Becoming a Shimoda Ambassador with Ffordes Photographic
I’m really excited to share that I’ve recently become a Shimoda Ambassador in partnership with Ffordes Photographic. This partnership means a lot to me, not only because I genuinely believe in the products, but also because of my long-standing relationship with the team at Ffordes. Over the years they’ve supported my work, helped me with equipment, and have always been a place I trust for advice and knowledge. Being able to represent Shimoda through them feels like a very natural step.
A Bag That Has Travelled Everywhere With Me
My journey with Shimoda bags actually began around six years ago when I bought my first one back in 2020 from Ffordes Photographic. I still remember the day clearly. It was during the COVID period, and when I arrived to collect it the boxes were bigger than I expected. We ended up loading everything into the back of my dad’s Land Rover — the bag itself, the core units, accessories and various bits that all came with it. I remember wondering if I’d actually gone a bit overboard with the system. As it turns out, I didn’t. I use every part of it, and switching to that system has honestly been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my photography. Since that first bag, Shimoda has travelled with me across countless locations throughout Scotland — from the landscapes of Skye and Dumfries & Galloway to the rugged terrain of the Cairngorms National Park and the seabird cliffs at Troup Head. It has also been with me on trips abroad, including the Faroe Islands, carrying my equipment safely through airports, flights, and long days out shooting.
A Bag That Actually Fits
One of the main reasons I originally chose Shimoda was how versatile the bags are. As a smaller woman, finding a camera bag that actually fits properly has always been a challenge. Many bags simply don’t adjust enough and end up being uncomfortable on long days in the field. Shimoda was the first bag I found that genuinely worked for me. The ability to swap to women’s specific shoulder straps and adjust the height of the harness system meant I could properly tailor the bag to my frame. It made a huge difference, especially when carrying heavier wildlife equipment for long periods.
The Moment I Truly Trusted the Bag
One moment early on really cemented my trust in the bag. I’d only had my Shimoda for a couple of weeks and was out photographing a lighthouse on the coast. I had set the bag down beside me on the beach while taking photos. When I finished and looked down to grab it, the bag had completely disappeared. I looked up and realised it had floated out into the water. Thankfully I had zipped it fully closed, but in a panic I ran straight into the sea, grabbed it and rushed back to the beach to check the damage. When I opened it, I was amazed — everything inside was completely dry. None of my gear had been affected at all. Only the outside of the bag was wet. That moment instantly gave me a huge amount of confidence in the bag. The weather resistance and build quality had already impressed me, but seeing it perform like that in a real situation made me trust it completely. The story quickly made its way back to the team at Ffordes and became a bit of an ongoing joke for a while.
Built for Real Field Use
As a wildlife photographer based in Scotland, my gear often gets put through some fairly demanding conditions. Long days in the hills, coastal weather, mud, rain, snow — and sometimes all of those in the same day. My original Shimoda bag is now about six years old and has been used and abused in all sorts of environments. It’s definitely picked up some dirt along the way, but the durability has been incredible. Even now, after years of regular use, if I give it a quick clean it still looks almost brand new. That level of durability is something I’ve genuinely been surprised by, especially considering how much time the bag spends out in the field.
Looking Ahead
As part of this ambassador role, I’ll be sharing more about how I use Shimoda bags in real-world situations while photographing wildlife. I’ll also be working alongside Ffordes Photographic, occasionally attending in-store events and Shimoda open days where I’ll be happy to talk about my experience using the bags. For anyone interested in trying Shimoda equipment, I’m also able to offer a 10% discount on first purchases through Ffordes using the code ShonaShimoda10.
I’m really looking forward to continuing to use these bags in the field and sharing more about how they support my work as a wildlife photographer.
Shimoda Discount Through Ffordes
As part of this partnership, I’m able to offer 10% off first purchases of Shimoda equipment through Ffordes Photographicusing the code:
ShonaShimoda10
This code can be used in-store or over the phone when purchasing Shimoda products from Ffordes. If you place an order through the Ffordes website, simply contact the team within 5 days of purchase and quote the code ShonaShimoda10, and they will be able to refund the 10% discount.
If you have any questions about Shimoda bags, how I use them in the field, or which setup might work best for your photography, feel free to get in touch — I’m always happy to help or point you in the right direction.
Useful Links
Ffordes Photographic
Shimoda Designs
