Did someone just ask me what cameras I use?

The Gear I Actually Use (And What’s Gathering Dust)

One of the first things people ask when they find out I’m a photographer is, “What camera do you use?”—as if knowing the model number will suddenly make their iPhone shots look like a magazine cover. Gear matters, sure, but it’s not the full story. That said, I do have a fair bit of kit, and some of it sees more action than others. So, here’s a no-nonsense look at what I actually use, and what just sits in my bag looking expensive.

The Workhorses: The Gear I Couldn’t Live Without

Canon R5 & Canon R6

These are my go-to cameras. The Canon R5 is an absolute beast when it comes to resolution, dynamic range, and autofocus. Although the R5 is a monster - it does have its drawbacks, expensive memory cards, HUGE file sizes and a wobble hot shoe - so there are times where I reach for its little brother: The Canon R6. It is the slightly less flashy sibling, but it’s brilliant in low light and a solid all-rounder. If I’m shooting anything important, one of these is in my hands.

Canon RF Lenses: 28-70mm f/2, 70-200mm f/2.8, 15-35mm f/2.8

The 28-70mm f/2 is a ridiculous lens. It’s heavy, but having f/2 across that range is game-changing. If I could only take one lens to a shoot, it’d be this.

The 70-200mm f/2.8 is for when I need that extra reach and compression. Great for portraits, events, and making people look like they belong in a high-end magazine.

The 15-35mm f/2.8 is my choice for anything wide—landscapes, interiors, or when I want a dramatic perspective and to get up close.

The Specialist Gear: Used When Needed

Canon EF Lenses: 11-24mm f/4, 16-35mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8, 400mm f/2.8

I still have some industrial standard Canon EF L glass and will never part with it. Mostly because they’re rock-solid performers and still compare to my RF lenses, but, also due to the sentimental reasons - it’s like a footballers first pair of boots. The 11-24mm is ultra-wide and perfect for dramatic shots. The 400mm f/2.8? That’s for when I need to shoot something that’s basically on the other side of the country and my 85mm F1.4 prime is my absolute favourite sense of all. Ever.

DJI Mavic Air 2

Drones are great, but they’re also a pain. When I get to use my DJI Mavic Air 2, it’s fantastic—stunning aerial shots, new perspectives, and clients love the results. The problem? Regulations, wind, and general hassle. I use it when it makes sense, but it’s not an everyday tool. - although I do bring it to every shoot (except the watches and jewellery ones)

GoPro

Mostly reserved for action shots, behind-the-scenes footage, or anything where I might drop a camera in water. It has its place, but it’s more of a fun addition than a serious part of my kit.

The Shelf Sitters: Good Gear I Rarely Use

I’d love to say I use every piece of kit I own all the time, but the truth is, some of it collects dust. The older EF lenses don’t see as much action now that I’ve moved to RF and my Laowa Probe macro Lens hasn’t been used once commercially.

Final Thoughts: Gear Matters (But Not as Much as You Think)

Yes, I have a lot of expensive kit. No, it doesn’t make the photos for me. The best camera is the one you know how to use, and the best lens is the one that gets the job done. If you’re looking to get into photography, focus on mastering whatever you have first—because no amount of gear will fix bad lighting, poor composition, or a complete lack of artistic vision.

That being said, if Canon wants to send me some more stuff to ‘review,’ I won’t say no.

Scottish Photography at its finest

Why I Love Shooting in Scotland (Even When It’s Chucking It Down)

Scotland is, without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking places to shoot. Rolling hills, dramatic lochs, ancient castles—it’s got everything. But let’s be honest, it also has weather. And by weather, I mean four seasons in a day, with a special emphasis on ‘sideways rain.’ Still, I wouldn’t trade it for anywhere else.

The Beauty of the Unpredictable

There’s something about Scotland’s ever-changing weather that makes for incredible, dynamic photos. Mist rolling over the hills? Instant cinematic drama. Storm clouds breaking to reveal a golden sunset? You can’t plan that kind of magic.

