Gear Is Not the Answer (But Here's What I Use)
Every photographer gets the question: What camera do you use?
My answer is always the same: the one I have with me. But since that answer frustrates people who are genuinely curious, let me give you the longer version.
The Honest Truth About Gear
The most important photograph I ever made was shot on a point-and-shoot film camera I bought at a gas station in rural New Mexico. It was grainy, slightly out of focus, and perfectly imperfect in every way that mattered. That image has appeared in three gallery shows and been published twice.
Equipment enables. It does not create. A $10,000 camera in the hands of someone who doesn't understand light, composition, and the decisive moment will produce worse images than a $500 camera in the hands of someone who does.
That said, there are real differences between tools, and using the right tool for the job matters.
My Current Kit
Primary camera: Sony A7R V — the resolution is exceptional for large-format prints, and the autofocus system is fast enough to not be a liability in street work.
Lenses I actually use:
- Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM — my walk-around lens. Wide enough for environmental portraits and street, tight enough to isolate a subject.
- Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM — for portraits where I want compression and beautiful bokeh.
- Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II — landscape and architecture work, especially in tight spaces.
Film camera: Leica M6 with a 35mm Summicron — when I want to slow down and be deliberate. Film costs money to develop, which is one of the best focus tools I know.
Bags: Think Tank Airport Roller for travel. A small ThinkTank Retrospective 7 for day work.
What Actually Matters
- Light. Always light first.
- Your eye. Develop it relentlessly.
- Patience. Most great photographs require waiting.
- Editing. Knowing when NOT to press the shutter.
Buy less gear. Go outside more. That's the whole strategy.