Streamlined for Storytelling: How my Fujifilm XT5 kit and minimalist approach have amplified my purpose-driven photography

Photography is more than just capturing a moment—it’s about telling stories that resonate deeply, create connections, and drive positive change. Over time, my approach to photography has evolved. Not just in the way I tell stories but also in how I equip myself to capture them. The journey began with Nikon, which I shot on for most of my career. When I decided to get an underwater set up, I got a second hand Fujifilm XT2 and 16mm f2.8 lens and paired with Seafrogs housing for underwater photography. I was blown away by how intuitive it felt to shoot with and how versatile the kit was, especially for remote and challenging environments. That experience led me to upgrade to the Fujifilm XT5 camera, and with it, a full suite of lenses that cover every focal length I need, from 16mm to 600mm.

Now, with all my gear fitting into a single rucksack, I’m equipped for anything. Whether it’s photographing the connection between people and place and they heart-led work they do or vast landscapes or documenting intimate wildlife moments. This streamlined, lightweight setup has truly empowered my purpose-driven photography. Allowing me to work in a way that is dynamic as the stories I aim to tell.

Minimalism in Photography: Streamlining My Kit for Purpose-Driven Work

As a minimalist, simplifying and refining my kit has always been a key focus. My work is grounded in telling impactful stories about people, place and planet. Having the right gear without excess weight or unnecessary complications is essential for my process. My entire setup, from wide-angle to telephoto lenses, fits into one rucksack, making my kit versatile and portable. This minimalist approach allows me to travel light and remain agile in remote locations. All while staying true to my purpose-led photography.

The camera bag of dreams finally exists!

Earlier this year at the photography show, a moment I’d been waiting for my whole career happened. I got to try on the bags by Shimoda. Designed by a photographer who comes from an action/adventure background, means every detail of how you will use your bag has come from the experience of someone who has lived it. They also have a range of backpacks that are specifically designed for women. Offering adjustable straps that can be tailored to different heights and body shapes for a truly customised fit.

Built for action and adventure, the pack’s sturdy frame ensures even weight distribution, which not only protects my gear but also prevents strain on my body. Its ergonomic design helps me carry my camera, lenses, and drone comfortably. Whether trekking in remote locations or navigating temperatures dropping way below zero. This thoughtful construction allows me to focus on capturing the story at hand. Without worrying about discomfort or the safety of my equipment.

The Peak Design Travel Tripod: A Game-Changer for Lightweight Storytelling

One of the standout additions to my streamlined kit is the Peak Design Travel Tripod. Made from carbon fibre and incredibly lightweight, this redesigned tripod is one of the smallest, most robust options on the market. About one-third the size of the tripod I used to travel with. Its compact design perfectly complements my minimalist approach, fitting seamlessly into my rucksack alongside my camera gear. What I love most is how reliable it is. Without compromising on stability or strength, allowing me to capture supported, impactful shots in all types of environments.

The weight reduction of the Peak Design tripod has been critical in ensuring that my entire setup remains lightweight and portable. Allowing me to move freely across remote locations without carrying excess weight. This has been a key factor in maintaining both the longevity of my career and my day-to-day vitality in the field.

How My Fujifilm XT5 Camera Kit and Lightweight Gear Amplify My Visual Storytelling

Upgrading to the Fujifilm XT5 camera and combining it with lenses ranging from 16mm to 600mm has transformed my photography in profound ways. Whether I’m capturing the delicate details of nature or shooting wide landscapes, this kit offers flexibility, versatility, and freedom. Here are 10 reasons why I fell in love with Fujifilm and why it has revolutionised the way I tell stories:

1. Versatility in One Bag:

All my lenses, from 16mm to 600mm, fit into a single rucksack. This allows me to be prepared for any scenario, whether it’s wide-angle shots or close-up wildlife photography.

2. Capturing Wildlife in Remote Areas:

My 150-600mm lens was a game-changer in capturing an Arctic moose in northern Norway. Something I couldn’t have achieved with my previous kit, which would have required two camera bags. The reach of this lens meant I didn’t miss the moment.

