Equipment Essentials – Tools I Trust

I’m often asked – especially by my students and fellow creatives – which brands and tools I work with and can recommend without hesitation. During my masterclasses and at universities, I’m frequently asked for detailed equipment lists, as I often share behind-the-scenes videos in my speeches and on stage, where many of these tools can be seen in action. Since I’m currently working on a way to make this list available to my community via my website, I’d like to start here by highlighting some of the most important brands in my workflow.

Over the years, I’ve developed close working relationships with selected international brands, some of which have honored me with the title of Ambassador. What I value most about these partnerships is being actively involved in the development and fine-tuning of products – a process I truly enjoy, as great technology inspires me as much as the creative work it enables. The exchange with the brilliant minds behind these tools often sparks new ideas for my own projects, and in many cases, these connections have grown from years of personal use and genuine admiration.

For me, everything begins with NIKON – my Nikon Z9 and  Nikon Z8 are the backbone of every production, giving me the freedom to bring my ideas to life without technical limits. Since purchasing my first Nikon camera at the end of 2010, I have been deeply impressed by their performance and consistently inspired by how the technology has evolved over the years. This evolution has not only elevated my photography but also inspired me to step into motion work – a journey that has grown into a true passion, opening up an entirely new dimension of creative storytelling.

Just as essential are the Angelbird storage solutions – from memory cards, card readers, and high-speed cables to SSDs – whose speed and reliability perform flawlessly, even under the most demanding conditions.

In my studio and on international productions, I rely on:

• The light of Profoto (flashes, light shaping tools – one favorite: the Soft Zoom Reflector – and many more)

• The precision of EIZO monitors for perfect color control

• The editing power of Capture One for my color grading and workflow

• The creative tools from Wacom for precision work – and, thanks to Rolf, I also discovered Xencelabs products, which I have since integrated into my workflow.

• The smartly designed Think Tank bags and cases for safe transport

For film and hybrid projects, I trust the sturdy and flexible Falcam cages, which allow me to work quickly and efficiently.

In addition, vsble.me and pikd.io are two tools I no longer want to miss in my creative process.

And because of my love for design and beauty, I have a special appreciation for the handcrafted camera straps & bags from Artisan & Artist, which combine elegance with comfort in a way that inspires me every day.

Beyond the core tools mentioned above, my work also benefits from other carefully chosen equipment that complements my creative process – such as Synology, Dedolight, Eddycam, Manfrotto, Mola Light Shaping Tools, Adobe, Knackscharf products, and iWorkCase, and some more. Each of these has earned its place in my setup through consistent performance, exceptional quality, and the way it supports my vision on set and in post-production.

I would never promote a product I am not 100% convinced of. Every brand connection I have today has grown naturally from being a long-time user – often purchasing or renting the equipment myself for years before recommending it. Many of the tools I work with are more than just highly reliable; they are absolute favorites that I consider true passion pieces within my creative process. Everything I recommend has earned its place in my work through extensive testing in real projects. I always approach new gear as a neutral tester first – only integrating it into my workflow once it has proven its value in both performance and creative potential. 

I am deeply convinced that true creative freedom comes from working with the right tools. I always encourage investing in fewer pieces – or renting first – but choosing the highest quality possible. Quality not only makes a visible difference in the work itself, but it also becomes a long-term companion in the creative journey. From an ethical perspective, I believe that buying high-end products is one of the most sustainable choices a creative can make: when you invest well, you invest for a lifetime.

In today’s market, many outstanding tools created by passionate innovators are copied and sold cheaply. While tempting, these imitations often lack the craftsmanship, durability, and soul of the original. As artists and makers, we have a responsibility to support true craftsmanship – because the tools we choose not only shape our work, but also send a message about the values and mindset we stand for. 

If you’d like to receive a more detailed list of my favorite equipment – along with regular test reports, studio insights, and updates on the tools I trust – join my dedicated “Gear & Studio Insights” newsletter. Simply email my team at: equipment [at] avapivot [dot] com with the subject line ‘Newsletter Sign-Up’. As we receive many requests, we kindly ask for your patience – we will add you to the list as soon as possible.