Celebrate World Photography Day 2023 with Staff Picks

Photo of 4 black cameras from different brands sitting on a wooden bench

It’s that time of the year again – World Photography Day is back! To celebrate, we’re giving you an inside look into some of the KEH team’s most passionate photographers and their beloved cameras. Our team is surrounded by fantastic cameras every day, so when they pick out their absolute favorite, you know it’s special. Keep reading to see why they’re head over heels for their gear and see some cool shots they’ve captured.

Headshot of KEH staff member Jena holding a Leica SL2.

Jena Dawson-Blackshear — Phone Sales Supervisor

What is your favorite camera and why?

My favorite camera is the Leica SL2. The build, feel of the camera, and image quality are unmatched by any other camera or system I have ever used.

Close-up of the Leica SL2 being held by KEH staff member Jena.

Why is this your camera brand of choice?

Leica is something that I was recently introduced to. I have been more than impressed by the build quality of the brand and the attention to detail. This can be seen in the quality of the images but also the build quality. I never hesitate to carry it with me anywhere.

What is your favorite photo you’ve taken with this camera?

This image of the clock is one of my favorites. I love the texture that can be seen in the black-and-white image, as well as the blur separation.

Black and white image of a clock on the side of a building.
Photo shot by Jena Dawson Blackshear on Leica SL2

What’s the best feature of this camera, in your opinion?

My favorite feature on the camera is the focus tracking. This allows you to easily switch with accuracy between fast-moving subjects to something that has lots of depth with accuracy and speed.

Photo of KEH staff member Andre Buchanan smiling and holding a Fuji GW690 camera.

Andre Buchanan —  Retail Associate

What is your favorite camera and why?

My favorite camera is my Fuji GW690. I love it because it caters to many of my needs. It’s fully mechanical and has a rangefinder.

Up-close photo of a Fuji GW690 camera being held by a KEH staff member.

Why is this your camera brand of choice?

I love Fuji because it’s perfect for street and portrait photography.

What is your favorite photo you’ve taken with this camera?

One photo that comes to mind is one that I took in Edgewood. Gentrification is hitting Atlanta hard and the city is constantly changing. As a result, many of the beautiful views of Atlanta are now blocked by high rises. This photo has one of my favorite cityscape views of downtown but that soon will be no more.

Photo of a construction site in front of a skyline scene shot on a Fuji GW690.
Shot by Andre Buchanan on Fuji GW690

What’s the best feature of this camera, in your opinion?

The lens is by far my favorite feature of this camera. It’s a 90mm — however, since it’s a 6×9 camera, the lens is equivalent to a 39mm which is perfect for me.

 KEH staff member Keith Jackson holding a Canon EOS RP camera up to his face.

Keith Jackson — Tech Line Supervisor

What is your favorite camera and why?

My favorite camera is my Canon RP. It’s easy to use and it’s lightweight which comes in handy with my style of shooting. I do a lot of street and documentary-style photography, so I need to have a light setup because I’m walking around so much.

Close-up of Canon EOS RP being held by KEH staff member Keith.

Why is this your camera brand of choice?

My brand of choice is Canon because that is the brand I learned photography on.  The Canon 40D and the 5D classic were the models I learned the fundamentals of shooting.  I’ve always had Canon lenses, so it was an easy transition to the mirrorless format with the RP. Canon’s format has just always felt very easy to use and learn.

What is your favorite photo you’ve taken with this camera?

My favorite photo I’ve taken with this camera is of a Black father and his daughter I saw at an annual Atlanta event called House in the Park in Grant Park. Amidst all the dancing and partying, this father has his daughter on his head and I asked him for a photo. I just thought it was a moment of stillness amongst all the excitement going on. You could see the bond between them in that moment.

Black and white photo of a young Black girl sitting on her father's shoulders.
Shot by Keith Jackson on Canon EOS RP

What’s the best feature of this camera, in your opinion?

The best feature of the Canon RP is the electronic viewfinder. The ability to change the settings without having to look at a dial or menu screen makes it easy to transition when lighting/scenery changes.

KEH staff member Constance Glenn looking down at her Canon EOS R5 camera.

Constance Glenn — PhotoBox KEH Website Photographer

What is your favorite camera and why?

My favorite camera is the Canon EOS R5. The reason I hold this camera in high regard is its exceptional blend of cutting-edge technology, versatility, and outstanding image quality. The EOS R5’s advanced features empower me to capture moments with unprecedented clarity and creativity.

Close-up photo of Canon EOS R5 camera being held by KEH staff member Constance.

Why is this your camera brand of choice?

I chose Canon as my camera brand of choice because of its longstanding reputation for producing reliable and innovative photography equipment. Canon consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in photography, and the EOS R5 is a prime example of their dedication to excellence.

What is your favorite photo you’ve taken with this camera?

Selecting a single favorite photo is a challenge, given the remarkable results the EOS R5 consistently delivers. However, if I had to choose two, it would be these shots taken at the park. The camera’s exceptional dynamic range and fine detail capture allowed me to convey the beauty of the moment with breathtaking clarity.

Shot by Constance Glenn on Canon EOS R5

What’s the best feature of this camera, in your opinion?

The EOS R5’s standout feature is its groundbreaking image stabilization system. The in-body image stabilization combined with lens stabilization results in unbelievably steady shots, even in challenging shooting conditions. This feature has opened up new creative avenues for me, allowing me to explore long-exposure photography and capture crisp handheld shots in low-light situations.

Photo of KEH staff member Jake holding his Fujifilm GFX 50S camera and smiling.

Jake Parris — Purchaser

What is your favorite camera and why?

My favorite camera is going to be the Fujifilm GFX 50S. The image quality is next level and priced the same as most full-frame cameras. I primarily shoot portraits, and I’ve never liked results more than from the GFX system.

Close-up of Fujifilm GFX 50S camera being held up by a KEH staff member.

Why is this your camera brand of choice?

Overall, I’d say my favorite camera brand is Fujifilm. Both their APS-C and medium format systems are well-rounded and simple to use.

What is your favorite photo you’ve taken with this camera?

It’s tough for me to pick one single photo for as many shots as I’ve taken with the GFX. I have one headshot that comes to mind where the model had a black veil over her face. That camera captures so much detail, which in my opinion adds to the richness and character of the photo.

Black and white portrait of a woman under a wet black veil.
Shot by Jake Parris on Fujifilm GFX 50S

What’s the best feature of this camera, in your opinion?

Honestly, the best feature of the camera to me is having the manual dials to adjust shutter speed, aperture, and ISO rather than just scrolling a wheel like most other cameras do. It helps me personally by reminding me of my settings and enables me to get more creative with my exposure.

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