The Power of Less

[Steve Williams]

At some instinctual level I know this is true. I recently began reading "The Power of Less" by Leo Babauta, author of ZenHabits blog. The book's premise of doing less and accomplish more was an intriguing thought for someone who struggles with laziness but after only reading a chapter I realize it is more about the art of limiting myself to the essential.

A light came on as I thought about my photography. I often find myself asking "Why aren't you out shooting". Sometimes more important business gets in the way but in most cases I choose to engage less important and non-essential activities.

Where the power of less really has me thinking is in regard to equipment. There are days when I seem to be more concerned with having the right gear than I am in making pictures. I walk out the door believing I must have everything I need for every possible circumstance otherwise I am lost.

I realize the need for gear on some assignments --- an assistant, a cart load of lights, stands, batteries, computer, triggers, gels, tape, lenses, spares, blah and blah. I feel like the novice backpacker with a 100 pound pack who wonders why they hate backpacking.

I continue working on my 3 Prints Project but today I feel different. I'll walk out the door shortly with my Mamiya 7 instead of the Leica M6. If the Leica allows me to work in a sketchbook the Mamiya allows me to write haiku. One camera, one lens, one focal length.

I'll still need much more when I am on most assignments. But for my personal work that is part of a daily meditation, less is more.

I often wonder if others struggle this way. I often feel overwhelmed by information and things. Making photographs helps me recognize the essential...

 

[dfoo]

Nice blog. I like your 3 prints project too.

 

[FrankS]

Here is my analysis: There are 3 characteristics/tendencies in photographers/ people with cameras. Individuals have varying degrees of each.
1) Collecting for the satisfaction of owning a collection displayed on a shelf.
2) Gear-headedness is the satisfaction of manipulating and taking pictures with various different cameras and lenses. Emphasis is on the process of photography.
3) The artistic drive which is satisfied by the final image without regard for the process or tools. This is the essence/spirit of creativity in all arts.

 

[andrewteee]

I have more than one camera because each one is different and fits a certain niche. But sometimes I wish I only had one camera to choose from. Having to think through which camera makes the most sense on any given day (for personal work, not commercial) complicates the mind. I deal with this by designating a "go to" camera for a period of time. If I don't want to make a choice I just grab the go to camera. Usually, it's with me most of the time anyway.

Over time I've also made a point to shoot less but in a more focused manner. This cuts down on the "post processing" time in front of the computer. In fact, getting into film rangefinders was one way to do this. Now I shoot digital as if I only a "roll" of so many exposures.

I enjoy reading a blog called Wouter Photoblog and he shoots with a single camera, a Ricoh GX200. A few recent posts talk about how this simplicity has actually turned into a creative barrier for him. The camera has limits and he desires something different to work with and express his vision.

Though I would really like to simplify, my photographic interests aren't leaning in that direction. I accept that. The photographic process itself is my Zen.

 

[ruben]

Here is my analysis: There are 3 characteristics/tendencies in photographers/ people with cameras. Individuals have varying degrees of each.
1) Collecting for the satisfaction of owning a collection displayed on a shelf.
2) Gear-headedness is the satisfaction of manipulating and taking pictures with various different cameras and lenses. Emphasis on the process of photography.
3) The artistic drive which is satisfied by the final image without regard for the process or tools. This is the essence/spirit of creativity in all arts.

Dear Frank,

You will have to further elaborate your three parameters, perhaps with a scoring table or whatever, as I belong to the three of your cathegories, and perhaps could add more....:bang:

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[Matt(1pt4)]

Steve, it's taken me a long time to feel comfortable with a limited set of choices. Having a bad shoulder that won't suffer carrying a bag of any weight helps, but so does accepting that not every picture is yours to take; leave something for the guy with the telephoto or fisheye.

 

[ruben]

Hi Steve,

Seriously speeking, I liked your post for the opposite meaning. I know many folks are in the same trend, one lens one camera, which is not for me.

To cut it short, I would say that there is THE POWER OF LESS, and there also is THE POWER OF THE MIDDLE WAY. Being a sinner in the former, I would like to train mayself in the latter.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[FrankS]

On a scale of 1-10 for each parameter, I'm a 2/10/8.

 

[bmattock]

I just like to take photographs. I buy what I want, use what I want, and don't worry too much about it. There is way too much navel-gazing going on around here, in my opinion. Just be what you are, do what you do, and get over yourself. It really isn't that difficult.

I have never understood this incessant need to alternate between buying things we like, berating ourselves for doing it, complaining that our lives are now too complex, purging, swearing allegiance to a 'simpler way', and then beginning the cycle again. Stop persecuting yourselves, you chowderheads. Do what you want, buy stuff, enjoy it, take photos, and above all, stop feeling guilty about it. All this self-hatred makes me itchy.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

Hell, I don't berate myself for buying stuff. If I turn out not to use it much, I sell it again. I like having a complex life, and I think a lot of other people do, too. But it's definitely true that this impulse can become counterproductive.

