Destin Sparks

G’day from Australia! Destin Sparks here. I’m a landscape photographer from Brisbane, Queensland. Although I call this beautiful state home, you will usually find me trekking the West Coast of America or through the Canadian Rockies with a camera in hand. I’m passionate about all kinds of nature but I’m particularly fascinated by snow-dusted mountains.

My journey as a photographer started almost a decade ago when I landed my first full-time job in a camera store. It took some convincing and a friendly wager between associates, but I eventually picked up a camera and began shooting. Through trial and error, I taught myself the ins and outs of photography.

Over the years my photography has progressed, but my choice of camera remains rather traditional. My preference is the Fuji GX617 equipped with the Fuji SWD 90mm f/5.6. The GX617 is a completely analogue system, everything is done manually including the light metering for which I depend on the Sekonic 758DR DigitalMaster.

Film has always been my favourite medium. It has an ‘authenticity’ about it you can’t replicate with digital cameras.

Admittedly, I’ve recently started shooting some digital since my favourite film (Fujifilm Fujichrome Velvia 50 Professional RVP 50 120) is starting to become scarce. Thankfully Velvia 50 is still being produced but I guess I’m preparing for its inevitable fate. My digital kit consists of the Phase One XF IQ3 100MP digital back, and on it sits the Schneider Kreuznach 45mm LS f/3.5.

I choose to get everything right in camera, therefore balancing exposure is critical. I rely heavily on good neutral density filters of which I’ve found Singh-Ray (Galen Rowell 4 Stop Graduated Neutral Density Filter) to be the best.

It’s usually coupled with Singh-Ray 105mm Warming Polariser. I prefer the warming polariser since I find traditional polarisers tend to give a bluish hue.

When I’m not shooting I’m either kicking back with a chilled glass of wine or running one of my New Zealand or Australian Photography Tours.

Thank you for letting me share my kit with you, I look forward to seeing you on Instagram. For more of my work or if you would like to get in touch, please visit my website below.

Film Camera – Primary

Fuji GX617
Fuji SWD 90mm f/5.6
Sekonic 758DR DigitalMaster Lightmeter
Fujifilm Fujichrome Velvia 50 Professional RVP 50 120

Digital Camera – Secondary

Phase One XF IQ3 100MP
Schneider Kreuznach 45mm LS f/3.5
Schneider Kreuznach 80mm LS f/2.8

Tripod

Really Right Stuff TVC-44 Legs
Really Right Stuff BH-55 Head
Really Right Stuff TA-3-FRC Rock Claws

Lens Filters (guide)

Lee Wide Angle Filter Holder
Singh-Ray – Galen Rowell 4 Stop Graduated Neutral Density Filter
Singh-Ray – LB Warming Polarizers 105mm
B+W 105mm Kaesemann Circular Polarizer Extra Wide MRC Filter

Camera Bags

LowePro Pro Runner 350 AW
Tenba DNA 11 Messenger

Cleaning

Leica Lens Cleaning Cloth 8×8
Photographic Solutions Eclipse Optic Cleaning Solution

www.destinsparks.com

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