There is also a quote about Arjen Robben, a football player known for cutting inside and scoring in the far corner. A trainer said: I'm not afraid of someone who practiced 1000 shots, I'm afraid of someone who practiced one shot 1000 times. Same principle :)
cees dijkstra and Bruce Lee said, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”
fair enough for photojournalism, but i personally as a portrait and sometimes street photographer, my further focal length is 50mm (75 because im on APSC) and I find often that I'd like and need more range than I have. To each their own.
Hmm, I spent many years on newspaper staffs and even if I were to exclude the sports rotation where long lenses are needed, I still have to have something longer than a 50 in my bag. Even something as routine as a press conference where you're in a group of other shooters, you've gotta get onto the person at the podium tighter than a 50. But it's funny, thinking of the two-lens scenario, the editor who reviewed my portfolio in 1983 for my first "real" job quickly flipped through it without word (I was on pins and needles) and said "You got a little time this afternoon? I need something covered." Umm...sure, I said. He leaves and comes back within a few minute and hands me a Nikon FM-2, a 24mm 2.8 and the uber-classic 105mm 2.5. "Here, use this, let's see what you get." Oh, and I got one roll of Tri-X film. Gulp!! Well, I couldn't have run off with the gear because it was well-used and he had my precious portfolio. Guess he liked what I brought back because he gave me a few additional stringer assignments and then hired me when an opening occurred. Even now, looking back, the 24 and 105 would still be the bomb.
I always wanted 'more gear' after looking at TH-camrs what's in my camera bag videos then I realized for my street photography I just needed my kit lens nothing more than that.
Have been following you for a while now, but recently I noticed a sharp uptick in quality of your content. So much so that you're now in my personal top three best photography channels on TH-cam. Dunno if it's minimalism or something else, but it seems as if you've hit a creative groove and it's inspiring to see what you create. Thank you for all the great content!
Honestly I make all my photos on a Nikon D3400 equipped with a Tamron 18-400, and I edit on a 9 year old Laptop/ my phone. I'm far from the best but I'm damn proud of the work I've made in the year I've been doing photography.
Definitely agree with the reply on this post! This is in line with why I made this video. Its easy to get wrapped up in the idea that you need more than you actually do. Thanks for watching!
It's amazing for everything honestly. I did alot of research on it before I bought it cause i just didnt feel like it could be viable but after almost a year with it now I highly recommend it as an all in one travel lens
Hit the nail on the head!! Perfect. Your path echoes my own; sold multiple bodies, gobs of lenses, and found I can do 99% of my work with a 18-55mm and a 80mm macro. Proof came in a huge 3 day commercial job - didn't have to pfaff around picking what to use - what I thought would be a limitation was a liberation. Turned out brilliant and I still don't know what the other 1% is, that a pro body with two lenses won't let me do? X100V is my backup because it runs the same flash triggers, and that awesome leaf shutter / ND combo...
Good video. I’ve been on a minimalism kick too and what’s great about it is like you said there isn’t a right or wrong about how much you have. It’s just about keeping what’s actually important to you and getting rid of the clutter. Some things were hard to part with but had to be realistic if it hadn’t been used in several years
Great food for thought...I agree totally...simple is better...really had a good sound to your voice & your back ground & lighting is very well done.,nice professional feeling to it.Really enjoy your journey..great work...keep having fun...nice watching you grow with your passion for your craft...well done!
Word. Last year I took only a 35mm lens and a fullframe body to a 10 day roadtrip. It was so liberating and the pics turned out to be great. You really get more creative and think much more about composition 👍🏼
I have got so much gear over the years, I thought, what if I just had one Dslr and a few lenses for my day job. Then just one mirrorless camera for my day to day. It’s been on my mind for about 6 months. I think for me it stems from being a wedding photographer back in the day and I always shot with minimal gear. No off camera flash rigs, no reflectors or assistants. That’s why I love Street photography. It’s just me, one camera and one lens. I’m happier when it’s like that. I have to date sold a third of my gear and you know, I don’t miss it. So I’m with you on this 100%.
