The past few days I have been mulling over some ideas for what I was going to write here. This being one of the opening articles of the Perfect Image blog I didn’t want it to be boring and one dimensional. I wanted it to be a little more than just a technical write up on equipment or some how-to article about improving your skills as a photographer. That’s the easy stuff and while we will eventually get to some of that I certainly didn’t want to use it as an intro. My original idea here was to talk about one simple thing that has always help me grow as a photographer. A simple concept, but it’s rather hard to follow through on. At this time of year especially, EXCESS is everywhere. I want to encourage you to simplify (your equipment).

It's no fun to just photograph the tree trimming. I had my basic camera set up on hand, but only picked it up when i saw a worthwhile shot. This is one of my favorites from this Christmas. ©2011 Joel Wiebner www.theWiebners.com

So what does that mean exactly, “To Simplify”? One camera body + One lens. Maybe a flash if you need it. That’s it. It’s easy to simplify your equipment. Take a look at  the equipment you use most and just take that. That sounds easy, right? Well, there are also a few more considerations to make. What’s the light going to be like where you are going? Are you going to be shooting outside or inside? Are you shooting people or “stuff”? Is the “stuff” big or tiny? If you need something you have to take it, but ONLY if you really need it.

Simplifying will reduce the amount of decisions you need to make in order to give you a quicker path to the image you are trying to create. Practice with that minimal system will help you take that short list of decisions and make it happen more quickly, and therefore allowing you to react that much quicker. Once you are confident in that basic simple system you can slowly add fancier equipment into the mix to expand your toolkit, but hopefully not slow you down much.

Most often you will find me with just one camera with one lens and a comfortable way to carry it. (When I am shooting my professional work, that is.) Actually, that is a lie. MOST of the time you will find me with my iPhone, but that is a different article entirely. The point is that I am a lazy photographer. Actually, I guess it’s not that I am lazy, but I like to be comfortable and have a good time when I’m shooting. Thats the point of doing this anyway, isn’t it? To have a good time. We wouldn’t do this if we didn’t like it, right?

I really don’t like being burdened with a bag or tons of things to carry in my pockets when I’m shooting. I want to be able to enjoy myself just as much as if I didn’t have a camera hanging over my shoulder. When I shoot for myself (when I’m not using my iPhone) I am mostly taking pictures of people, so here is what I carry. I take one camera body, a fast 35mm lens, plenty of cards, two batteries, and a comfy strap. That is my “just walking around” kit and it varies very little unless I know I will be out for a long time or I won’t be able to get close enough to my subject. The Canon 35mm f1.4 L is fast enough that I don’t have to drag a  flash unless I really want to or if I am going to have to shoot groups of people indoors. I also don’t want to have to work hard to find an image, and I want the photos to jump out at me when I am doing something that I really enjoy. My best work comes when I am having a good time. That should be obvious, but I don’t think a lot of photographers get it. That means you are supposed to have a good time too, and get involved.

This charity dodgeball tournament was a hoot. I was able to insert myself into this strategy huddle to hopefully give the viewer the feeling of being on the team. My trusty 35mm is perfect for this job. ©2011 Joel Wiebner www.theWiebners.com

Know your equipment. Whatever camera you choose to shoot, love it. Carry it around until it leaves a permanent logo on your hand. Simplify what you shoot to the base system and a single lens if your camera is fancy enough to allow that. My subject 9 times out of ten is people. I like the 35mm, because it is wide enough to take in a scene at a reasonable distance, but not so wide that I need to get inches away for a tighter shot. A fast 50mm is a cheap, reasonable alternative to this if you are just starting out. These lenses are considered normal, because they are the way our eyes naturally see the world. So, it makes sense that an all around lens would be that way too.

Zooms are fine, but I don’t think they limit you enough. A zoom adds another decision that isn’t completely necessary. I would rather have to walk closer or take a step back. That way I learn where I have to be with that lens to make the best photos, so when I step into a room I unconsciously move to the area that will most likely reveal a photo for me.

The benefit here is that you get used to one way of shooting and it becomes part of the way you see the world. I think it’s best to learn one thing well, and move on to the next only when you are sure you know it. If you want to add a super wide lens or a longer telephoto that’s fine, but why not learn how to take pictures the easiest way?  Then move onto the things that require a little more thought once you have the basics mastered.
You probably won’t really like the pictures you take until you completely know your camera, and maybe not even then. I’ll tell you right now. I’m into photography for the hunt, and not the end product. If it was the pictures that drove me on I would have quit years ago. That, and I wouldn’t have undeveloped film (yes actual film) from 3-4 YEARS ago. It’s the chance that I am going to catch something amazing that keeps me motivated. It’s when I suspect that I did, then I rush home and pour over the photos and marvel at my achievement.

I have heard people refer to the point when they realized that they have really learned a foreign language, because they started thinking in that language. That’s what you need to do with you camera. You want to get to the point that you see your world how your camera will see it. I typically see in 35mm. That’s my favorite focal length, so that’s what I see the most images in. It happens even when my camera isn’t in my hand. I got to that point by shooting hundreds of thousands of images with one camera and one lens. I rarely think of my camera when I am shooting, it’s just an extension of my eye that happens to live in my hand.

What this gets me is a quick reaction time. Rather than fiddling with lenses or messing with buttons I am ready to shoot when something happens. I am not saying that I never miss a shot. I do, and when that happens it bums me out.

I volunteer to help with the Green Team, a club at my sons' school. I also take pictures while I am there, but it wouldn't be fair to just photograph and not pitch in. I pack light for these days and I never regret it. ©2011 Joel Wiebner www.theWiebners.com

If you are a new photographer or the family snapshooter try this out for a few months and see what happens. Pick a simple way of shooting and stick to it until it sticks to you. Carry your camera around until you know it inside out. If you are already a decent photographer that hasn’t already come to this conclusion on your own give it a chance. You may find the next step in your growth is a step back.

I just want to say one more thing that you should know about me. When I use the word photographer I am talking about you, the one with the camera. The one reading this article. There is no qualifying exam. No background check or portfolio review. If you want to be a photographer you are. The word photographer is defined as a person who takes photographs.

If you are just a beginner and looking to pick up a few skills. Come check out one of the classes offered at Perfect Image. To view the course schedule and sign up online click here.