JackFanning
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Almost without doubt, whenever a viewer sees one of my photos they either love or are amazed by, they say, "Wow... that's incredible, you must have a really good camera." Like many other photographers, I just laugh. You see, the camera is just a tool - just as a paint brush in the hand of an artist. The vision is in the artist's mind - just as the planned, composed, and finished photograph, is in the photographer's mind. Even today's cell phone cameras are more advanced than cameras of just a few years ago that cost thousands of dollars. A good camera in the hands of a poorly trained photographer is just a camera, but in the hands of a talented photographer - it can be magic! My equipment has evolved over the years. With the exception of my Apple iPhone 15 PRO Max, I primarily use Olympus PRO mirrorless cameras and lenses due to their quality of build, all-weather sealing, reduced weight, and quality optics.
Sunrise Storm at NewFound Gap in the GSMNP - Olympus OM-D Mark I Camera on Fotopro E6 Tripod w/E6H Gimbal Head
I am currently using two Olympus
(OM-D Mark-1) mirrorless bodies identically programmed to enable use with different lens set-ups or use as a back up camera.
I use only Olympus and OM Systems M.Zuiko Digital ED PRO lenses due to quality optics, and weather sealing. I currently use 7-14mm wide angle, 8mm fisheye, 60mm macro, 14-150mm zoom, and 150-400mm F4.5TC1.25 zoom, and a 40-100mm everyday lens.
I rarely use tripods due to the built-in image stabilization of my Olympus cameras and lenses, but when required, my best tripod is a Fotopro E6 with E6H gimbal head. I also use a Sirui monopod, Platypod, and Alta Pro 263AT.
Although my camera bodies have built-in ND filters, there are still occasional needs for other filters. I use Nisi, B+W, and other quality filters to limit for light control on landscape photos. I also use three different Olympus flash units.
Four different camera bags. My primary carry-all is a MindShift Backlight 26L photo daypack. The list of other "necessary" equipment is crazy long, and could fill the pages of a long novel. I hope my wife doesn't read this!!!
For me... it is usually Lightroom Classic, and Topaz. I use Photoshop and a few other plug-ins only as needed. I am constantly adapting. My processing techniques are dependent on the individual photos and needs of my clients.