Makes perfect sense and I totally agree. Sometimes you get so wrapped up in gear you forget it’s you that creates the image. The camera is just tool. I love my Fuji XT2 and I keep thinking of trading it in for a new model but I stop my self because I just love using it. Hope that makes sense and keep up the good work. 👍🏻
Mic sounds real buttery 🤙🏻 I found your channel at the beginning of my photo journey and it’s funny how a while ago, your editing videos were what I liked the most. Now, I love videos like this one or where you just share our opinion on a subject. #fanforlife 🙏🏼
Hey man, dope video!!! I've started to sell a bunch of gear a few times over the past several months and I thought about a lot of the stuff that you mentioned here... Going on vacations, going out to shoot, etc and ALWAYS stressing about bringing or forgetting the "right" gear! Thanks for sharing 👌🏾
Amazing video, Evan. I couldn't agree more. Right now I'm in the process of going through this and I've felt this way for a few months. I had my A7 III and a 35mm and a 50mm and it was both my work and play camera. Then long story short I went from 2 lenses to 5 due to black Friday, as well as a Fuji X-T2 and the 85mm with it. Now that there's too many options to choose from I almost don't even want to get out and create because I get so overwhelmed with the gear I have to choose to pack. Needless to say the 3 lenses I picked up are in the process of being sold so that way I have a workhorse, and I have a play camera as well. Thank you for helping put my thoughts into words for me 🙏🏽
Great message. In this hypermarket we live in, The Next Big Thing is always right around the corner all the time. You can almost mark your calendar to it. The equipment lust and the equipment churn and all the breathless "Time to switch?!?!?" videos and comments are constant. It's crazy.
I have this problem too, I almost love collecting the lenses too. For every new camera or lens you get, you gave to actually master it, which involves a ton of energy too. That’s a big investment time wise, not just money wise
A have a range of camera systems that I take depending on the occasion. Some trips I’ll take a DSLR and 3 lenses, kitesurfing trips I’m already taking heaps of gear so I pair a go-pro with a Fuji x100, and others a point and shoot may be enough. I believe in taking the right tool for the job without packing everything you own. I also don’t upgrade all that often so the cost isn’t a burden.
Couldn't agree more. I shoot 95% weddings and keep my kit down to two XT3s, 16 1.4, 56 1.2 and the 16mm macro adapter that can fit my pocket. Everything else I leave in a bag like flashes and stow it away. The other thing though that wasn't touched upon was how having too many options let creep in the laziness, when I realized this I minimized and shortly after found a stronger creativity.
I think it definitely depends on what you are using the gear for. For me I like having one thing designated for one situation. Like my dslr is just for photos and I have a camcorder for just video. That helps me stay organized and focused on what I'm doing.
Needed to hear this. I have been jogging my brain about upgrades for the current system I have or adding a system to my current Fuji lineup. I do landscapes and street/urban stuff. However, I am also a fan of the basics of a camera not littered with headache options and settings. Reason why I like the Fuji and Leica stuff - can focus on photography and not menu selections. Keep up the work!
Well said man! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this minimalism approach to creative work. I think with all the creative choices creators have to make, your gear should be last on the list to worry about.
i really enjoyed this video. it speaks to me *so, so much* as i find myself getting so bogged down trying to figure out which lens to bring with me when i go shoot. for some trips (when they’re more than just a day and i don’t need to carry all my gear with me at once) or extended/all-day shoots, i’ll bring 2 or 3 with me, but i’ve scaled back to only using 1 if i’m just going out for street photos. the limitations force an extra level of creativity that allows me to grow as a creative.
Learned from a trip, that one lens is more then enough. For me its my Canon FD 50mm vintage lens. The only exception is, when I am going to shoot animals, then I pack my 100-400mm. On every other trip (for example city) I just pack one lens. :) P.S. Sry for my bad english^^
I consider myself a minimalist and I totally agree. Decision fatigue would get to me a lot to the point where I just wouldn't pick anything. Now everything in my kit has a purpose and I know what I can and can't do and I take on jobs accordingly. Rent other gear if I have to.
Well said, you and I on the same page I've been selling some of my film gear on eBay as well as digital stuff. It's very refreshing and it feels like a weight off. After all we only have two hands
Great channel mate - watched loads of other videos after this. I think this is gonna help me make some fairly hefty camera decisions in the next few days. The right kit for the right work. Thanks
Great video, thanks for sharing. I also have been getting into minimalism and have been selling quite a bit of stills & video gear I do not use/need. Already feels much better! PS: mic sounds great.
So true 👍 can you please make a video about a long term review of the Leica Q? That’s my favorite part of all your videos when you use or talk about this piece of art 😍
Very nice Evan... I don't own a ton of gear, but I feel I have GAS. I find I'm only using the X100V and X-Pro3 w/2 primes and I'm super happy being able to carry that anywhere in a small messenger bag.. I owned some zooms and found I enjoyed shooting with primes only and sold the zooms. I have other prime lenses and find they stay at home in another bag 95% of the time... For me I find taking this small kit or even 1 camera/1 lens is so much more productive to me as it takes choices out of the thought process..
