National Camera Day: Celebrating the Photographers Behind the Lens

Every photograph starts with someone seeing the world a little differently.

National Camera Day isn’t just about cameras. It’s about the people who use them to preserve memories, tell stories, spark curiosity, and inspire others to look a little closer. Whether you’re documenting everyday moments with a used camera, chasing perfect light, or experimenting with new techniques, every frame reflects a unique perspective.

At KEH, that’s something worth celebrating. For more than 45 years, we’ve been helping photographers keep creating by putting trusted, pre-owned gear—from a pre-owned camera to a classic lens—into the hands of people who will use it well. Because great cameras aren’t meant to sit on shelves…they’re meant to create.

To celebrate National Camera Day, we partnered with VSCO for our Tools of the Trade giveaway, inviting photographers to share the images they’re most proud of and the gear that helped bring them to life. The response reminded us exactly why we love this community: incredible creativity, thoughtful craftsmanship, and countless ways to see the world. If you’re deciding where to buy your next setup, the community’s choices offer great starting points.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• Why National Camera Day is worth celebrating
• Our “Tools of the Trade” giveaway with VSCO
• Meet the winning photographers and the gear behind their images
• Why the right gear matters—and where to find it—and where to buy it

Today, we’re excited to introduce this year’s winners.

Meet the Winners

Stuart Seigel

Stuart’s winning images showcase the creative possibilities of infrared photography. His setup included a modified Fujifilm X-S10 converted for full-spectrum capture, paired with a Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 lens and a Tangsinuo GBR3 filter.

The camera’s original infrared filter was replaced with full-spectrum glass, allowing infrared light to reach the sensor. The GBR3 filter then blocks infrared while balancing visible light, producing striking color separation and unique tonal contrast that gives Stuart’s images their signature look. If you’re considering a pre-owned camera for infrared work, conversions like this can open new creative paths.

It’s a reminder that sometimes the most compelling images come from pushing your gear—and your creativity—in new directions.

See more of Stuart’s work

• Instagram
• VSCO

Shop similar Fujifilm cameras →

Nathan Campbell

Nathan’s photographs prove that timeless gear continues to deliver timeless results.

Using a classic Nikon F paired with a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4, Nathan created images that highlight the enduring appeal of film photography. Simple, reliable, and capable of beautiful rendering, this iconic combination has inspired photographers for decades—and continues to do so today. Not sure where to buy a dependable film body? Trusted sources make it easy to find a well-cared-for classic.

Sometimes, all you need is one great camera, one trusted lens, and an eye for the moment.

See more of Nathan’s work

• Instagram
• VSCO

Shop Nikon film cameras →

Wyatt Junnila

Some cameras become more than equipment—they become an essential part of a photographer’s creative process. Wyatt’s featured setup centers on the Mamiya RB67 Pro S, a legendary medium-format camera known for its exceptional image quality and deliberate, hands-on shooting experience. It’s a fitting reminder that the right tools can inspire photographers to slow down, experiment, and create with intention. For many, choosing a used camera like the RB67 is a deliberate step toward a slower, more intentional process. Wyatt’s work is a beautiful example of that.

See more of Wyatt’s work

• Instagram
• VSCO

Shop medium format film cameras →

The Right Tools Make Creativity Possible

One of our favorite parts of the giveaway was seeing how different each photographer’s approach was.

A modified digital camera. A decades-old 35mm film camera. A medium format powerhouse.

Different formats. Different workflows. Different creative visions. What they all share is a camera that helped turn an idea into an image.

That’s what we believe at KEH: every photographer deserves access to reliable gear that inspires them to create. Whether you’re picking up your first used camera, adding a new lens to your kit, rediscovering a classic film body, or repairing gear you already own… the right equipment can open up new creative possibilities.

Celebrate National Camera Day With Us

To our winners—congratulations, and thank you for sharing your work with our community.

And to everyone who entered the giveaway: thank you for reminding us why photography matters. The best way to celebrate National Camera Day is simple: grab a camera, head outside, and make something you’re proud of.

If you’re looking for your next creative tool and wondering where to buy, explore thousands of KEH Certified™ pre-owned cameras, lenses, and accessories from the brands you love. Find a pre-owned camera that fits your style. Your next favorite piece of gear, and your next great photograph, could be waiting.

Q&A

Question: Why is National Camera Day worth celebrating?

Short answer: It’s a chance to honor the people behind the lens—the storytellers who preserve memories, spark curiosity, and inspire others to look closer. The day isn’t just about cameras; it’s about the unique perspectives photographers bring to every frame. KEH celebrates by helping creators keep creating with trusted, pre-owned gear that’s meant to be used, not shelved.

Question: What was the “Tools of the Trade” giveaway with VSCO, and what did it reveal about the community?

Short answer: KEH and VSCO invited photographers to share the images they’re most proud of and the gear that made them possible. The entries showcased incredible creativity and craftsmanship across very different approaches—from a modified digital infrared setup (Stuart Seigel) to a classic 35mm film combo (Nathan Campbell) and a deliberate, medium-format workflow (Wyatt Junnila). Together, they highlight how diverse tools can equally empower compelling storytelling.

Question: How did Stuart Seigel achieve his distinctive infrared look?

Short answer: He used a Fujifilm X-S10 converted for full-spectrum capture paired with a Fujinon XF 35mm f/2 and a Tangsinuo GBR3 filter. The camera’s original infrared-cut filter was replaced with full-spectrum glass to let infrared light reach the sensor. The GBR3 filter then blocks infrared while balancing visible light, creating striking color separation and unique tonal contrast that define Stuart’s signature style.

Question: What does Nathan Campbell’s setup say about film photography and gear choice?

Short answer: Nathan’s Nikon F with a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 underscores the timeless appeal of film and the power of simplicity. A dependable body, a trusted prime lens, and a keen eye can deliver beautiful, enduring results—proof that classic gear continues to inspire and perform.

Question: Why do the right tools matter—and where can I find them?

Short answer: The right equipment turns ideas into images, whether you’re exploring infrared, embracing the simplicity of a film setup, or slowing down with medium format. KEH offers thousands of KEH Certified pre-owned cameras, lenses, and accessories, plus repair services to keep your current gear going. If you’re deciding where to buy, the community’s winning setups are excellent starting points for finding a pre-owned camera or lens that fits your style.