I’ve talked about this on several occasions with friends…one camera, one lens. Going out, unburdened by a load of gear, your ability to shoot with absolute minimal equipment, trusting your experience, in the knowledge that you will come away with a few decent images. Ever tried it? You can do it!
If you never have, it is something I would suggest you try – it is a great disciple, a solid way to focus your attention and as I have said many times before, it’s not about gear. A factor that you should put out of your mind, an item, that has no place with you, something that should be left at home and not given any thought, once you have started, is the thought: ”I should have brought…”. It will do you no good. One camera, one lens. Concentrate on your subject(s), on the light, on your environment and allow your mind to be free enough to shoot with only what you have brought with you, there are no regrets, leave those at home too!
I am no longer as young and fit as I used to be, I don’t relish the thought of going out carrying a bag full of heavy gear, nearly all of which I don’t need. The heavy load wears me down and lessens my enjoyment of the environment I find myself in and my desire to shoot and create. It’s far more enjoyable carrying a light bag, with minimal gear, my whole experience has become more satisfying and I’m not so tired!
What then should I see something and I wish that I should have brought another piece of gear that would do the job better and make life easier for me? Remember, you have left those thoughts and feelings at home, they have no place with you now or ever, they are not your friends, they never are. You have what you have, time, practice and your creativity has made you a better photographer, not your gear.
And so, I walked through the woods the previous weekend a thought came to my attention, what I have talked about in the last few paragraphs was going through my mind. Saying to myself, “Karl, you need more gear”. No. My walks are usually between an hour or two and my doctor thinks I should leave my camera at home when I go out for a walk, as when I have it in my hand, half-a-mile can take an hour!!...one camera, one lens, one hour – why not? Well perhaps a little more than an hour, but you get the picture. Hence this blog post and perhaps the creation of another mini project – always a good thing to set yourself a project.
In actual practice, I’ve actually been doing this for a while, so there’s nothing new here, apart from formally having the thought and setting it down in the manner of a mini project. However, easier said than done! The goal here is to take and create worthwhile images in the space of an hour using one camera and one lens. Some more inside information on my thought process is called for now…As I walk, and think, I capture images for ideas I have for future editing and also mini projects, that maybe ongoing or I wish to pursue – perhaps future galleries for my website. Now, with the addition of imposing an hour limit upon myself and putting myself under a bit more pressure…I think to myself, what can I show the ever-present audience that walks around with me (read my previous blog – “This Blog – Why I Blog”), forever in judgement…can I manage at least 8 images for a gallery on my website or indeed for a gallery showing of print? Images that are interesting and good enough for that purpose. Yes, that’s harder – but it’s a good exercise. That’s the goal, however, reality is often quite different and coming away with even one decent image is a challenge, but I think you get my point!
Well, remember, I have said in the past - I’m not a guru, and I don’t profess to offer any sage advice – I can only tender my thoughts and feeling and share some of my experiences and ideas, hopefully, a little encouragement.
The images here today, are the result of one camera, one lens and one hour, shot last weekend. They are perhaps not gallery print worthy, but it is a good discipline and one that I will be more conscious of for myself. In my previous blog – “Three years in the woods”, I wrote about combinations of camera bodies and lenses – the same applies here, it makes the adventure all the more interesting.
Can I get excited about the images here? No, not really. I will tell you what it does for me…it will focus me and remember I shoot mostly for myself now. Along with the silent audience I always have in tow, I’m forever trying to improve my photography – so why show these images here? Well, for nothing other than it serves as a good illustration for this post. They are neither good nor bad, they are a starting position and writing these posts is also a good means for me to improve my own photography.
What you have and carry with you has no limits, you use it as it is, it is your ability that is in question here. Your camera and lens are waiting for input from you, they can be unhappy servants, or trusted friends – you choose. What you have with you, at all times, is your imagination and your creativity, it has no limits. It’s time to go out and shot!