Minimal is the way to go, big time or amateur photographer! 🙌 I just have. Fujifilm XH1, 35mmf1.4 and the 16-55mm f2.8 for everything else. Got paid work or life and social media. Picked up a old Canon FD 50mm f1.4 for video too 🔥
All excellent points Evan. I'm at 2 different cameras (D850 and Z6) and I've been scaling back my lens options to about 5 now - 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, 85 1.4g, 35 1.8 s, and 50 mm 1.8. I think the real question is what works for you in any particular situation. I look at other options but what it comes down to for me is "Is there something I can't do with my existing camera and lens options?". If the answer is no, time to move on ;))
I've done everything I can to cut down on the amount of gear I have, while also not feeling like I'm lacking on my equipment. Right now I have 1 body and 2 lenses.
I'm down to 2 Camera Bodies, 2 lenses per body. 1 body is film, the other DSLR. Thats all I want, thats all I need and more than enough to be creative.
Thanks Evan a very interesting way of looking at things, I think like most photographers over the years I have collected lots of things that I no longer use, but sometimes end up in my camera bag. Why I am not sure, so yes maybe I should be looking at what I carry about in a lot more detail, to see if I need to be carrying this equipment around with my and why I am carrying it. You have got my mind working as to why so thank you Evan. Maybe like you I need to be looking at what and why I am carrying these bits and pieces about that I never seem to use. Tom RICHARDSON.
Yes, my man! Minimalism isn't about getting rid of all your stuff just for the sake of it. It's not about living in an empty apartment with no furniture. It's about letting go of things that are weighing you down, or that don't provide any value in your life, or that don't make you happy.
I was addicted to gear hoarding during my college days in journalism, but now i sold all my equipment and bought 2 lenses and just bring one for each trip and challenge myself to be creative with just one lens, and thats how i try to learn everyday
I'm going thru the same exact thing, and almost the same gear collection too, I just haven't pulled the plug yet. I have WAY too much Fuji gear and I am likely selling five of my six bodies and all the lenses. I will keep my X-H1 and use it with a 50-140 for action shots, maybe keep one portrait lens... take that money and go back to Nikon being I still have glass laying around. That D780 is looking sweet. I haven't decided to keep my daily carry-everywhere (X100T) till it finally dies or go more compact with a GRIII. I too hit that point of WTF am I doing where it has effected my inspiration of going out to shoot and go get some gigs. Three different digital bodies, one for Work, one for Fun stuff and one for street/everyday. I needed this video, Thanks!
Thanks! Just went through the same process and sold $19k of gear. Kept my D850 and my F100. It was a liberating experience. Failure is nothing more than the opportunity to start over with a better education. Enjoyed the video.
Sounds and looks good man! Hear ya about the gear - did that exact thing a few months ago, sold off a few lenses and a camera body. Mind-clutter gone! Boom! Oh and that gimbal... Why oh why did I get it?! my inner minimalst cringes... Used once, just for testing. Gotta go! Thanks for sharing by the way. Easier going minimal :)
I've been debating whether to get a 16mm or a 50mm for about a year now as I can't afford both primes so instead I'm saving towards a 30mm that way I can't complain about it being too wide or too narrow, I think having just the one would make me more content, simplicity is key 🙌
I currently own: A7 III, Fuji X-T3, X-H1, EOS R and ordered the X100V and X-T4... I do think I might need to downsize to a certain degree lol, but not anytime soon.
I have 1 body and 2 lenses. Nikon D5300, 50 1.8, 17-50 2.8. I notice that even with the such little gear I have, it seems I have too much sometimes because I can't pick between the 2 lenses. I mean sure I can take them both, they don't take much space, but switching a lens during a photoshoot multiple times is not fun or ideal for me or the client. Yet I still want more gear, because well, I honestly think 90% of mainstream TH-cam photographers are about gear now and not about photos. And it gets me wanting.
I think I should think about downsizing too. But then again I love each and every one of my cameras and I can't seem to be able to give any one of those away. But I need to find out which one to use for what. I'm mainly talking about my three film cameras here. One compact, one 35mm and one medium format...
For me, having option was overwhelming. But if it doesn't bother you then just keep doing your thing! But if options don't overwhelm you then maybe downsizing isn't your answer. Thanks for watching!
I watched your videos and videos of other photographers that sometimes shot on relatively simple cameras, and I was surprised at what result you can achieve with them. Now my goal is to achieve the same result.
