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
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