Ellis Reed is a professional photographer, videographer, and content creator with a passion for travel, lifestyle, and camera tech. Based in Bath, in the South West of the UK.
Was there a single event that made you decide to become a professional photographer?
I actually started out as a musician throughout my teens and early 20s. Throughout that, someone had to do the posters and band shots. So I learnt graphic design and photography alongside that. As I spent more and more time learning photography, I got more into videography at the same time. It all just spiralled from there. I started going on photography meets and meeting more of the creative community, and grew to love photography through the community. I’ve not looked back since.
What is your favourite location to capture?
Either Lofoten, Norway. Or the Dolomites, Italy.
Social media – love it or hate it?
Love it for the community. Hate it for the pressure creators put on themselves as a result of it.
Favourite camera you have ever used or owned, and why?
For photos, Canon R5. A brilliant all-rounder camera. It does a beautiful job, is extremely reliable, and is really comfortable to hold.
For video, Canon C70. An incredibly reliable workhorse of a cinema camera with amazing features, and the DGO sensor produces one of the most beautiful images of all cinema cameras.
What’s in your kit bag?
Canon R5 Canon C70 Canon lenses:
RF 24-70 f2.8 RF 15-35 f2.8 RF 70-200 f2.8 RF 50mm f1.2
A variety of wireless LAV and Pro-level shotgun microphones from RØDE, Deity, 3 Legged Thing, and Comica Audio.
Atomos Shinobi II camera monitor.
Fuji X100VI
DJI Mini 4 Pro drone
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
A range of Tiffen filters Deity TC-1 Timecode kit Zoom FX6 Audio recorder
3-Legged Thing Products:
Mike Video tripod
Billy Travel tripod
Alana Monopod
AirHed Cine
AirHed Vision
AirHed Trinity
Monty v3 accessory mount
Luna Lightstand and boom pole
Roxie L-Bracket
Name 5 essential items in your photography bag.
Other than my cameras, lenses, batteries, etc.
Deity TC-1 Timecode kit. Timecode is not spoken about enough, but it’s one of the most useful and biggest time-savers of all of my video work.
3LT Alana monopod. I never thought I’d need a monopod, but this has been a game-changer for both my photo and video work.
Micro-fibre cloths. Those who know me will read this and laugh because I am constantly seen cleaning my camera gear.
Little Multi-tools. I always have some form of multi-tools on me for camera gear and tripods. Either for tightening tripod base plates, tightening bolts, etc.
Llano battery pack charger. This has a built-in battery that allows me to charge my camera batteries on the go. It can act as a charger plugged into the wall, or can be charging on the go with the built-in battery whilst I’m in the wilderness.
Are there any strange/unusual items in your photo bag? Household bits?
I’m not sure I carry anything strange or unusual. Though my friends would say my microfiber cloths.
How would you describe your style of photography?
A cinematic, community-driven, travel-focused photography style.
What is one thing you have learnt over the past year?
I’ve learnt to just trust and enjoy the process. Consistency is key.
What is your earliest memory of handling a camera?
My grandad was a keen amateur photographer, and I remember looking through all of his old collection of cameras. He loved Leica, and for some reason, had three Canon 40Ds as his main cameras, to which we still don’t understand why he needed three!
If you hadn’t got into photography, what do you think you’d be doing now?
As I started in music, I’d assume something in music.
The older I’ve got, the more I would love to work with animals. Mostly rescuing and rehoming cats, dogs, etc.
What is one question you’d like to be asked and never have been?
Ellis, would you like to join us as a Canon Ambassador?
What is the most random fact you know/love?
Australia is wider than the Moon