Great video Evan. Have been doing the same the last month. Downsized from lots of big zooms and my X-H1 to X-Pro3 and 3 small WR primes :) Liberating! Keep up the good work. :)
Would love to see more about the iMac and how it improved your workflow ... I still can’t decide if I buy a new MacBook 💻 or the iMac 🖥 for editing. Will keep my iPad Pro for sure tho
I had 3 Sony lenses but ended up selling the two most expensive ones (Sigma 24mm f1.4 and Zeiss 16-35 f4) because I hardly ever used them. All I have now, is the Sony FE 50mm f1.8. It does everything I need and more 📸
bro i love the look of your room. also great video, definitely something to learn from this, even for me, and i just have a canon m50, but probably also have 3 different lens in my amazon wishlist that i don’t even need as a soon to be college kid who hasn’t made a single buck yet haha
Ill be a minimalist for the simple fact that I’m only going to be able to purchase a camera and a lens to start. Trying to figure out if I should just buy the Canon EOS RP now or wait a couple months when the R5 comes out to see if the price goes down even further.
Great video dude! I really feel you on this. As I get more and more into it, the more I find myself taking a fanny pack or tiny daybag. Just an extra battery and maybe a mic. A water bottle is usually more important for a long day than how many lenses I've got. My style of video has just been refined to a point where I don't need to mess with anything either. If I need a gimbal for something special... I have one, If I need Lav mics...I got em... But all that stuff is organized and packed up for when I actually need to use them.
I really like that way of doing things! Keeps it simple and organized. Always appreciate you commenting and supporting the channel it doesn't go unnoticed!
My first photo and video jobs are made with a Nikon D3300 and a 35mm f/1.8 G DX. That's all. Now I have a Sony camera and I have more lenses and I want more, but I think that I can do whatever job with 3 lenses. An angular zoom (16-35ish), and normal focal range zoom (24-70ish) and a 50 or 85mm f/1.8 or f/1.4. That's it. And the zooms because I prefer zoom lenses for video 😂
Have you seen Matt D'Avell channel about minimalism? It's not about getting rid of everything but only keeping stuff that you get value of... If you keep some gear just because you might use it once a gear it's nota worth keeping it around
Congratulations and well done. It's not easy to admit this kind of thing. If anyone else needs help seeing the light - pun intended - when it comes to gear and photographic vision, check out David Duchemin. He's been preaching this for years. He has many books and videos on the subject.
I’m stressing currently because I’m with Canon but I have too much stuff and too many lenses. Which is the reason why I want to use Fuji and only use the 35mm prime that’s the dream anyway. I hope some day I can make that switch
Thank you for watching and supporting the channel! 🙏
Aye! We'll always watch your videos. We came for the content but stayed for the personality
I love this video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic. Extremely valuable.
Evan Ranft thanks for making awesome content!
Thank you
Evan look at the blacks on the lower left corner of the couch and over your head
There's a saying among hunters: beware the man with only one rifle, he knows how to use it. Same applies with photo gear.
love this!!
Great quote!
There is also a quote about Arjen Robben, a football player known for cutting inside and scoring in the far corner. A trainer said: I'm not afraid of someone who practiced 1000 shots, I'm afraid of someone who practiced one shot 1000 times. Same principle :)
cees dijkstra and Bruce Lee said, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”
Damn that's gangsta
my grandad made his entire life-long career as a photojournalist using just a 28mm and a 50mm. He said with those 2 lenses you can capture anything
good proof of concept! thanks for sharing!!
fair enough for photojournalism, but i personally as a portrait and sometimes street photographer, my further focal length is 50mm (75 because im on APSC) and I find often that I'd like and need more range than I have. To each their own.
Hmm, I spent many years on newspaper staffs and even if I were to exclude the sports rotation where long lenses are needed, I still have to have something longer than a 50 in my bag. Even something as routine as a press conference where you're in a group of other shooters, you've gotta get onto the person at the podium tighter than a 50. But it's funny, thinking of the two-lens scenario, the editor who reviewed my portfolio in 1983 for my first "real" job quickly flipped through it without word (I was on pins and needles) and said "You got a little time this afternoon? I need something covered." Umm...sure, I said. He leaves and comes back within a few minute and hands me a Nikon FM-2, a 24mm 2.8 and the uber-classic 105mm 2.5. "Here, use this, let's see what you get." Oh, and I got one roll of Tri-X film. Gulp!! Well, I couldn't have run off with the gear because it was well-used and he had my precious portfolio. Guess he liked what I brought back because he gave me a few additional stringer assignments and then hired me when an opening occurred. Even now, looking back, the 24 and 105 would still be the bomb.
Depends on what you shoot, if I had to use one lens for you portraits it would be the 70-200 2.8
Your grandad deserves to be praised. Thank you for sharing.
I always wanted 'more gear' after looking at TH-camrs what's in my camera bag videos then I realized for my street photography I just needed my kit lens nothing more than that.
Essentialism is a great concept also.
“Less, but better.”
You’re so on point in this video. Having less options increase creativity. We have to think more in the process. Great vid
Dude you hit the cycle a lot of us are in right on the head. Refreshing to hear an honest perspective. Thanks!
