Minimal Approach To Photography
A minimal approach to photography is has been on my mind for a while now.
I recently made purchases such as a drone and gimbal and thinking about returning them.
Sometimes when I’m out taking photos, I realize that all that gear I have in my bag isn’t even used probably eighty percent of the time.
Now that we are approaching the holiday season, I want to give my input on how photographers can go about saving money and work with what you have.
This is my minimal approach to photography.
Gear
I have to start with probably the most important product to a photographer: GEAR.
The way I see it is, if you are going to use it from time to time, then make the purchase.
I recently got a gimbal and drone that I barely used.
It’s something that I thought I would need for documentaries but the gimbal is definitely going to be returned.
The drone, I have used twice but what is stopping me from keeping it is all the regulations.
Make a pros and cons list of why you might need a product.
If the cons outweigh the pros, then you don’t need it.
One Lens
When it comes to street photography, you only want to carry one lens at least, if not two.
This is why I mostly use the Tamron 24-70 G2 for street photography.
It’s wide at 24mm and has that telephoto at 70mm.
Now I do have a Canon 50mm 1.8 EF for night street photography.
So if I go to Seattle at night, the 50mm is the only lens that I will take with me.
These lenses also work great for video (I’ll cover that in another blog post), that way I don’t have to worry about switching lenses.
Create More With Less
Having tons of gear can ruin your creativity.
I know this does with me especially when I was carrying around a drone, two cameras and multiple lenses.
As previously stated above, my 24-70 is my go to especially having all these focal lengths.
I can create photos and videos for the entire time I’m out creating.
My bag will mostly consist of extra batteries, memory cards, and water just in case.
Don’t keep all your gear in your bag, especially since you will be dragging dead weight all around.
It’ll keep your mind from distraction while shooting and your back will thank you.
Laptop or Phone
Now comes the part where you will store and edit your photos.
I use my laptop to edit my photos, but I don’t store them on my laptop.
My laptop is free of clutter at the moment.
Most of my photos are stored on an SSD and a cloud storage.
When it comes to editing and storing on a phone, I suggest the same as above.
You will probably need some adapters here and there, but the cloud storage should be fine for photos.
Now if you don’t edit your photos, you can simply use your cameras wifi function to transfer your content onto your phone.
This way, it’s much simpler to share on social media.
Saving Time and Money
You probably don’t know it yet, but you will end up saving time and money.
Invest in the time to review the gear you might possibly need, but also invest in the time to master the gear you already have.
The money can actually go towards experiences rather than materialistic stuff.
Take that time to do research on places in your area to take photos of or look up point of interests on places you will visit in the future.
If you are serious about photography, I would also invest the time and money on a website.
This can give you a great opportunity to market yourself and sell products to your clients.
Conclusion
Think about why you need that product.
Is it because a famous youtuber is promoting the latest and greatest?
Just know that most of my photography career, I shot with a Canon 6D and Sigma 24mm.
Get to know your gear a little more before you decide or even sell the current gear to make room for other products.
Minimal photography maybe for you if you plan it out right.
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