My Everyday Photography Equipment

My everyday camera bag.

Photography is more than just capturing moments—it's an art form that allows you to express your vision of the world. I don’t believe that every shot needs to be perfect, but I strive to capture those once-in-a-lifetime photos that evoke emotion and tell a story. While perfection isn’t my goal, the authenticity of a moment is what drives my passion for photography.

I prefer black-and-white photography, as it strips away distractions and lets you focus on composition, texture, and light. My film of choice for black-and-white shots is Ilford XP2 Super Black and White Negative Film, which delivers rich contrasts. However, when I shoot in color, I prefer using the Kodak Ultramax 400 and Kodak Portra 400, as they both offer vibrant tones and excellent versatility.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the essential photography equipment I rely on—everything from cameras and lenses to the accessories I carry with me at all times. For those interested, all product links direct you to The Dark Room's film index, where you’ll find comprehensive film reviews, which I plan to discuss further in a future blog post.

Cameras

Olympus Mju Zoom & Olympus XA2

Choosing the right camera is one of the most critical decisions for any photographer, as it can shape your style and influence the kind of images you capture. Cameras come in many forms, each tailored to different shooting needs and preferences. Currently, I favor using point-and-shoot cameras due to their simplicity and incredible portability. These compact cameras are easy to carry, making them perfect for spontaneous, on-the-go photography.

However, one of the drawbacks of using point-and-shoot cameras is the limited manual control. The ability to tweak settings like aperture, shutter speed, and focus is often restricted. Despite these limitations, I find that the convenience and ease of use often outweigh these cons, especially when I’m aiming for quick, candid shots. The two cameras I am using are the Olympus Mju Zoom & Olympus XA2, they both have been consistent in the quality of images.

Accessories

Slide Sling

A water-resistant bag that fits all my needs.

Small Journal

For keeping track of what film I am using writing quick notes. Also never leave home without a pen.

Japan Camera Hunter 35mm Film Hard Case

Great for procteing, organizing and spreating exposed an unexposed film.

Having the right photography equipment and setup can transform your creative process and open up new possibilities. By investing in equipment and tools that match your style and needs, you can keep exploring the endless possibilities that photography offers.

There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer
— Ansel Adams
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Thrifting pt.1

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My first analog camera