No doubt! Thanks for supporting the channel
Have been following you for a while now, but recently I noticed a sharp uptick in quality of your content. So much so that you're now in my personal top three best photography channels on TH-cam. Dunno if it's minimalism or something else, but it seems as if you've hit a creative groove and it's inspiring to see what you create. Thank you for all the great content!
Honestly I make all my photos on a Nikon D3400 equipped with a Tamron 18-400, and I edit on a 9 year old Laptop/ my phone. I'm far from the best but I'm damn proud of the work I've made in the year I've been doing photography.
That's the spirit! I really like the "create the best with what you have" mindset💪🏼
I'm always saying the same thing to people. You cant let your gear be your crutch. "I don't.." often translates into "I won't"
Definitely agree with the reply on this post! This is in line with why I made this video. Its easy to get wrapped up in the idea that you need more than you actually do. Thanks for watching!
Wow...I had no idea anybody made an 18-400. What a range!
It's amazing for everything honestly. I did alot of research on it before I bought it cause i just didnt feel like it could be viable but after almost a year with it now I highly recommend it as an all in one travel lens
I can only afford one camera and one lens 😂let's go
nothing wrong with that, kinda why I made this video because I don't think you need much more!
Makes a lot of sense ...this is why I'm think of selling 3/4 of my gear...not 1/4 lol
Simple is everything
Hit the nail on the head!! Perfect. Your path echoes my own; sold multiple bodies, gobs of lenses, and found I can do 99% of my work with a 18-55mm and a 80mm macro. Proof came in a huge 3 day commercial job - didn't have to pfaff around picking what to use - what I thought would be a limitation was a liberation. Turned out brilliant and I still don't know what the other 1% is, that a pro body with two lenses won't let me do? X100V is my backup because it runs the same flash triggers, and that awesome leaf shutter / ND combo...
Have been going through the same thing trying to simplify what gear I use regularly. Less gear gives me more time to improve my own skill set.
Good video. I’ve been on a minimalism kick too and what’s great about it is like you said there isn’t a right or wrong about how much you have. It’s just about keeping what’s actually important to you and getting rid of the clutter. Some things were hard to part with but had to be realistic if it hadn’t been used in several years
Literally been downsizing my gear over the past few months too, think there's a lot of value in minimalism beyond just saving money :)
Couldn't agree more. Appreciate you supporting the channel!
Great food for thought...I agree totally...simple is better...really had a good sound to your voice & your back ground & lighting is very well done.,nice professional feeling to it.Really enjoy your journey..great work...keep having fun...nice watching you grow with your passion for your craft...well done!
Word. Last year I took only a 35mm lens and a fullframe body to a 10 day roadtrip. It was so liberating and the pics turned out to be great. You really get more creative and think much more about composition 👍🏼
I have got so much gear over the years, I thought, what if I just had one Dslr and a few lenses for my day job. Then just one mirrorless camera for my day to day. It’s been on my mind for about 6 months. I think for me it stems from being a wedding photographer back in the day and I always shot with minimal gear. No off camera flash rigs, no reflectors or assistants. That’s why I love Street photography. It’s just me, one camera and one lens. I’m happier when it’s like that. I have to date sold a third of my gear and you know, I don’t miss it. So I’m with you on this 100%.
Makes perfect sense and I totally agree. Sometimes you get so wrapped up in gear you forget it’s you that creates the image. The camera is just tool. I love my Fuji XT2 and I keep thinking of trading it in for a new model but I stop my self because I just love using it. Hope that makes sense and keep up the good work. 👍🏻
You are a 100% right about the minimalism stuff!! And great audio setup indeed! Keep up the good work Bro!
Mic sounds real buttery 🤙🏻 I found your channel at the beginning of my photo journey and it’s funny how a while ago, your editing videos were what I liked the most. Now, I love videos like this one or where you just share our opinion on a subject. #fanforlife 🙏🏼
One of your best videos. Really well put.
Hey man, dope video!!! I've started to sell a bunch of gear a few times over the past several months and I thought about a lot of the stuff that you mentioned here... Going on vacations, going out to shoot, etc and ALWAYS stressing about bringing or forgetting the "right" gear! Thanks for sharing 👌🏾
Amazing video, Evan. I couldn't agree more. Right now I'm in the process of going through this and I've felt this way for a few months. I had my A7 III and a 35mm and a 50mm and it was both my work and play camera. Then long story short I went from 2 lenses to 5 due to black Friday, as well as a Fuji X-T2 and the 85mm with it. Now that there's too many options to choose from I almost don't even want to get out and create because I get so overwhelmed with the gear I have to choose to pack. Needless to say the 3 lenses I picked up are in the process of being sold so that way I have a workhorse, and I have a play camera as well. Thank you for helping put my thoughts into words for me 🙏🏽
I love your process. Audio sounds great.
