If you’ve ever googled “best camera bag” and ended up 3 hours deep in a Reddit thread about zips… same. There’s so much out there — and not all of it’s worth your cash. So I thought I’d make a list of gear + go-to resources that have actually helped me (and didn’t break the bank).

Gear I Genuinely Use

Fujifilm X-T5
Already wrote a full blog about it — but in short, it’s a total joy to shoot with. Light, sharp, beautiful colours. 10/10 would recommend if you like shooting street, portraits, or just everyday stuff that looks cinematic.

Fujinon XF 23mm f/2
My go-to walkaround lens. Great for city shots, storytelling, and keeping things compact. Bonus: it's weather-sealed, so I’m not scared of a bit of drizzle.

Peak Design Strap
Finally gave in and got one — it’s worth it. Super comfy, easy to clip on/off, and doesn’t make you feel like a tourist.

SanDisk Extreme Pro SD Cards
Fast, reliable, boring (but essential). Never skimp on memory cards — learned that the hard way.

My Favourite Photography Resources (Mostly Free)

YouTube Channels:

• Sean Tucker – calm, insightful, big on intention behind the image.

• Mango Street – snappy, stylish tips and editing guides.

• Palle Schultz – great if you’re into Fuji-specific tips and real-world examples.

Free Lightroom Presets & LUTs:
I usually grab freebies from:

• PresetLove.com

• Photonify (some are free, some paid — just check the tags)

• Occasionally creators drop free packs via Instagram/YouTube — worth keeping an eye out.

Community + Inspiration:

• Glass.photo – like Instagram but for actual photographers.

• VSCO – still decent for moodboarding.

• Pinterest – great for location scouting + colour ideas (surprisingly underrated tbh).

Bonus: Things That Aren’t Gear But Help Me Take Better Photos

• Books: “The Photographer’s Eye” by Michael Freeman – not exactly light reading, but changed how I think about framing.

• Walking. A lot. Like, honestly? Most of my best photos come from just wandering aimlessly for an hour or two.

• Limiting myself – one lens, one goal, one shoot. Keeps things simple and creative.

In summary: You don’t need a million things — just a few that work for you. And if something’s expensive, try renting it first or checking local marketplaces. Less buyer’s remorse, more actual shooting.