Verena Brüning

I’m an editorial photographer who became a sailor over the past few years!

In 2010, I completed my photography studies in Bielefeld, Germany. Since then, I’ve lived in Berlin, where I’ve worked on assignments for magazines and newspapers. I also do corporate and commercial shoots.

I’m part of a studio collective, but today, I’ll share what’s in my bag for an adventure sailing trip across the Atlantic Ocean with forty-seven women.

In 2024, I published a book about this journey, titled Windsbraut, Bride of the Wind.

I’ve been a fan of Fujifilm mirrorless cameras since they launched the X-T1 Series.

When I got the Fujifilm X-T2, I sold my Nikon cameras. I love everything about the Fujifilm’s handling, the retro feel, and the compact design.

Last year, I switched to the Fujifilm X-H2 because it better suits my needs. The image quality is incredible. I recently printed some images at one point four meters in size, and they were razor-sharp, even though the X series doesn’t have a full-frame sensor.

I still use my Fujifilm X-T4 as a backup camera.

For commercial shoots, I also have a Fujifilm GFX 100S medium-format camera, but that stays at home when I travel.

When I’m on the road or at sea, I use zoom lenses, though I always prefer the quality of prime lenses. The lenses have fast apertures and are small enough to carry several of them.

FUJINON XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR and Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2.0 R WR – I never leave home without these lenses.

Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR – This zoom is always in my bag and probably my go-to lens for almost everything.

For shooting aboard a ship, I rely on the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR, which is perfect for wide shots from the bow, and the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS for action shots of climbing when I can’t be close.

The camera and lenses are all weather-sealed, and they withstood exposure to several drops of salt water while on the Atlantic.

I always bring my DJI Air 2S Drone along, though I didn’t use it on my Atlantic crossing because of the strong winds it just wouldn’t have survived!

For lighting, I prefer working in daylight when doing documentaries. Still, I always carry a Profoto A10 Air TTL and a small, waterproof Aputure Amaran AL-MW LED light, just in case.

My favorite camera strap is the Sunbounce Sniper-Strap Rotoball-Pro, paired with the ACL Activity Clip which allows me to keep my hands free for climbing the mast or helping with the sails.

I had my Ewa-marine U-A100 underwater housing for heavy rain or rough waves, and it’s also helpful to explore shallow waters.

I edit my photos using Capture One Pro and Adobe Photoshop, and my lightweight Apple MacBook Air keeps everything portable.

I always pack my water bottle, sunscreen, and a good pair of sunglasses to stay prepared.

What I love most about photography is how it allows me to explore new worlds constantly. Whether it’s meeting new people I wouldn’t have encountered in my everyday life or discovering new parts of my hometown.

It’s a never-ending expansion of horizons.

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