Less is more
Halloo! Look who’s back! That was a long time, but I can explain!
No, it’s too much, let me sum up: I moved from my home in Los Angeles to my new home in Seattle.
I know! It just seemed silly to have so many scarves and never get to wear them, so that’s all fixed, now. Onward!
I took a few trips this past summer and along with just not wanting to have to lug a bunch of gear around, I thought it would be a good challenge to pare down what I carried. I took 1-2 lenses each trip and on my first NY trip, I didn’t even take a digital camera proper — just my iPhone and the F5.
When I first started acquiring lenses and I’d go somewhere, “Oh! I need this one! And that one! And also this one! What if I miss something?!” Well the answer to that is: and so what if you do miss a something? You were there, you saw it, you had fun, right? Besides, sometimes missing the shot is good for ya. Builds character. (This is what I tell myself when I miss a shot I wanted. Ahem.)
What have I gotten out of limiting my lens choices?
- A much better feel for what I can do with my 50mm or my wide angle. Forcing myself to think a little harder before and while I shoot means I shoot a little less, but I tend to like more of what I get and I’m all right with that.
- Not fretting when I find myself out and about and realize I have only one lens with me or a different lens than I thought I did. So: a little more confident in my own abilities. Do I still have miles to go? Yes, of course; but less worry is always a good thing.
So there you have it. Give it a sho– a try, see how you like it (or don’t, that’s fair, too). Also! Ken’s got a good article on carrying less, check it out.