What I learned from using a decade old camera!
So much so that I’m switching back! People always talk about gear, including me. I've already done a post about it recently - the whole idea about creating a feeling. This is one thing I love about running - to do a simple run, you don’t need any special gear - not even shoes, go barefoot and run. The gear in photography I feel is the same - it should be an extension of your body - something you are so comfortable with, you don’t even think about it. And a photo that is in your mind’s eye doesn’t need a camera!

Brewster Hut

On a recent hike to Brewster Hut, I had to make a decision on what camera gear to take. After doing a few multi day hikes now - weight is the most important thing to me, and the thing that I dislike the most about doing multi day hikes, carrying camera gear - it is heavy, bulky, and not an essential item for a hike! Well maybe for a photographer - the most essential 🤣

Mushrooms in the forest

My strategy this time was to be as light as possible. I still have my old Fujifilm X-T1 sitting on the shelf - this was going to be my weapon of choice. I have no lenses for it currently, so I had to rent one out, not ideal, but doable.

So here I was off on a photography trip with a decade old camera, not the highest resolution, a few frames per second, a basic focusing system. And the result - I loved it, absolutely loved it. 
Photography isn’t about the gear - you’ve heard that before, but what it should be about - is really up to you - and actually for some - it is all about the gear. For me having the freedom to be where I want to be. Unique compositions, unique locations - to get there - it’s up to you, not your camera gear. I found the freedom to go anywhere I want to be. 

Find a tarn, some magical light and colour: this is breakfast!

The focus became more where I wanted to go, and not can I get there with the gear I have. Camera in one hand, tripod in another - this is what I wanted. Exploring is the number one priority - and if I'm in a cool spot, an OK composition, with great light and/or colour - I can grab a photo. 

Fay making her up the rooty trail

There is a cool video my friend, Fay - @petbunny has captured of me climbing up the roots of the trail, one hand with the camera 🤙🏽 this sums it for me - what I started to say about - an extension of your body, I didn’t even think about it.

Ferns, the light and the shadows.

You know those influencers who have all the gear, and always say “it’s not about the gear” while they themselves are always shooting with the latest gear - yeah they have no idea. You have to practice what you preach, actions are louder than words. And a picture is always worth a thousand words, no matter how that picture is created.

p.s. blog of this hike - coming in future 
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