If you’ve spent much time in Manchester when the weather is nice, chances are you’ve seen Annie Feng at some point. Often prowling the city’s streets in search of interesting light, camera poised and ready, Annie is one of Manchester’s most talented photographers – even if she has recently swapped the city for the nearby rurality of Hebden Bridge.
With the prospect of field-testing Peak Design’s latest City Line collection, we managed to tempt Annie back into the big smoke. And while we couldn’t provide any sunshine, she seemed more than comfortable wandering around the Northern Quarter, armed with Peak Design’s latest niceties.
We caught up with Annie to chat about everything from what makes a great photograph and her desert island essentials to the importance of organisation – and why Peak Design works for her.
Who are you?
I’m Annie Feng, a UK based photographer working across fashion, lifestyle, portraiture and editorial. A lot of my work is centred around people, clothing and the environments they inhabit. I’m drawn to creating images that sit somewhere between polished fashion photography and something a little more observational and documentary. I’m particularly interested in making images that feel natural, honest and have a strong sense of place.
What were your first impressions of the Peak Design bags?
My first impressions are that they are very minimal looking and timeless. They feels very complimentary to every outfit that I wear and most importantly they’re extremely functional too.
Did anything about the bags stand out to you immediately?
What stood out the most to me was visually they’re quite discreet. I feel safe to have my camera and bits in the bags without being too on show.
What do you typically carry in your work bag on a normal day?
I usually have my camera, laptop, loads of wires and tech, chewies, hand sanitiser, a fruit or chocolate bar and my bank cards. So having smart compartments like Peak Design does is really important to me to have everything organised and in its correct space in my bag.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what five items would you pack in a Peak Design bag?
Few film cameras and rolls of film, booze and cigs, tent, water bottle, and hiking boots.
How essential is a well-designed bag in your line of work?
Very. I rely on my bags to be functional and keep all my equipment safe so I don’t have to second guess when I am out shooting.
Are there any features that you really love?
I like the amount of compartments they have. It helps me keep organised and remember where all the little things go. It can get quite messy when I’m shooting outdoors as things move pretty quick. Having a few compartments where things live, helps me narrow down where I’ve put things last.
How organised of a person are you, and do you think Peak Design could help you be more organised?
I like to keep organised and I try my best to have everything where it should be, so it makes my life easier. But I do find myself misplacing things from time to time and that is sometimes due to not having set places for things like SD cards, tech line or lens wipes.
Peak Design bags can definitely help organisation, but sometimes I buy a few additional zip bags to customise my organisation setup within what is already provided.
How does the build quality of Peak Design feel compared to other bags you’ve owned?
It feels great. You definitely get a sense that the bags are sturdy and reliable. They also blend style and functionality which is lovely as you still want to look good.
Can you see yourself using the bag outside of work? Where and for what?
Yes, I can and have been using the City Crescent 6L as my weekend bag for going out to meet friends. It’s the perfect size for me to carry all my bits and I love how I can also have my point and shoot camera in there.
If you were packing it for a weekend away, what would go in it?
Depends on what sort of weekend away it is but I’d bring the essentials – outfit, wash bag, small camera, battery pack and sunglasses.
In your view, what makes a great bag?
What makes a great bag for me is something you want to carry that doesn’t feel like a chore to hang off your body. Bags have to feel like a comfortable extension of me and support my need to carry things I can’t fit in my pockets.
If you had to describe Peak Design bags in one word, what would it be, and why?
Considerate. Their designs are just very well thought out.
Find out more about Peak Design’s City Line range at peakdesign.com
