Matthew Jones
Automobile, Lifestyle | Last Updated: April 4, 2024
Howdy! My name is Matthew Jones and I’m an Atlanta, Georgia based photographer specializing in all things moto and moto-lifestyle related (if that makes any sense). I’ve been shooting around the country for longer than I can remember and have had the opportunity of working with a large variety of reputable brands that are completely irrelevant to this post.
To tell you a little more about myself — I like to say, “My work captures the natural special effects that light, landscape and authentic lifestyles provide”… but the reality is, I just like having fun, going fast and getting dirty. If it moves, makes loud noises and is more than likely dangerous, I want in.
And since I’ve prolonged this entry for nearly 9 months in effort to come up with the “perfect ShotKit” post, I’m going to keep this as brief and to the point as possible so you can actually get a glimpse as to what’s in my bag.
For starters, I currently shoot 99% of my work on a Nikon D800
. I couldn’t afford the Nikon D800E
(FYI, I switched over from Canon about 3 months ago) and I certainly couldn’t touch the Nikon D810
, nor do I feel the need for that robust of a camera at this point in time. In my opinion, the AF system on the Nikon D800
is absolutely incredible, and I credit the majority of my successful images to this technicality. It truly allows me to capture the action and movement that I’m always searching for.
Next comes my glass, which is actually a small collection due to again, recently switching over to the “dark side” but more than fits my needs. So, when attempting to capture interesting details and small particles flying from the objects in my passing, I throw on the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 ED VR I
— pretty hard to go wrong with that guy.
My other tool is the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art Series
which allows me to step back and frame up a shot consisting of more than just one’s foot.
In addition, to get that, “natural special effect” jazz I was talking about, I always keep a set of LEE ND Filters in my bag so I can shoot directly into the sun like I’m not supposed to, and still keep the sky exposed (without having to worry about shooting on sticks and bracketing.).
Sure, sometimes I’ll whip out the ole’ rig, bust out a strobe or two or even hang out of a car/shoot from the back of a bike to get some of those effects. But realistically, I wouldn’t really consider those items to be, “in my bag.”
Then comes the Fuji X100S
— which I purchased solely because I hate taking photos with my phone and feel that if I ever want to progress in this field, that I should always be shooting. Thus, the perfect pocket camera for when one of those “once in a lifetime,” in-between moments crosses my path.
Last but not least, my Langly Delta bag. And I’ll admit, without a doubt in the 10+ years I’ve been shooting that this is the best “on the go” bag I’ve ever owned. It holds everything I need and is incredibly resilient to the filthy situations I find myself getting into when out and about searching for my next banger.
And there you have it! Hope you enjoyed my nimble setup and if you have any questions or simply just want to chat bikes, babes or the basics, give me a holler!
www.matthewjonesphoto.com
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