Hi. Continuing the blog on the kit that I use. Onto the accessories - although they should be called the 'essentials' as they are every bit as important as the camera and lens! Looking at the flashgun first, my choice (staying firmly in the Canon camp) is the Canon Speedlight 430EX II. Retailing at around the £200 mark it is not cheap, but you get what you pay for - a damn fine flashgun and one that you know will work with the camera software through the hotshoe attachment. I particularly like the fast recharge capability, which enables me to fire off multiple shots without worrying about the flash failing. You also need a decent tripod to ensure that your camera remains steady for timed shots, so I’ve gone for an Expro tripod with a Giottos GTMH5011 head. The tripod head has individual controllable axis, so I can move the camera up and down or right and left, without disturbing the other setting. Very useful if, for example, you are following moving objects. All of my kit, except for the tripod, fits into a Lowepro Slingshot 200 AW bag which is carried on the back and has a diagonal strap, so it can swing round in front of you to enable you to remove the camera quickly. Next time ... the PC.

Oh, and I've been away on hols so have some interesting photos for you. I'll let you know when I get them up on the website.