Great message. In this hypermarket we live in, The Next Big Thing is always right around the corner all the time. You can almost mark your calendar to it. The equipment lust and the equipment churn and all the breathless "Time to switch?!?!?" videos and comments are constant. It's crazy.
So true man! Nothing wrong with a needed upgrade, but the key word is needed. Thanks for supporting!
Thanks Evan! I can really relate to this. Appreciated.
I have this problem too, I almost love collecting the lenses too. For every new camera or lens you get, you gave to actually master it, which involves a ton of energy too. That’s a big investment time wise, not just money wise
A have a range of camera systems that I take depending on the occasion. Some trips I’ll take a DSLR and 3 lenses, kitesurfing trips I’m already taking heaps of gear so I pair a go-pro with a Fuji x100, and others a point and shoot may be enough. I believe in taking the right tool for the job without packing everything you own. I also don’t upgrade all that often so the cost isn’t a burden.
Couldn't agree more. I shoot 95% weddings and keep my kit down to two XT3s, 16 1.4, 56 1.2 and the 16mm macro adapter that can fit my pocket. Everything else I leave in a bag like flashes and stow it away. The other thing though that wasn't touched upon was how having too many options let creep in the laziness, when I realized this I minimized and shortly after found a stronger creativity.
I think it definitely depends on what you are using the gear for. For me I like having one thing designated for one situation. Like my dslr is just for photos and I have a camcorder for just video. That helps me stay organized and focused on what I'm doing.
Yep. I built a whole Sony kit with beautiful Zeiss glass, and found myself paralyzed. Sold it all, bought a Leica Q-P and I've never been happier.
Needed to hear this. I have been jogging my brain about upgrades for the current system I have or adding a system to my current Fuji lineup. I do landscapes and street/urban stuff. However, I am also a fan of the basics of a camera not littered with headache options and settings. Reason why I like the Fuji and Leica stuff - can focus on photography and not menu selections. Keep up the work!
Well said man! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this minimalism approach to creative work. I think with all the creative choices creators have to make, your gear should be last on the list to worry about.
Well said and done, my friend!
Enjoyed this so much
i really enjoyed this video. it speaks to me *so, so much* as i find myself getting so bogged down trying to figure out which lens to bring with me when i go shoot. for some trips (when they’re more than just a day and i don’t need to carry all my gear with me at once) or extended/all-day shoots, i’ll bring 2 or 3 with me, but i’ve scaled back to only using 1 if i’m just going out for street photos. the limitations force an extra level of creativity that allows me to grow as a creative.
Learned from a trip, that one lens is more then enough. For me its my Canon FD 50mm vintage lens. The only exception is, when I am going to shoot animals, then I pack my 100-400mm. On every other trip (for example city) I just pack one lens. :)
P.S. Sry for my bad english^^
Awesome video, I’m always evaluating my gear and the value it is adding.
I consider myself a minimalist and I totally agree. Decision fatigue would get to me a lot to the point where I just wouldn't pick anything. Now everything in my kit has a purpose and I know what I can and can't do and I take on jobs accordingly. Rent other gear if I have to.
Well said, you and I on the same page I've been selling some of my film gear on eBay as well as digital stuff. It's very refreshing and it feels like a weight off. After all we only have two hands
Great channel mate - watched loads of other videos after this. I think this is gonna help me make some fairly hefty camera decisions in the next few days. The right kit for the right work. Thanks
Great video, thanks for sharing. I also have been getting into minimalism and have been selling quite a bit of stills & video gear I do not use/need. Already feels much better! PS: mic sounds great.
So true 👍 can you please make a video about a long term review of the Leica Q? That’s my favorite part of all your videos when you use or talk about this piece of art 😍
For sure I'll work on some more Q content. Thanks for watching!
To true dude, people get bogged down with gear! Thanks for sharing.
This was so relatable ! The stress of having "the new gear" is real.
Very nice Evan... I don't own a ton of gear, but I feel I have GAS. I find I'm only using the X100V and X-Pro3 w/2 primes and I'm super happy being able to carry that anywhere in a small messenger bag.. I owned some zooms and found I enjoyed shooting with primes only and sold the zooms. I have other prime lenses and find they stay at home in another bag 95% of the time... For me I find taking this small kit or even 1 camera/1 lens is so much more productive to me as it takes choices out of the thought process..
