I remember buying a shiny Nikon Pronea APS camera back in 1998 and enjoying taking many hundreds of photos. Of course it usually took many days before I could see the results of my efforts and it was expensive learning photography at that time. If I wanted to get my photos on the computer I needed to scan them.

Fortunately the modern digital camera has completely redefined photography. Not only does the average mobile phone now take stunning quality pictures, but the internet provides a global playground in which to share them.

Whilst I certainly don’t profess to be a professional photographer, I do enjoy creative photography (use of lenses, controlling aperture and shutter speed and so on).  I began exploring macro photography when using a Canon PowerShot S1 bridge camera. With the urge to get even closer, it was then I discovered the amazing clip-on Raynox DCR250 close up lens.

Thirsty fly by Simon Williams (Canon S3is and Raynox DCR250)

Bridge cameras are great for macro photography, since the small sensors make focusing much easier in lower light. I have recently upgraded to the Powershot SX30is which also does HD video. The bridge camera is ideal for close up macro shots, videos and extreme long range shots due to its massive 34x zoom. It’s also light enough to take on short trips.

Jumping spider by Simon Williams (Canon S3is and Raynox DCR250)

I tend to use a Canon EOS550D SLR for more pro quality work, wide angle and shallow depth of field photography. The SLR offers plenty of flexibility with its RAW image format, low noise and of course the ability to change lenses.  Currently I use a Canon 10-22mm EFS ultra wide angle lens, Canon 50mm f/1.4 portrait and low light lens, Canon EFS 17-55mm general purpose lens and a Canon 70-300mm telephoto. For macro I experiment with the Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens.

Finally I wouldn’t be without the amazing pocket Sony DSC-HX9V camera which produces  incredible quality 1080p video at up to 24Mbps, ultra fast auto focus plus a 16x optical zoom. Great for traveling and fits easily into a jacket pocket.

Of course no photo is complete without some post production and most of my best shots will go through Aperture for minor tweaks. I have uploaded a few of my efforts to Flickr for you to see.