– The Art of One Camera, One Lens –
In fine art photography, our tools can often become an extension of ourselves, which should be the ideal way of thinking about your gear. For me, the journey has always been about finding the perfect balance between versatility and simplicity. While I work across two distinct genres—landscape photography of Ireland and street photography—I have found that a minimalist approach to equipment allows me to focus more on the subject and less on the gear.
The Tools of My Trade
For my landscape photography, I rely on the Fuji GFX50, a medium-format camera that captures the breathtaking beauty of Ireland’s landscapes with stunning detail. Its zoom lens offers the versatility needed to frame the perfect shot, whether a sweeping vista or an intimate scene.
Regarding street photography, my go-to camera is the Nikon D800e. This full-frame DSLR, paired with a zoom lens, provides the flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the street. The ability to quickly zoom in or out allows me to capture candid moments without drawing attention to myself.
The Old School Charm of Film
Occasionally, I embrace my old-school roots with the Rolleiflex Twin Lens Reflex 2.8 Planar camera for street work. This classic camera, which takes square format images on 120-roll film, is loaded with black and white Tri-X film. The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity and the unique interaction it fosters with subjects. Looking down through the viewfinder while holding the camera at waist level puts people at ease, resulting in more natural and candid shots.
The Philosophy of Minimalism
At the heart of my approach is a commitment to minimalism. Limiting the equipment I use allows me to be more seamless and in flow, concentrating on the subject rather than the camera. This often means not using a tripod, which, while applicable in certain situations, can be cumbersome and restrictive, especially in street photography.
The Freedom of Street Photography
In street photography, freedom of movement is crucial. The streets are alive with variables—people, light, and moments that are constantly in flux. Moving swiftly and unobtrusively allows me to capture the scene’s authenticity. The true essence of street photography lies in its spontaneity, and a minimalist setup helps me stay agile and responsive.
The Deliberate Art of Landscape Photography
Landscape photography, on the other hand, is a more deliberate practice. It’s about composition, light, and the interplay of elements from the foreground to the background. While a tripod can benefit stability and precision, a handheld approach often allows for more creative freedom and spontaneity and, for me, is only used when longer exposures are required.
The Transition to Digital
I was late to embrace digital photography, as I valued the deliberate approach of analogue film and processing. This traditional method taught me the importance of patience, composition, and the art of making each shot count. Even in the digital age, these lessons continue to inform my work, helping me create images that attempt to speak to the soul and make a meaningful impact on the viewer.
Conclusion
Whether I’m capturing the serene landscapes of Ireland or the vibrant streets of a bustling city, my philosophy remains the same: simplicity and focus on being in the moment without distraction. By embracing a minimalist approach to equipment, I can immerse myself fully in the moment, capturing images that resonate on a deeper level. After all, the true essence of photography lies not in the tools we use, but in the stories we tell and the emotions we evoke. The hope is to leave you better off having seen the pictures.
Much Love, Namaste Patrick
