What camera I use and manipulation of my photo images.

What Camera Do I Use?

People ask me all the time, “What camera do you use?”
The truth is simple: a camera is just a tool.

Right now, I’m using a Nikon D7100 with only Nikon prime lenses. I know its strengths, and more importantly, I know its limitations. When you understand what your equipment can and cannot do—and you stay within that range—you can create powerful images with almost anything.

Would I love to upgrade one day? Absolutely. A Nikon D850 or better would be ideal. If the need ever becomes so essential that I have no choice, I’ll find a way to make it happen. But right now, the camera I have serves me well.

What truly makes my work stand out is not the gear—it’s my creative vision and the years I’ve invested in developing my eye. My philosophy has always been that art isn’t defined by the tools, but by the artist’s ability to see, to interpret, and to communicate something meaningful.

One of the most important skills in photography is understanding light. Light can transform everything—the mood, the atmosphere, the emotion of an image. Whether it’s the soft stillness before first light, the glow of early morning, or the warm gold of sunset, learning how to work with natural light is what gives my photographs their character. Sometimes that moment happens instantly. Other times, it takes days of returning to the same place, waiting for the exact light I envision.

In the end, it’s not the camera.
It’s the vision, the patience, and the dedication behind it.

Are these the real thing?

Most of the time people ask me if my colors or the image is real. Do I use Adobe Photoshop? Or similar questions but they all ask the same thing. 

I have a clear approach to my photography, and I strive to capture the essence of the scene primarily through the camera rather than relying heavily on post-processing in digital tools like Adobe Photoshop. This approach is not uncommon, and many photographers emphasize the importance of getting things right in-camera.

By using a raw format and limiting my digital darkroom adjustments to what could be done in a traditional wet lab, I am focusing on maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the original scene. This is a valid artistic choice, and clear deep respect for the craft of photography.

I have the notion that allowing the image to guide how it should be presented in different formats (paper, metal, etc.) is a great way to showcase my work, as each medium can bring out different aspects of the photograph.

In the end, both approaches – heavily manipulated digital art and more purist, in-camera photography – have their place, and it's up to the individual photographer to choose the style that resonates with them. My approach highlights the importance of capturing a genuine moment through the lens and making thoughtful decisions during the editing process.