3. Lightweight and Compact:

The reduction in size and weight of the Fujifilm XT5 camera kit has significantly reduced physical strain. This is critical not only for my everyday shoots but also for the longevity of my career. Allowing me to continue telling stories without compromising my well-being.

4. Shooting in Challenging Locations:

My compact kit means I can shoot more efficiently in remote areas. From rugged coastlines to mountainous terrains, without being weighed down and it hasn’t let me down in some of the most extreme subzero conditions in the Arctic.

5. Drone and Camera in One Bag:

Either of drones (DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Mavic 3 Pro) fit easily alongside my camera gear. Ensuring I’m ready to capture aerial footage without the need for additional bags or excessive equipment.

6. Travelling with Ease:

When I travelled to Iceland to shoot with Whale Wise, I was able to pack all of my underwater housing, drone, and camera gear into my hand luggage. In the past, I would have been limited. Often relying on my husband (or dear plus one) to carry extra equipment due to weight and size restrictions.

7. The Portrait Flip Screen:

This was a game changer. Though I’d had a camera with a horizontal flip screen, to have a camera that does both orientations means you can get really creative with you compose.

8. Fast-Paced Projects:

The lightweight nature of my kit allows me to work quickly and adapt to changing conditions in real time. Whether it’s handling unexpected weather or capturing a fleeting wildlife moment, I can react and shoot faster.

9. Capturing Iconic Impactful Moments:

The versatility of my Fujifilm XT5 camera kit allowed me to capture the hanging gannet image, a harrowing moment that became one of my submissions for the Ocean Photographer of the Year. Having a streamlined kit allowed me to focus fully on the story, not the gear.

10. Empowering Purpose-Led Stories:

My kit enables me to tell the impactful stories I’m passionate about, from environmental conservation to social change. Its flexibility allows me to focus on the message, ensuring every frame serves a purpose.

What’s in the photography bag?

I pack different lenses for different projects and always have back up bodies so I can keep shooting if the worst were to happen. Here’s the line up of my Fujifilm kit and a little about how I use each one:

• XT2 body & Seafrogs underwater housing
• XT5 bodies & Seafrogs underwater housing
• 16mm f1.4 – epic wide angle, night sky, contextual images during brand shoots
• 16mm f2.8 – as above – used on my XT2 when I use 2 cameras underwater
• 23mm f2 – love this lens for interiors, street photography, portraits
• 30mm f2.8 macro – a useful focal length plus macro in a tiny lens!
• 33mm f1.4 – portraits, low light, interiors
• 56mm f1.2 – my fave lens – Fuji loaned me this and I bought one straight away! Portraits, landscapes, low light, incredible depth of field
• 50-140mm f2.8 – an epic telephoto – great for all kinds of settings and one of my favourite landscape lenses
• 150 – 600mm f5.6-8 – an unmatchable zoom range amazing for wildlife and landscapes
• 2x teleconverter – useful to have to extend the zoom of the lenses above

Conclusion: My Fujifilm kit empowers my purposeful storytelling

The journey with my kit has been huge. The decision to stop using Nikon based on the XT2 upgrading to the XT5 has been more than just an upgrade—it’s been about finding the right tools to tell impactful stories with agility, ease, and intention. Coupled with the addition of the Peak Design Travel Tripod and a minimalist approach, my kit has become something I get even more excited about creating with to create purpose-led work.

Whether capturing remote landscapes, travelling with my drone in tow, or telling radically authentic stories on the ground and underwater, the streamlined setup has empowered me to focus on what truly matters: crafting stories that connect people to the planet and inspire positive change.

If you’re a photographer or filmmaker looking to tell purposeful stories without being weighed down, I can’t recommend finding a streamlined, lightweight setup. For me, Fujifilm, DJI and Peak Design have allowed me to stay true to my vision and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, one story at a time.

official fujifilm x-photographer 2026 – present