Simplify to Shoot: Mastering Photography with Less

Photography is creating photos that you find interesting.

That’s it.

So simple, but how come we still get paralyzed.

How come that camera can feel so heavy at times.

Why do we spend hours in front of the computer doing research on a new “lens” or “gadget”?

Like that is going to solve the problem.

It isn’t.

In the end, the only way for us to improve is to take photos.

And the best way for us to take photos, is to simplify the process of taking photos.

The less friction there is in doing an action, the more likely we’ll be to do it.

So;

  • Choose one prime lens
  • Mount it on your camera,
  • Only shoot with that lens.

This way we combat Fredkin’s Paradox which is:

The more similar the two choices are, the harder it is to choose between them. And the less the decision impacts the outcome.

So instead of spending time and energy on WHAT to choose, let’s spend more time on making what we choose WORK.

By choosing one prime lens, we eliminate the decision fatigue between which lens to mount/use.

By choosing a prime we cut another decision while we’re out shooting.

And we get to focus on making the prime work.

We’ll also get some extra steps in, because now we have to zoom with our feet, win/win =)

We can take it a step further and use one of the assisting modes on the camera.

Like aperture priority, now we won’t have to stress about all the individual settings.

The result?

More reps, more photos, more skill.

Shoot more.

I Wish you a lovely weekend and hope you’re doing well.

– Dines