Veteran war photojournalist Jonathan Alpeyrie has opened up about the carefully curated equipment he carries when documenting some of the world's most dangerous conflicts, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Ukraine, and Gaza. The French photographer, who describes himself as a minimalist, has been using essentially the same core equipment for the past two decades: his camera, bulletproof vest, phone, bag, and computer.
In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Alpeyrie revealed his streamlined approach to conflict photography equipment. After starting his career with Nikon cameras, he switched to Canon approximately seven years ago, citing his preference for the format. His current setup includes a Canon body with a backup, all carried in a trusted Domke camera bag that has accompanied him through countless dangerous assignments.
Perhaps most notably, Alpeyrie relies exclusively on a single Canon 50mm f/1.2 prime lens for all his work. "It captures light like no other, especially in a dark circumstance, which I love," he explained. "I never use flash, always natural light." This commitment to natural lighting has become a hallmark of his photography style, allowing him to capture authentic moments without drawing unwanted attention in volatile situations.
The photographer's minimalist philosophy stems from harsh practical realities of conflict zones. He previously owned a 35mm f/1.2 lens, but it was destroyed during one of his assignments. "I don't want to be carrying around a bunch of lenses," Alpeyrie stated. "I don't like that. I've had 200mm, 300mm, but I didn't like it; they're quite heavy. You have to hit the ground because there's artillery fire, and it gets busted. It's not practical." His advice to aspiring photographers is clear: invest in quality lenses rather than expensive camera bodies.
One item that distinguishes Alpeyrie's kit from typical photographers is his bulletproof vest, manufactured in Colombia. This flak jacket provides protection against gunfire but cannot withstand artillery strikes. The vest is designed to be lightweight enough to allow quick movement when necessary, though this means it lacks side protection. "I also don't wear a helmet," he noted. "I find it very distracting. It stops me from taking the right photos." This decision proved costly during a Ukrainian offensive against Russian forces, when his position took a direct artillery hit, leaving him with a severe concussion and six months of memory loss.
Beyond his digital equipment, Alpeyrie maintains a strong connection to film photography, using both a Nikon F100 and a vintage Rolleicord camera. He believes the limited number of exposures—24 or 36 frames on 35mm film—forces photographers to be more deliberate with each shot. "For any photographers who are working with film, it gives them an edge on how they see the world, how their eye connects with their cameras," he explained.
The Paris-born photographer particularly treasures his 1956 6x6 medium format Rolleicord, which provides only 12 exposures per roll of film. "The quality of the film of this camera is unprecedented," Alpeyrie claimed. "Better than any digital camera." While he acknowledges that film is expensive to purchase and develop, he believes this constraint enhances the thoughtful consideration that goes into each photograph, making every frame count in ways that digital photography cannot replicate.
