Check out this interview with Mark Condon!

He is the founder of ShotKit, a website that showcases exciting photographers and the equipment they keep in their camera bags.

1) Tell us a little bit about ShotKit.

Shotkit showcases the work and camera gear of popular photographers from around the world. It also features photography related musings in the Blog , including photographer interviews and impartial gear reviews.

2) How long has ShotKit existed?

I launched Shotkit in February 2014, so it’s still only a baby :-)

3) How did you come up with the idea of ShotKit?

I’ve had the idea for quite some time about making a website which shows what items people carry in their bags. Originally I set out to make an all-encompassing theme to show various categories of bags - school bag, sports bag, camera bag, make up bag etc. I still intend to make this site one day, but no doubt the idea will be pinched before I get to it!

After procrastinating a while with an outsourced developer, I gave up on the first idea and decided to have a go at making the site myself, concentrating just on what I was most passionate about - photography and camera gear. I love finding out what camera gear my favourite photographers use to create their work, and I figured I mustn’t be the only one!

4) Mark, if we took a look into your camera bag, what would we find?

Nikon D610 x2 (I’ll probably upgrade to the Nikon D750 when it’s announced, purely for the alleged flip-out screen);

Nikon SB-700 x2 (rarely used, just for the dance floors of weddings);

Nikon 20mm f/2.8D (used 1% of the time, for group shots where there’s no room to move back);

Nikon 35mm f/1.4G (used 80% of time);

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D (used 4% of time for dance floors since it’s incredibly quick to focus. I also use this for traveling);

Nikon 85mm f/1.4G (used 10% of time for the odd portrait or times when I need more reach);

Fujifilm X100S (used for personal stuff. I have a love hate relationship with this camera. Despite what people say, the focusing (and handling in general) sucks, but the image quality is amazing and I do like the look. Will probably upgrade to the X100T when released, again for the alleged flip out screen!);

Roberu leather camera strap (from Japan where I used to live. Attached to the Fuji);

Holdfast Money Maker (dual strap for the Nikons, only worn for weddings. Normally I like to go strapless);

Colorspace UDMA backup drive;

SD cards; batteries; plastic bags; muesli bars; pain killers; blister plasters.

All that’s stuffed into a ThinkTank Retrospective 30 (I reviewed it here ). I would use the Holdfast Roamographer (reviewed here ), but it won’t fit under my scooter saddle!

5) What was the most surprising/funniest/weirdest piece of camera equipment a photographer on your website has had in his or her bag?

I keep expecting (hoping) for someone to send in a bag that includes some comedy items, such as condoms, cocaine, or a dildo, but unfortunately that still hasn’t been the case! The best I’ve had are dogs, cats, and babies - no doubt to help carry the bags.

6) What is your favorite part of your job?

I actually have 3 jobs - a day job in online marketing, a weekend job as a wedding photographer, and a ‘get up really early’ job as editor of Shotkit. It’s this balance of consistent income and a great office environment at my day job, creative outlet, and challenge as a wedding photographer, and innovation in content creation with Shotkit that keeps me motivated. All those elements combined make me happy in my working life :-)

We’re due to have a baby in the next week though, so let’s see how dirty nappies and sleep deprivation go into that mix!

Check out Shotkit today! www.shotkit.com