Kurt Arrigo














Being born on a little island in the Mediterranean, Malta, I guess it was just a natural progression to connect with the sea which I did willingly at a very early age. I have been working as a marine photographer for over 20 years, capturing moments of how we interact with mother nature.
Having switched to a digital system a few years ago one thing I certainly learnt is that electronics and saltwater are not the best of friends. Having said that I can honestly say that my equipment has never let me down!
My choices of bodies and lenses change depending on what I am shooting. I personally like to feel that they are just an extension of what I am seeing and being able to capture that moment without thinking too much.
One thing always sticks in my mind from my early underwater shooting days. I had read an article with a title: “If you don’t have a good sense of humour, don’t take up underwater photography”!
In my bags
Underwater
I use Subal Housing with my Nikon D800 with 9″ port- I tend to use prime lenses more – preferably the Nikon 24mm f/1.4
On the water / high seas
Depending on the action I switch between Nikon D4 and Nikon D800
Lenses anything from Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 to Nikon 400mm f/2.8
The 400mm is a challenging lens to use simply because it weighs a lot and one cannot use a monopod on the water – however, I love using it.
In the chopper…
First preference would be the Nikon D800 and then move over to the Nikon D4 if there is more action. The lenses – same as above.
On the road …
Leica – I have been fond of the cameras for quite a while – My latest M goes with me most places. My favourite lens would be the Noctilux.
List of equipment in the bags:
Nikon D4
2 x Nikon D800
one Leica M
Nikon 16mm f/2.8
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8
Nikon 400mm f/2.8
Nikon SB-900 and SB-800
Leica Elmarit-M 24mm f/2.8
LEICA 50mm f/1 NOCTILUX
LEICA 90mm f/2.8 ELMARIT-M
Memory cards SanDisk and Lexar
Macbook Pro / Drobo / Gdrives on the go.
Sadly a huge bunch of cables/chargers (wish someone could up with one charger that charges all …. )
Bags
Think Tank Airport International / Shoulder
A couple of big Pelican Cases


Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.
Includes limited-time discounts.