Best of Shotkit

One day around 4 years ago, I thought it’d be a good idea to start a site which shows what gear photographers carry in their camera bags.

Fast forward to today, and Shotkit is the number one resource for curious creatives around the world to come and have a snoop at the equipment used by professional and talented amateur photographers.

What was once a subject many were afraid to broach, the question of “what gear do you use?” has been answered for the benefit of all curious minds – both beginners and professionals alike.

Of course, owning good gear doesn’t necessarily mean you can take a good photo – we all know that, but it’s still fun to see what our peers are using to get the job done and to create better art.

I’m so grateful for the effort that’s gone into creating each Shotkit submission. Seeing elements of the photographer’s personality in the flat lay photography is especially rewarding.

Below you’ll find a small selection of my favourite Shotkit submissions from the first 4 years. I’ve done my best to categorise them for your amusement!

Remember to click through to each photographer’s work, and leave a comment to let us know your favourite Shotkit.

#1 | The Precision Shotkit

The flat-lays to end all flat-lays. It’s OCD to the next level with this selection of fine Shotkit specimens…

#2 | Tools of the Trade

It’s always interesting to see what (non-photography related) gear photographers need to carry to carry out their jobs.

Photojournalists like the one below are particularly fascinating, and provide a much-needed reminder about how grateful we should be for our comfortable daily existence as ‘regular’ photographers.

#3 | Selfie Shotkits

We’re well and truly in the selfie-era, so why not combine a picture of your gear with a cheeky selfie?!

#4 | The Body Part Shotkit

In a similar vein to the Selfie Shotkit – here’s when perhaps you wanted to take a full selfie, but were having a bad hair day…

#5 | The Personality Shotkit

The, “Sure, I take photos of people for a living, but here’s who I am in my spare time” Shotkit.

#6 | The Anti-Flat Lay Shotkit

Maybe you wanted to zag when everyone else was zigging. Or maybe you just couldn’t be bothered to lay your camera gear out neatly on the floor!

Whatever the reason, here’s a selection of images that took the notion of a flat lay and threw it out the window.

#7 | The Animals & Children Shotkit

Never work with animals or children, right? Well you guys have proven the opposite with these Shotkits which include a beloved pet or offspring!

#8 | The Overflowing Shotkit

Everything but the kitchen sink… my mind boggles how you manage to carry around so much gear on a daily basis!

[Related: Check out some strong camera bags here!]

#9 | The Minimalist Shotkit

Keepin’ it simple. This is more my style – having more than just a couple of lenses to choose from confuses me!

I’m a strong believer of ‘creativity from restriction’, whereby limiting your camera gear encourages creativity.

#10 | The Symbol Shotkit

Trying to bring some life into inanimate objects! Let’s have some more of these please ;-)

#11 | The Encores

I couldn’t find a category to label these Shotkit submissions, but still think they’re all awesome!

Best of Shotkit | Over to You!

So there we have it – a small selection of some of my favourite Shotkit submissions from the first 4 years of this site. A huge thank you again to all those involved!

For those of you who’d like to be featured on Shotkit, I hope that by seeing the variety in the photos encourages you to submit, whether you use 1 camera or 5…

To get involved, just click the box below: