Pete Elliott

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So, my name is Pete, and I’m a commercial photographer from The New Forest, UK.

I tend to specialise in anything outdoors, lifestyle and sport. It’s kind of hard to put a label on it because ever since I picked up a camera five years ago, photography has taken me down so many different pathways.

I’m genuinely happy as long as I’m outside, with some good company and with a camera in my hand. That is something that’s rung true throughout my whole career with photography.

I started shooting landscapes as it was so natural for me to be outdoors. Family holidays had always consisted of hiking and skiing, so when I picked up a camera after university, this sparked my love for being outdoors.

I love to push myself mentally and physically and to be somewhere most people would only dream about being for sunrise or sunset. The trials and tribulations of wild camping and hiking to remote areas are so fulfilling for me, and when I can look back on an image and remember the effort that went into getting the shot, it is what really excites me.

I have always used mirrorless systems. I love the portability of them, and of course, in recent years, they’re just as good as DSLR systems.

I’ve always shot with the Fujifilm X Series, starting with an XT-1 and making my way up to the Fujifilm X-T4, which is a great hybrid camera.

Both the Fujifilm X-T4 and the Fujifilm X-H2S are outstanding cameras.

They really suit my run-and-gun shooting style and life in general. Both are weather-sealed and stand up to the toughest conditions, shooting in minus fifteen degrees in winter and relentless rain in Scotland really tests them out.

With Fujifilm, the ability to pre-load film presets into the camera is, without a doubt, my favourite feature, and you can really achieve those subtle colours with this.

Since moving into commercial photography, I always opt for primes when it comes to shooting, giving you a little more depth in images and a much more professional look. It can be a little more time-consuming and a bit more to carry, but it’s worth it.

Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR – a great all rounder.

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR – so compact and provides incredible bokeh.

Fujifilm XF33mm f/1.4 R LM WR – my favourite lens, rarely leaves the camera. Perfect for achieving depth in so many situations.

Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 OIS – a great sports lens with incredible autofocus.

Fujifilm XF10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR – solid wide angle, no distortion and great for getting up close and immersing people in images (not in gear shot as away for repair).

My bag of choice for most everything, camping, skiing, hiking and photography, is the Shimoda X50. It’s a great camera bag for the modern adventurer. It takes all of my camping gear, and I can be safe in the knowledge my camera kit is well protected.

Vanguard VEO Carbon Travel Tripod 2 265cb – this is a lightweight, reliable piece of kit. Although I rarely use it, it’s still incredibly handy to have.

All of my edits are done in Lightroom. It’s a powerful tool for colour grading, and I use Photoshop for minor adjustments and cleanup. I try to edit with natural colours and not go overboard, rather depicting the image as I saw it.

Outdoor Provisions Nut Butter – for me, it is essential for any trip out with your camera!

Shooting landscapes forces you to get outside and find the beauty that surrounds us. Shooting people forces you to connect with others and to find out things about people.

When I get out into nature with just my camera, I’m completely present in the moment.

Photography is a vehicle that I’ve used to get into so many other things, seeing new places, meeting new people, developing lifelong friendships, having new experiences and pushing the boundaries of my capabilities.

For this, I’ll be forever grateful, and it’s one of the most rewarding things about this career path.

Although I shoot commercially now, I will always remember to take my camera out for fun as I did when I started out, without any attachment to the outcome.

I always try and include a deeper meaning in my work, to try and inspire others to get out and explore the beauty this planet has to offer, and I hope this is reflected in my work.

www.pete-elliott.com | @pete_ell