Minimal is the way to go, big time or amateur photographer! 🙌 I just have. Fujifilm XH1, 35mmf1.4 and the 16-55mm f2.8 for everything else. Got paid work or life and social media. Picked up a old Canon FD 50mm f1.4 for video too 🔥
Yeah I have been doing this for a while, I just have 3 lens that I know I use that is 14mm 30mm and 85mm one body and that's it :D
Thats awesome, thanks for watching!
All excellent points Evan. I'm at 2 different cameras (D850 and Z6) and I've been scaling back my lens options to about 5 now - 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, 85 1.4g, 35 1.8 s, and 50 mm 1.8. I think the real question is what works for you in any particular situation. I look at other options but what it comes down to for me is "Is there something I can't do with my existing camera and lens options?". If the answer is no, time to move on ;))
I've done everything I can to cut down on the amount of gear I have, while also not feeling like I'm lacking on my equipment. Right now I have 1 body and 2 lenses.
I'm down to 2 Camera Bodies, 2 lenses per body. 1 body is film, the other DSLR. Thats all I want, thats all I need and more than enough to be creative.
The key is PURPOSE. Bests regards from a Venezuelan!
Thanks Evan a very interesting way of looking at things, I think like most photographers over the years I have collected lots of things that I no longer use, but sometimes end up in my camera bag. Why I am not sure, so yes maybe I should be looking at what I carry about in a lot more detail, to see if I need to be carrying this equipment around with my and why I am carrying it. You have got my mind working as to why so thank you Evan. Maybe like you I need to be looking at what and why I am carrying these bits and pieces about that I never seem to use. Tom RICHARDSON.
You are doing a great job. Your tips and tricks are appreciated. Keep them coming.
Thanks will do! Appreciate you watching!
I've been selling a bunch of gear and more for the past 3 years...too many things to think about....Minimalism is the future brother ✌
Welcome to the club brother!
Great approach and use of minimalism!
Sweet video Evan. Trying to go that route where I only have to concentrate of the actual situation than switch lenses. Always givin great info.
Gear minimalism is definitely the way forward. As someone once wrote, restriction breeds creativity.
really like that quote!
Yes, my man! Minimalism isn't about getting rid of all your stuff just for the sake of it. It's not about living in an empty apartment with no furniture. It's about letting go of things that are weighing you down, or that don't provide any value in your life, or that don't make you happy.
I was addicted to gear hoarding during my college days in journalism, but now i sold all my equipment and bought 2 lenses and just bring one for each trip and challenge myself to be creative with just one lens, and thats how i try to learn everyday
Thanks so much for this video, literally just sold almost all of my gear and bought a Leica T with one 35mm equiv lens
Economy is tanking. Time to embrace minimalism!
Hope you kept the QP, I sold my Q awhile back and always missed it. Finally picked up a Q-P and thats not going anywhere anytime soon
Could not agree more, have done the same thing thing and scaled down a lot!!
Love to hear it. Thanks for watching!
having a good camera and a good lens is important but having a lot of gear is unnecessary.
I'm going thru the same exact thing, and almost the same gear collection too, I just haven't pulled the plug yet.
I have WAY too much Fuji gear and I am likely selling five of my six bodies and all the lenses. I will keep my X-H1 and use it with a 50-140 for action shots, maybe keep one portrait lens... take that money and go back to Nikon being I still have glass laying around. That D780 is looking sweet.
I haven't decided to keep my daily carry-everywhere (X100T) till it finally dies or go more compact with a GRIII.
I too hit that point of WTF am I doing where it has effected my inspiration of going out to shoot and go get some gigs.
Three different digital bodies, one for Work, one for Fun stuff and one for street/everyday.
I needed this video, Thanks!
Great video. I'm in a similar processing of simplifying my gear as well. The mic setup sounds great, btw.
Thanks! Just went through the same process and sold $19k of gear. Kept my D850 and my F100. It was a liberating experience. Failure is nothing more than the opportunity to start over with a better education. Enjoyed the video.
Wow thats crazy! Appreciate you watching the vid!
Sounds and looks good man! Hear ya about the gear - did that exact thing a few months ago, sold off a few lenses and a camera body. Mind-clutter gone! Boom! Oh and that gimbal... Why oh why did I get it?! my inner minimalst cringes... Used once, just for testing. Gotta go! Thanks for sharing by the way. Easier going minimal :)
Simplification is freeing.
I've been debating whether to get a 16mm or a 50mm for about a year now as I can't afford both primes so instead I'm saving towards a 30mm that way I can't complain about it being too wide or too narrow, I think having just the one would make me more content, simplicity is key 🙌
Should I go back to null lenses instead of one?
Right on Time message here!!
