Inside My Camera Bag | Robin Steward

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Hello Shot Kittens, my name’s Robin. I’m a husband, father and a self-taught photographer based in the sleepy south-west of the UK and I specialise in super-candid wedding photography under the guise of Orbit Photography.

I love shooting weddings largely because of the access one gets to ‘people being people’ in a happy atmosphere that gradually becomes downright drunk and disorderly.

What could be better?!

I don’t shoot heart-shaped group shots or flashed couples standing in fields – that just doesn’t interest me.

I’m looking to create a natural narrative of the wedding day without causing a fuss or leaning too much on what might be considered the traditional wedding photography tropes and clichés.

My kit is a reflection of my style and approach. It’s small, simple, light and unassuming. I’m not an overly technical person and I get bored messing about with gadgets, buttons and menus.

So what’s in my swag bag and why?

Fujifilm X-E3 with XF 18mm f/2 (28mm equivalent) – I bought the X-E3 specifically because of its size. It hangs around my neck all day and combined with the 18mm lens causes no bother.

I use the combo for wide shots but also for getting in close with groups of people (guide) so that I am able to be part of the action and give the viewer a sense of ‘being there’.

Depending on the light, I’ll often be zone focusing and sometimes ‘shooting from the hip’ with this combo.

Fujifilm X-T2 with XF 35mm f/1.4 (50mm equivalent) – This is probably my favourite body and lens combo and it is slung across my shoulders using the highly adjustable Peak Design Leash strap.

The X-T2 is such a good fit for me – it just works! Size, weight and controls are all just so. A key change I made was configuring the front Function button for ‘back button’ focus – I find this works really well.

I love using the 50mm equivalent lens for candid portraits – it gives a little space from the subject along with some bokeh.

Fujifilm X-Pro 1 with XF 56mm f/1.2 (85mm equivalent) – The X-Pro 1 is more of a backup body but I’ll occasionally use it with the 56mm for longer shots when I need a bit of reach or strong subject separation.

Flashes – I only really use flash on the dancefloor. I fit a Godox X-ProF wireless trigger on the X-E3 and hand-hold a Godox TT350F.

With the X-E3 set at ISO 1600, F/8 – F/11 and focused at around 1 – 2 metres I get in amongst the revellers capturing dancefloor / late night carnage.

And I always impress with my dad dancing too.

To get a different look, I’ll sometimes set up a Godox TT685F on a lightstand or speaker and remotely trigger it to flash across the dancefloor. I’ll also sometimes use the little Fujifilm EF-X20 as an on-camera direct flash.

Microsoft Surface Pro 6 – Perhaps a slightly unusual computer choice but this is what I use for editing the RAW files.

I wanted a discrete computer solution that was highly mobile and would slip on to the bookshelf when not in use. The Surface does just that and Lightroom performs OK particularly when just editing on Smart Previews.

So that’s about it! You can see my work and connect with me on my website below. I’d love to hear from you.

So long, Robin.

www.daysofwonder.co.uk | @daysofwonder_photo