Beth Squire (@beasquire) is an outdoor and lifestyle photographer based in the UK. “One of the reasons I got into photography was to inspire and encourage others to get outside, see the world for themselves and connect with nature,” she explains. “I think travel helps create real connections and I like to show this through my images by capturing all of those moments that aren’t normally documented to try and tell a story. I shoot most of my photography outdoors so it’s important I have the right gear with me but to also make sure I don’t break my back in the process. This means I try to travel as lightweight as I possibly can. I switched to Sony a few years ago to take advantage of the incredible mirrorless system and I haven’t looked back since.” Keep reading as Squire explains what’s inside her lightweight kit for outdoor adventures.

Outdoor and lifestyle photographer Beth Squire gives us a look inside her lightweight kit for creating outdoor images that inspire.

Cameras

Sony Alpha 7 III: Since I switched to Sony, the Alpha 7 III has been in my bag and it’s been my workhorse. It allows me to get high-quality photos and I love the videos it produces too. I would recommend this camera to anyone, as it checks the boxes for all my imagery requirements.

Photo by Beth Squire. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/1250-sec., f/2.8, ISO 100

Photo by Beth Squire. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/400-sec., f/2.8, ISO 100

Lenses

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master: This is the lens that you’ll nearly always find on my camera, it’s so versatile and allows me to have a super lightweight set up for certain shoots. The focus and sharpness is incredible and really helps me make sure I don’t miss a shot. If I had to only ever have one lens with me, it would have to be this one.

Photo by Beth Squire. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master. 15-sec., f/2.8, ISO 800

Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master: When I know I’ll need a bit more reach I’ll grab this lens. I only picked it up in the last year and I can’t believe I went so long without owning one. I love what types of shots it allows me to take and it works for nearly all of my work, landscapes, lifestyle, architecture – it really is an all-rounder and don’t even get me started on the quality of the shots this produces!

Photo by Beth Squire. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/80-sec., f/2.8, ISO 160

Accessories

Sony Batteries: Because I just never know how much I’ll get through on a job so I always make sure I have a few spare.

Peli Card Case: To make sure all my SD cards are safe and protected against anything (even when I decided it was a good idea to drop it down a mountain)!

Peak Design Capture Clip: This really was a game changer, I used to have my camera on a strap when I was hiking but it would always get in the way but now I have this it attaches to my bag strap and means I have easy access to my camera so I can make sure I never miss a shot.

Peak Design Tripod: I don’t use a tripod often, but when I do it has to be this one as it’s super lightweight. It’s perfect for interior images and even better for astro shots in the mountains as it doesn’t add much weight to my backpack.

Photo by Beth Squire. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master. 1/100-sec., f/4.5, ISO 1250

Cleaning Case:  I always make sure I have cleaning gear for all my cameras and lenses just in case anything happens!

Sea Frogs Underwater Housing: This has allowed me to get some really interesting shots, I also have a dome attachment which allows me to get photos from under and above the water. If you’re into photographing in the water I would 100% recommend getting yourself one of these.

Drone: Perfect for adventures, super lightweight, doesn’t take up much space and the quality is incredible.

See more of Beth Squire’s work on Instagram @beasquire.