What Camera Gear do they use?

  Marie-Laure de Decker: A Life Behind the Lens Marie-Laure de Decker (1947–2023) was a French photographer renowned for her portraits of artists, writers, and major cultural figures, as well as for her work as a war correspondent. Her images combined sensitivity and strength, revealing both the intimacy of her subjects and the harsh realities of conflict. A member of the Agence Gamma , she carved a place in the history of French photography with a singular voice, moving seamlessly between portraiture and photojournalism. Camera Gear Marie-Laure de Decker worked with professional gear suited for both portraiture and reportage: Leica M series (film) – Favored for its compact size, discreet operation, and sharp lenses, making it ideal for intimate portraits and candid work. Nikon 35mm SLRs – Reliable and versatile, essential for her assignments in conflict zones. Prime lenses (35mm, 50mm, 90mm) – Classic focal lengths that allowed her to capture both environmental conte...

  W. Eugene Smith: The Relentless Eye of Human Truth Few photographers embody the spirit of uncompromising dedication to truth and storytelling like W. Eugene Smith (1918–1978) . Known for his searing photo-essays in LIFE magazine and his meticulous commitment to documentary work, Smith revolutionized photojournalism. His projects, from Country Doctor to his magnum opus Minamata , captured the raw struggles and resilience of humanity. Smith was not only a master of light and composition but also a photographer who often risked his health and safety to pursue the story behind every frame. Camera Gear W. Eugene Smith’s work spanned decades of rapid technological evolution in photography, but he remained consistent in his use of durable, high-quality gear that could withstand his grueling fieldwork. His equipment was chosen for reliability and image quality above all else. Minolta SRT-101 : Smith used the camera for his famous Minamata work Minolta SRT-101 Leica Rangefinders –...

  Blake Andrews – Observing Life’s Quiet, Strange Poetry Blake Andrews (b. 1968) is a prolific American street photographer and blogger based in Eugene, Oregon. A member of the In-Public collective, he built a reputation through subtle, quirky black-and-white images that balance the everyday with a sharp, visual wit. His work challenges expectations of street photography—he's less about decisive moments and more about lingering on the oddly poetic or quietly absurd. Camera Gear Andrews favors unassuming, practical tools that let him stay alert, nimble, and fully engaged with his surroundings: Black-and-white film (Kentmere, Arista) – "I’m a cheapskate," he admits, using whatever’s affordable—and embracing imperfection in the negative as part of his aesthetic. 35 mm rangefinder bodies (e.g. vintage Leicas, though he doesn’t fixate on a specific make), favored for discreet, responsive shooting. Blake Andrew's vintage Leica iPhone – used intermittently, esp...

  While Sophie Calle is primarily celebrated as a conceptual and performance artist, photography plays a central role in her work. She has used a variety of camera tools—sometimes with her own hands, sometimes commissioning professionals—to suit the conceptual needs of each project.  Here’s a breakdown: 35 mm Film Cameras (Personal Use & Surveillance) For work like Suite Vénitienne (1979), she followed a subject secretly through Venice using a 35 mm setup with a mirror attachment , allowing her to shoot discreetly around corners as a kind of “private eye”. Her camera was a Leica and the device a Squintar. Squintar Early on, her personal camera was unspecified, often tucked into bags or pockets—one she reportedly received from her father—and she used it intuitively without formal technique or gear preference. She also mentions taking photographs with her phone. Polaroid & Hired Fashion Cameramen For projects without interpersonal interaction—like photographing...