What Camera Gear do they use?

  Christopher Anderson: Emotion in Color and Intimacy Christopher Anderson (b. 1970, Canada/USA) is a Magnum photographer renowned for his deeply emotional, cinematic approach to both documentary and portrait photography. Whether capturing the chaos of war or the quiet tenderness of family life, Anderson’s work is defined by its intimacy, rich color palette, and human connection. His transition from photojournalism to personal, introspective projects marks one of the most compelling evolutions in modern photography. Camera Gear Christopher Anderson’s gear reflects his evolving vision — from fast, rugged reportage tools to compact, mirrorless cameras that allow for spontaneity and emotional closeness. Film & Early Digital Era Leica M6 & M7 – His main cameras during his early career, notably for Capitolio and Nonfiction . Leica M6 Kodak Tri-X & Kodak Portra 400 – Film stocks that balanced contrast and warmth, key to his visual tone. Canon EOS 5D Series – U...

Arnold Newman: The Master of Environmental Portraiture Arnold Newman (1918–2006, USA) was one of the most important portrait photographers of the 20th century. Celebrated as the pioneer of environmental portraiture , Newman placed his subjects within their personal or professional surroundings — creating images that revealed as much about their character and work as about their appearance. His portraits of Picasso, Stravinsky, and Kennedy are timeless studies in visual storytelling and composition. Camera Gear Arnold Newman worked across decades of photographic evolution, mastering both film and lighting with remarkable precision. His choice of tools reflected a commitment to control, clarity, and depth. Film Cameras Large Format 4x5 View Cameras – Used extensively for studio and on-location portraits, offering unmatched detail and tonal range. Arnold Newman and 4x5 Medium Format Cameras (Rolleiflex 2.8F, Hasselblad 500C) – His preferred systems for environmental portraits and ...

  Annie Leibovitz: The Art of Portraiture and Precision Annie Leibovitz (b. 1949, USA) is one of the most influential portrait photographers of the modern era. Her work has defined visual culture across five decades — from Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair covers to intimate portraits of artists, politicians, and cultural icons. Leibovitz’s photographs are theatrical, meticulously staged, and instantly recognizable for their cinematic lighting and storytelling power. Camera Gear Throughout her long career, Annie Leibovitz has adapted her tools to match the evolving demands of her work — from film-based reportage to high-end studio portraiture. Film Era Nikon F and Nikon FM2 – Her early cameras during the Rolling Stone years, when she photographed musicians like Mick Jagger and John Lennon. Nikon FM2 Kodak Tri-X and Ektachrome – Classic film stocks used for their reliability and tonal depth. Medium Format Cameras (Mamiya RZ67 Pro) – Became her tool of choice for editorial...

  Martin Bogren: Silence, Grain, and the Beauty of Imperfection Martin Bogren (b. 1967, Sweden) is a contemporary photographer celebrated for his atmospheric black-and-white imagery that blurs the line between documentary and poetry. His photographs, often intimate and deeply personal, explore themes of belonging, solitude, and the quiet rhythms of rural and urban life. Bogren’s work is meditative and tactile — more about feeling than description — earning him recognition as one of the most distinctive voices in European photography today. Camera Gear Martin Bogren is known for his minimalist approach to gear, favoring analog cameras and film for their texture, unpredictability, and organic depth: Leica M6 – His main camera for much of his career, chosen for its compactness, precision, and reliability in all conditions. Leica M6 Leica M7 – Occasionally used for projects requiring slightly more control or metering flexibility. Leica M7 35mm and 50mm Leica Summicron lenses ...

  Yutaka Takanashi: The Poet of Tokyo’s Concrete Yutaka Takanashi (1935–2019) was one of Japan’s most influential postwar photographers, known for his poetic yet analytical exploration of Tokyo’s urban landscape. A founding member of the legendary Provoke movement (alongside Daidō Moriyama and Takuma Nakahira), Takanashi captured the tension between modernity and tradition — between the individual and the overwhelming machinery of the city. His work combined intellectual rigor with emotional intensity, making him a central figure in Japanese photographic history. Camera Gear Yutaka Takanashi’s choice of gear reflected his transition from commercial photography to avant-garde personal projects: Nikon F and F2 (35mm film) – His primary cameras during the 1960s and 1970s; rugged, reliable, and suited to the rapid rhythm of street photography. Nikon F Leica M3 and M4 – Occasionally used for quieter, more intimate work. Leica M4 Nikkor 35mm f/2 and 50mm f/1.4 lenses – His...

  Jun Abe: The Quiet Energy of the Streets Jun Abe (b. 1955, Osaka, Japan) is a Japanese street photographer celebrated for his candid, unfiltered depictions of everyday life in Japan. Deeply rooted in the streets of Osaka, his work captures fleeting gestures, quiet tensions, and absurd humor — moments that define the pulse of urban life. Abe’s images are understated yet psychologically charged, embodying a distinctly Japanese sense of observation and restraint. Camera Gear Jun Abe has consistently favored simplicity and reliability in his gear — tools that allow him to remain unobtrusive while capturing spontaneous moments: Leica M film cameras (M4, M6) – Compact, quiet, and perfect for street work; Abe’s preferred companions for decades. Leica M4 Leica M6 35mm and 50mm Leica lenses – Classic focal lengths for dynamic yet balanced compositions. Black-and-white 35mm film (Ilford HP5, Kodak Tri-X) – Known for its tonal depth and flexibility under varied lighting condit...

  Antoine d’Agata: Darkness, Desire, and the Camera Antoine d’Agata (b. 1961) is a French photographer and filmmaker whose work explores themes of addiction, sexuality, violence, and marginality. A member of Magnum Photos since 2004, d’Agata’s imagery is raw, visceral, and unapologetically confrontational. His photographs blur the line between document and confession, placing himself and his experiences at the heart of his art. Camera Gear Antoine d’Agata has used a range of gear over the years, often chosen for its ability to work in low light and produce gritty, atmospheric images: Leica M film cameras – For street and intimate documentary work, paired with classic lenses like 35mm and 50mm. Nikon SLRs (film) – Used during his early projects, reliable for reportage in harsh conditions. Digital Leica M (M9, M10) – Continuing his Leica tradition in the digital era. Leica M10 Compact cameras & point-and-shoots – D’Agata sometimes employs smaller cameras for dis...

  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...

  Zanele Muholi: Visual Activist Through the Lens Zanele Muholi is a South African visual activist and photographer whose work powerfully documents and celebrates the lives of Black LGBTQIA+ communities. Known for their striking self-portraits and deeply personal series, Muholi uses photography as both art and activism — challenging stereotypes, confronting injustices, and creating visibility for marginalized identities. Their work is as technically masterful as it is socially urgent, positioning Muholi among the most important contemporary photographers of our time. Camera Gear Zanele Muholi has employed a range of professional gear across their projects, favoring tools that allow precision and intimacy: Nikon DSLR cameras (D800, D850) – For high-resolution portraiture and documentary projects. Nikon D850 Canon EOS 5D and 7D series – Used in earlier projects, providing versatility and reliability. Canon Eos 7D Canon Eos 5D Prime lenses (35mm, 50mm, 85mm f/1.4) – For sh...