Ewan MainWhat I use
Hardware
Most of my work is produced on a 2007 iMac and a 2008 MacBook Pro. (I've used computers for long enough to know never to trust them entirely, so I have two systems always useable.) I also use an Acer Aspire One A110 netbook for when I don't want to lug the heavy, expensive stuff around. Everything's backed up onto a Drobo as well as a remote server. So, while nobody can 100% guarantee that nothing will go wrong, I think I can come pretty close.
I take my photos on the truly excellent Nikon D90 camera, with a Tamron 18-270mm lens and a Nikon Speedlight SB-600 external flash.
Software
I use Mac OS 10.6 99% of the time, but can also run Windows when I need to. I'm also familiar with a few varieties of GNU/Linux and have recently started running Jolicloud on the netbook. I'd recommend it!
I use Aperture to import, manage and process my photos. Writing and research projects tend to start life in the wonderful Scrivener. My print design is then mostly done in Adobe InDesign, and I'll also use Illustrator and PhotoShop quite often. Web designs are hand-coded, usually using a combination of Smultron and the excellent CSSEdit. For Web graphics I'll use a combination of Illustrator, FireWorks and PhotoShop.