I think I'm similar to Frank, by his scale, though I think I'm more like 0/10/8. I am actually made uncomfortable by having a collection. But I love the feel of different cameras, lenses, and technologies.

To prevent #3 from being negatively influenced by #2, I bring very little equipment with me while shooting--that's where the "power of less" comes in. Usually two cameras with one lens attached to each, and I don't switch lenses. So when shooting I'm only thinking about results. It's very effective and fun!

 

[hawkeye]

May I suggest another metaphor.

I have photographed many classically trained musicians and opera singers and I think there is a parallel here.

Going out with a one lens and one camera is like a violinist practicing scales and rehearsing. It is focusing one's mind on the images in the world and not the gear.

I too shoot professionally and have to drag a bag of gear with me.

But I see assignment work like a performance for which the "one and one" shooting was the practice and rehearsal.

Of course the images I make on a one and one are often the ones I find more satisfying personally, but that is again like a musician finding a sound in rehearsal that just never happens again.

Hawkeye

 

[Steve Williams]

Steve, it's taken me a long time to feel comfortable with a limited set of choices. Having a bad shoulder that won't suffer carrying a bag of any weight helps, but so does accepting that not every picture is yours to take; leave something for the guy with the telephoto or fisheye.

I always think of Chuck Close and the way he dealt with limitations in his vision that led to an entirely new body of work. I have toyed with the idea of invoking limitations in gear but wrestle with thoughts of "why would you not take advantage of all the tools available you idiot?!".

Your missive on acceptance is important to remember. Thanks for sharing it.

 

[Steve Williams]

Hi Steve,

Seriously speeking, I liked your post for the opposite meaning. I know many folks are in the same trend, one lens one camera, which is not for me.

To cut it short, I would say that there is THE POWER OF LESS, and there also is THE POWER OF THE MIDDLE WAY. Being a sinner in the former, I would like to train mayself in the latter.

Cheers,
Ruben

We are an amazing lot and are at so many different points on the road that I have to remember what may work for me might have the opposite effect on someone else.

For me, I feel like I have spent most of my life in the middle. Or maybe off to the side of the middle... *grin*

I'll have to give your post some thought.

Thanks!

 

[Steve Williams]

Here is my analysis: There are 3 characteristics/tendencies in photographers/ people with cameras. Individuals have varying degrees of each.
1) Collecting for the satisfaction of owning a collection displayed on a shelf.
2) Gear-headedness is the satisfaction of manipulating and taking pictures with various different cameras and lenses. Emphasis is on the process of photography.
3) The artistic drive which is satisfied by the final image without regard for the process or tools. This is the essence/spirit of creativity in all arts.

What a great scale Frank! As I look at it I would probably be a 1/2/8. There is perhaps another category that I have to consider:

4. Thinking about cameras and pictures but not doing anything about it.

I would have to rate myself around a 7 in that one.

 

[Steve Williams]

May I suggest another metaphor.

I have photographed many classically trained musicians and opera singers and I think there is a parallel here.

Going out with a one lens and one camera is like a violinist practicing scales and rehearsing. It is focusing one's mind on the images in the world and not the gear.

I too shoot professionally and have to drag a bag of gear with me.

But I see assignment work like a performance for which the "one and one" shooting was the practice and rehearsal.

Of course the images I make on a one and one are often the ones I find more satisfying personally, but that is again like a musician finding a sound in rehearsal that just never happens again.

Hawkeye

Excellent! That is exactly how I feel. Thanks for making it so clear.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Lenses are like Paint Brushes. They all draw an image a little bit differently.

I like making "paintbrushes".

and am always amazed at what an artist can do with it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/33192774@N08/3318307656/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/33192774@N08/3314588403/in/photostream/

 

[FrankS]

You are an artist, Brian.

 

[35mmdelux]

Here is my analysis: There are 3 characteristics/tendencies in photographers/ people with cameras. Individuals have varying degrees of each.
1) Collecting for the satisfaction of owning a collection displayed on a shelf.
2) Gear-headedness is the satisfaction of manipulating and taking pictures with various different cameras and lenses. Emphasis is on the process of photography.
3) The artistic drive which is satisfied by the final image without regard for the process or tools. This is the essence/spirit of creativity in all arts.

I am 0/8/8

 

[morback]

Going out with a one lens and one camera is like a violinist practicing scales and rehearsing. It is focusing one's mind on the images in the world and not the gear.

Hawkeye

I wholeheartedly agree.

To me, taking the gear out of the equation is akin to taking down the wall between your "mind's eye" and your picture.

Peace of mind for you "eye" to be all it can.

m.

 

[bmattock]

I wholeheartedly agree.

To me, taking the gear out of the equation is akin to taking down the wall between your "mind's eye" and your picture.

Peace of mind for you "eye" to be all it can.

m.

Imagine the freedom of no camera, no lens, and better still, no computer. I think it would be great for you.