follow-up questions, let me know in the comments. This newsletter is only a couple emails a month so was a glorified shopping list really worth of being sent out like this? Maybe.

I kept going back and forth and just decided to send it out to let you all decide. I think once or twice a year is okay to visit some of the sh*t that I’ve invested in and genuinely find value from. But in any case, you can let me know in the comments what you think.

Thanks for reading! See ya next time.

GB

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