Run-and-Gun Documentary Shooting: Gear Choices and On-Location Product Photography Tips from Peter McKinnon

Run-and-Gun Documentary Shooting: Gear Choices and On-Location Product Photography Tips from Peter McKinnon

There’s a specific kind of shooting panic I know well. You’re on location, you have limited time, and you need footage or photos that feel cinematic without a full crew or a trunk full of gear. I’ve been there on travel assignments where I had one bag, one camera, and a client expecting polished results. The question is never really “what’s the best gear?” It’s “what’s the right gear for this job?

What Visiting a Canon Showroom Taught Me About Shooting With Intention

What Visiting a Canon Showroom Taught Me About Shooting With Intention

There’s a version of me from a few years ago who would have shown up to a once-in-a-lifetime shooting location with a dead battery and no backup plan. Actually, that’s not past tense. I did that exact thing on a trip to Iceland, standing in front of Skógafoss with a camera that had exactly four frames left before it gave up on me entirely. The location doesn’t matter if you’re not ready to shoot it.

How to Buy Camera Gear Without Falling Into the Collector Trap

How to Buy Camera Gear Without Falling Into the Collector Trap

My most-liked Instagram photo was taken on a $200 phone. That one fact has shaped almost everything about how I think about gear since. Still, I’d be lying if I said I’ve never lost an afternoon to a camera spec comparison rabbit hole, convincing myself that a new body was the missing piece between me and better work. It wasn’t. It never is. What I actually needed was a clearer framework for making gear decisions — one that starts with the photography, not the product launch.

Can a Pocket Camera Actually Replace Your Full Studio Setup? I Tested It So You Don't Have To

Can a Pocket Camera Actually Replace Your Full Studio Setup? I Tested It So You Don't Have To

Every Sunday morning I take a photo walk through my neighborhood in Seattle with whatever camera I feel like carrying. Sometimes that’s my mirrorless kit. Sometimes it’s just my phone. My husband thinks the phone days are me being lazy. I think they’re me proving a point. The point being: gear matters a lot less than most of us want to believe, right up until it does matter, and figuring out where that line actually sits is one of the most useful things you can do as a photographer or videographer.

Why Your Cheap Camera Might Be Better Than You Think

Why Your Cheap Camera Might Be Better Than You Think

Why Your “Cheap” Camera Might Be Better Than You Think I’ve spent years experimenting with cameras across every price point imaginable. What started as necessity—I couldn’t always afford the latest equipment—became one of my most valuable learning experiences. Today, I want to share what I’ve discovered about shooting with budget-friendly gear and why these “limitations” might actually accelerate your growth as a photographer. The Unexpected Benefits of Budget Gear When you remove the expectation that expensive equipment guarantees great photos, something shifts.

Is Medium Format Photography Finally Becoming Accessible to Everyone?

Is Medium Format Photography Finally Becoming Accessible to Everyone?

Is Medium Format Photography Finally Becoming Accessible to Everyone? When I first started photography, medium format was something I’d only encounter in glossy magazine spreads or high-end commercial shoots. The cameras seemed to exist in a different universe—expensive, temperamental, and absolutely out of reach for someone like me who was still learning the basics. But things are changing, and I’m genuinely excited about what this means for our photography community.

Why a Compact Travel Camera System Should Be Your Next Investment

Why a Compact Travel Camera System Should Be Your Next Investment

Why a Compact Travel Camera System Should Be Your Next Investment I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what makes a truly great travel camera setup, and I want to share some insights that might help you make your next gear decision. Whether you’re planning a hiking trip, a family vacation, or just want something that fits in your everyday bag, there are some key features worth understanding. The Case for Compact Systems When it comes to travel photography, I always tell people that the best camera is the one you’ll actually bring with you.

Win Professional-Grade Gear by Photographing Wine: A Compelling Contest for All Skill Levels

Win Professional-Grade Gear by Photographing Wine: A Compelling Contest for All Skill Levels

Win Professional-Grade Gear by Photographing Wine: A Compelling Contest for All Skill Levels I recently learned about an exciting opportunity that deserves attention from photographers of every level: the Decanter Wine Photography Competition 2026. Beyond the impressive prize packages featuring professional cameras, this contest represents something equally valuable—a chance to challenge yourself creatively while competing on a meaningful platform. What Makes This Competition Stand Out What caught my attention most is that the organizers welcome diverse photographic approaches.

The Evolution of Creator Cameras: What's Next for Content Makers?

The Evolution of Creator Cameras: What's Next for Content Makers?

The Evolution of Creator Cameras: What’s Next for Content Makers? The content creation camera market is experiencing a significant shift, and I’ve been watching this space closely. A recent major announcement suggests we’re entering a new era where the line between casual vlogging and professional filmmaking is becoming increasingly blurred. This development has important implications for anyone serious about creating video content. Why This Moment Matters I’ve noticed that over the past few years, manufacturers have been trying to capture the vlogging audience with increasingly specialized gear.