I currently own: A7 III, Fuji X-T3, X-H1, EOS R and ordered the X100V and X-T4... I do think I might need to downsize to a certain degree lol, but not anytime soon.
lol to each his own! Pretty impressive collection honestly. Thanks for watching!
Oooof
Wait till next year and you’ll downsize. You’ll keep xt4 and a7ii and canon
Definitely a thumbs up on sound. 👍🏼🤙🏼 seemed a bit louder and cleaner.
It’s 12:10am on my birthday and your notification popped up haha! Please d more photo critique with other themes!
Please do*
Happy birthday! Will definitely do more critiques in the future. Thanks for watching
I have 1 body and 2 lenses. Nikon D5300, 50 1.8, 17-50 2.8. I notice that even with the such little gear I have, it seems I have too much sometimes because I can't pick between the 2 lenses. I mean sure I can take them both, they don't take much space, but switching a lens during a photoshoot multiple times is not fun or ideal for me or the client. Yet I still want more gear, because well, I honestly think 90% of mainstream TH-cam photographers are about gear now and not about photos. And it gets me wanting.
that fc jacket is fire, you should get some flicks of your fits bro the style is dope
I think I should think about downsizing too. But then again I love each and every one of my cameras and I can't seem to be able to give any one of those away. But I need to find out which one to use for what.
I'm mainly talking about my three film cameras here. One compact, one 35mm and one medium format...
For me, having option was overwhelming. But if it doesn't bother you then just keep doing your thing! But if options don't overwhelm you then maybe downsizing isn't your answer. Thanks for watching!
I watched your videos and videos of other photographers that sometimes shot on relatively simple cameras, and I was surprised at what result you can achieve with them. Now my goal is to achieve the same result.
Great video Evan. Have been doing the same the last month. Downsized from lots of big zooms and my X-H1 to X-Pro3 and 3 small WR primes :) Liberating! Keep up the good work. :)
Glad to hear it! Appreciate you watching the video
Would love to see more about the iMac and how it improved your workflow ... I still can’t decide if I buy a new MacBook 💻 or the iMac 🖥 for editing. Will keep my iPad Pro for sure tho
maaaaan I feel you I got a hold of a bit of money and just got more gear than i needed honestly
God your thumbnails always on fire 🔥
with the clean 3's
Me, who only owns a smartphone and a cheap tripod:
"Y'know, I'm a minimalist myself."
I had 3 Sony lenses but ended up selling the two most expensive ones (Sigma 24mm f1.4 and Zeiss 16-35 f4) because I hardly ever used them. All I have now, is the Sony FE 50mm f1.8. It does everything I need and more 📸
Stay safe and healthy ❤️
bro i love the look of your room. also great video, definitely something to learn from this, even for me, and i just have a canon m50, but probably also have 3 different lens in my amazon wishlist that i don’t even need as a soon to be college kid who hasn’t made a single buck yet haha
New Mic setup is great!
Thanks man! Appreciate you watching
Ill be a minimalist for the simple fact that I’m only going to be able to purchase a camera and a lens to start. Trying to figure out if I should just buy the Canon EOS RP now or wait a couple months when the R5 comes out to see if the price goes down even further.
I'm so happy my XH1 survived!
Great video dude! I really feel you on this. As I get more and more into it, the more I find myself taking a fanny pack or tiny daybag. Just an extra battery and maybe a mic. A water bottle is usually more important for a long day than how many lenses I've got. My style of video has just been refined to a point where I don't need to mess with anything either. If I need a gimbal for something special... I have one, If I need Lav mics...I got em... But all that stuff is organized and packed up for when I actually need to use them.
I really like that way of doing things! Keeps it simple and organized. Always appreciate you commenting and supporting the channel it doesn't go unnoticed!
This is a great video. A greater message.
My first photo and video jobs are made with a Nikon D3300 and a 35mm f/1.8 G DX. That's all. Now I have a Sony camera and I have more lenses and I want more, but I think that I can do whatever job with 3 lenses. An angular zoom (16-35ish), and normal focal range zoom (24-70ish) and a 50 or 85mm f/1.8 or f/1.4. That's it. And the zooms because I prefer zoom lenses for video 😂
Sounds great!
Have you seen Matt D'Avell channel about minimalism? It's not about getting rid of everything but only keeping stuff that you get value of... If you keep some gear just because you might use it once a gear it's nota worth keeping it around
Congratulations and well done. It's not easy to admit this kind of thing. If anyone else needs help seeing the light - pun intended - when it comes to gear and photographic vision, check out David Duchemin. He's been preaching this for years. He has many books and videos on the subject.
I’m stressing currently because I’m with Canon but I have too much stuff and too many lenses. Which is the reason why I want to use Fuji and only use the 35mm prime that’s the dream anyway. I hope some day I can make that switch