For my first blog post, I thought it would be fun to share a little bit about my photography journey. Where I started, and the cameras I’ve used along the way.

Getting into Photography

The very first “real” camera I ever used was a Canon 60D, generously lent to me by a close family friend who happens to be a professional photographer. Before that, I had been experimenting with my iPhone, but the 60D opened up an entirely new world.

On paper, the 60D wasn’t exactly groundbreaking, but it was the perfect camera to learn with. It taught me the fundamentals, exposure triangle, focal lengths, aperture control, and every other setting that you don't have control over on an iPhone. 

The downside? The 60D was a bit of a brick. I didn’t find myself carrying it everywhere, which meant I mostly used it on family trips. Still, I always recommend older Canon DSLRs to anyone starting out; they’re affordable, reliable, and paired with a “nifty fifty,” they’re perfect for learning the basics.

My Move to Mirrorless

Fast forward to the summer of 2025, when I started diving into street photography. I was constantly inspired by the images I saw in forums and on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. A lot of the photographers I admired were using compact Fujifilm and Sony setups, and it clicked: I’d probably shoot more if my gear was smaller and easier to carry around.

I reached out to a friend who used to shoot on a Sony A6400, but by that time, he had switched to a Fujifilm X-T3. After some research, I followed suit and picked up a refurbished X-T3 and XF 35mm f/2 R WR from Adorama—just in time for a trip to Toronto.

That camera completely changed the game for me. With its far better autofocus, eye tracking, electronic viewfinder, and overall speed, I finally experienced what a modern mirrorless system could do (though still not as good as some newer systems). While it wasn’t as compact as I initially envisioned, it fit perfectly in my sling bag, meaning I could (and did) take it everywhere.

Where I am today

These days, I shoot with a Fujifilm X-T4, an upgrade from the X-T3 that keeps everything I loved but adds a little extra polish. Fujifilm’s system just fits me: the look, the usability, and of course, those film simulations.

I still use the XF35mm f/2 R WR for daily trips, but for more "professional" work, I got myself a Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8.