Tommy Williams

My first introduction in to photography dates way back to when I was a little tike, playing with my parents film cameras and asking them to develop hundreds of blurry pictures. This continued for years until the first digital point and shoot cameras came along (and the pictures are still blurry).

Later on, to join the digital revolution, came the experimentation with editing software – starting with Paint Shop Pro! Over the years I developed an affinity to graphics design and digital media, mastering Photoshop, Flash, and much more of the Adobe suite through my school years.

Eventually completing my studies, I left to become a graphics designer full time at a large online marketing company. Rising through the ranks I became the Creative team leader, further training new hires on design, editing, and coding.

My experience through photography and design allowed me to really explore my creativity, while also earning enough money to buy new and better gear to assist on creating my vision. I moved on from small point and shoots, to a Canon 550D, where I went through numerous lenses and tons of gear (both cheap and expensive!) and eventually upgraded to a Canon 5D Mark III, where that became even more of a money pit.

But not only that, I could now also build upon other passions such as cars and travel. Both of which serve photography quite well, but are also huge money pits. Why are all the best hobbies expensive?

A lot of my learning and experience in photography and editing photos was self-taught and by doing photoshoots of cars, covering events, and through the travel I found myself continually embarking on. Always wanting to travel usually means fine tuning your travel kit! Finding the right bag and the right gear are essential, and should not weigh you down too badly.

This can either mean spending more to get a lighter version, or spending less on a cheaper alternative without all the bells and whistles. Or ideally, slot right in to the middle! I have since moved from Canon and got myself the Sony A7 III, which is not only lighter, but way more advanced. It is certainly a more travel friendly option!

Paired with the right camera bag, and throw in a small light weight drone, you have the ideal travel solution. But now with a baby added to the mix, my search for the right travel set up has to start all over again.