Digital Photography Tools

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a tool is "a device or implement used to carry out a particular function." Software digital photography editing tools and cameras with lenses enable photographers to capture, manipulate, and enhance images. Cameras and lenses serve as the primary devices for capturing photos, while editing software allows for detailed adjustments and creative enhancements, effectively fulfilling specific functions in the photographic process.

Hardware Tools

I'll start with my trusty Fuji X-T3. I did not buy my Fuji on the technical specs alone. I love the feel of the camera in my hands—the solid, all-metal construction, and the dedicated dials for ISO, aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation, and metering mode. These dials allow me to make quick changes without diving into menus. The X-T3 feels like an extension of myself, an excellent blend of form and function. My iPhone 11 Pro also plays a role, always ready to capture spontaneous moments with its multiple cameras using apps like Halide Mark II. Both of these devices have significantly influenced my creative process by providing flexibility and immediate access to high-quality image capture.

One lens that I use infrequently but holds a special place in my heart is the Asahi Optical Co. Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50mm f/1.4 that Dad gave me a few years before he passed. This was Dad’s primary lens for his Asahi Optical Co. Pentax Spotmatic II, which he also gifted to me. Despite its scrapes and dings and the fungus that now clouds it, this lens is a cherished memory of Dad. We had many adventures growing up on several islands in the Eastern Caribbean. Dad used his camera to capture the fleeting moments of our childhood, freezing those precious times on 35mm film.

My lens choices are specifically chosen for the specific shooting situations I want to be in. With its compact size and 41mm full-frame equivalent field of view the Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 R WR is great for street photography and everyday photography. The Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR is my go-to lens for versatility, covering a focal range from wide-angle to medium telephoto, perfect for landscapes and close portraits. And for bird and wildlife photography the XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR is indispensibe. These lenses provide a range of creative possibilities, allowing me to adapt to different scenarios.

Software Tools

Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and various plugins are software tools that help me perform specific tasks in my photography workflow. I've developed custom presets in Adobe Lightroom, which I've used since version 3, and Adobe Photoshop, which I've used since it became part of Adobe Creative Cloud. Presets help streamline my workflow and maintain consistency in my photos. Plugins like Jeffrey Friedl's Metadata Wrangler Export Filter make exporting images directly to WordPress easy for embedding in blog posts. These tools have significantly influenced my creative process by enabling efficient editing and consistent output, allowing me to focus more on the creative aspects of photography.

Ensuring I never miss a shot, my kit includes three Fujifilm NP-W126S Li-Ion Rechargeable Batteries and two ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V90 300R Memory Cards (64GB) for reliable power and high-speed storage. Much of this gear fits neatly into a 6L Peak Design Everyday Sling Camera Bag, allowing for easy access and comfortable carrying during photo walks or travel.

Alongside my X-T3, my iPhone 11 Pro is always with me. It's perfect for capturing those unexpected moments. Apps like Halide Mark II, combined with Adobe Lightroom Classic and Luminar Neo for post-processing, enhance the quality and creativity of my mobile photography.

I’ve also learned that sharpening images for online viewing can make a significant difference. Reducing noise before sharpening, especially with tools like Nik's Dfine 2 and Output Sharpener, has improved my low-light photos immensely.

I’ve experimented with various editing programs, but I always return to Adobe Lightroom for its familiarity and comprehensive features. My advice? Master the gear that suits your needs and stick with it. Consistency and efficiency trump the allure of constant novelty.

NOTE: Posted in response to IndieWeb Carnival July 2024: Tools