Then, of course, there’s the rain. And let’s just say, I’ve had my fair share of wet wedding days.

Jade and Steven’s Wedding at Loch Coruisk

Take Jade and Steven’s wedding at Loch Coruisk, Isle of Skye. If you’ve never been, imagine a remote, glassy loch surrounded by jagged peaks—utterly stunning. But when I arrived, the Scottish weather had other plans.

Think torrential rain, howling wind, and a boat ride that felt more like a survival challenge. The ceremony? Outside. The guests? Drenched but determined. And the bride? Absolutely loving it. We embraced the chaos, capturing some of the most atmospheric shots I’ve ever taken—wind whipping through the dress, raindrops catching the light, and a backdrop that looked straight out of a fantasy film.

By the end of the day, my gear was soaked, my boots were filled with loch water, and I was 90% sure I’d developed webbed feet. But the photos? 100% worth it.

Why Rainy Days Make the Best Photos

Rain may not be ideal for guests’ hair, but for photography? It adds texture, mood, and drama. Some of the best reasons to embrace a downpour include:

• Soft, diffused light: No harsh shadows, just perfect natural lighting.

• Atmospheric backdrops: Mist, moody skies, and reflections make for cinematic shots.

• Candid moments: People huddled under umbrellas, laughing at the chaos—it’s pure storytelling.

Preparing for the Scottish Elements

If you’re planning a shoot (or a wedding) in Scotland, here are my top tips:

• Pack layers. Waterproofs are your best friend.

• Embrace the elements. If you fight the weather, you’ll lose. If you work with it, you’ll get magic.

• Trust your photographer. We know how to make it work, no matter what the skies throw at us.

Final Thoughts

Scotland isn’t just a place—it’s a mood, a story, and a constant surprise. The best photos come from real moments, and nothing makes moments more real than a bit of unpredictability. So, whether it’s sunshine, storms, or both in the space of ten minutes, I’ll be there with my camera, ready to capture it all.

Thinking of getting married in Scotland? Check out some incredible locations like Eilean Donan Castle or The Quiraing for some truly jaw-dropping backdrops. And if you need a photographer who doesn’t mind getting a bit (or a lot) wet, you know where to find me.

OK _ Here We GO.

Why I’m Writing This Blog (And Why You Might Want to Read It)

I was recently told that if I want more people to find my work online, I need to start writing blogs. This came from an SEO course I took, which, in hindsight, was a bit like being force-fed vegetables as a child—you know it’s good for you, but it’s not necessarily enjoyable. So, here we are.

If you’ve somehow landed here, welcome. I’m John James Greig, a photographer and videographer. I take pictures and make videos. Simple. If I were the kind of person to use words like ‘storytelling’ and ‘visual narratives,’ I’d probably put that here, but I’m not, so I won’t.

A Bit About Me (So You Know Who You’re Dealing With)

I’ve been into photography and filmmaking for a while now. I’ve worked with all sorts—small businesses, big businesses, people who don’t know what they want, and people who think they know what they want but actually don’t. I enjoy capturing things that look good, whether that’s a product, a place, or a person. My job is to make sure that, whatever I’m shooting, it ends up looking its best—kind of like putting a nice frame on a great painting, except with cameras and lights instead of wood and nails.

Aside from photography, I’ve played guitar since I was a kid, which means my fingers have spent equal amounts of time on a shutter button and a fretboard. Music is a big part of my life, and if I could figure out a way to make photography as cool as playing guitar on stage, I’d be all over that.

What This Blog Will Be About

If I’m going to do this blogging thing, it needs to be at least slightly interesting. I’ll be writing about photography, video work, and the odd things I learn along the way. Expect behind-the-scenes insights, some questionable humour, and probably a rant or two about why people keep taking photos with their iPads in 2025.

So, if you like photography, video, or just enjoy reading someone rambling about creative things in a way that doesn’t sound like a LinkedIn post, stick around. Let’s see where this goes.