Mattia Zebi

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Hello everyone, my name is Mattia Zebi and I am twenty years old. My passion for photography started when I was fifteen. You could actually say that it started when I was younger while watching YouTube videos, playing with my dad’s old Nikon Coolpix camera and trying to understand how others took certain photographs.

I continued to use the Nikon Coolpix for some time as it was convenient and I became fond of using it. I believe that although the equipment is very important it must be the tool. Everything must start from the eye, seeing the photograph before the shot is taken with the image already in the mind.

Over time my equipment has evolved from starting with an entry-level reflex APS-C to making the big jump to mirrorless and full-frame.

Camera
I currently use a Nikon z6 moving on from the Nikon D7100 an APS-C reflex camera to full-frame and mirrorless. At first, I was a little afraid of this huge leap but now I would say that I would do it again a thousand times over as I am very happy with this machine. It is a very reactive and intuitive camera to use producing high-quality images. Not to mention that it comes in at the right price for all the features as well.

Lens
I use a humble Nikon 24-70mm f/4 with the z6 and although it is not very bright in dark conditions if you know how to use it correctly, it can produce amazing photos. I have used it for everything from weddings to landscapes to portraits. In the future, I hope to purchase a 70-200mm and a 4-24mm to round out my kit.

Lights/Triggers

I use a GODOX v860 Flash with its trigger and a Nikon SB-700 flash with a Yongnuo trigger as service lights.
I am really happy with both as they are reliable and consistent. I combine these with retroreflective panels and a square softbox.

Bag
The bag I use is a home store photographic backpack that I purchased for twenty-five euros. I have used it constantly and despite taking it to Iceland in bad weather, raining conditions and very strong winds it has held up surprisingly well, despite the low cost.

Tripod
A great investment for any photographer is a tripod. I use a Manfrotto 055 which can be difficult to manage as it is a heavier aluminium tripod. However, it does give me the guarantee of being very stable. On my trip to Iceland, it behaved divinely, even at night with strong winds and long exposures.

Software

To edit my photos I use Adobe software – Lightroom for when I do long services that require a fast and fluid approach and then Photoshop for the more accurate services where I want quality. I tend to pass all of my landscape images through Photoshop.

Misc.
In addition to my camera equipment, I always put some spare shirts and snacks in my backpack for the long stretches in the mountains. My pack allows me to connect a bottle to the outside for water or tea.

If you have a passion like the one I have for photography then give all of yourself to it, taking it higher and higher.
Only then can you say that you can truly live.

@mattia_zebi_