What if the camera was never the most important part of photography? This reflection explores travel and documentary photography as an experience shaped by presence, curiosity, and human connection rather than gear or technique. Through real-world encounters and the pursuit of rare, meaningful images, it looks at why the thrill of the hunt and what happens around the photograph often matter more than the camera itself—especially for photographers seeking deeper visual storytelling and photography education.
I‘d say I love it - similar to what you described - as a key to unlock life, that is parts and areas of it where the fact that you have a camera and are prepared to invest in images beyond a mere snapshot give you the a priori credibility to engage with people and with situations differently than the average passer-by. And sometimes what ensues is pure magic. Most often, it at least gives pleasure, with or without resulting images.
Oh yes, that sounds great, I would love to read and share those thoughts and experiences.
As for me, I do like to use a camera that translates the moment into a picture that shows my awe, I.e. that is also if good quality, but I do find it difficult when I have to get a new camera, because I am so familiar with my old one that I don’t have to think about its handling. I agree: My passion for documenting precious moments or catch someone’s personality in a portrait has gifted me with some precious friendships.
Love what you wrote - for me, it is my connection to the world. It is almost like fishing, the point is less about catching fish and more about communing with nature. Photography is my meditation. I love grabbing my camera and hopping in the car and exploring my surroundings. I came across the often posted Ansel Adams quote: 'believe the world is incomprehensibly beautiful - and endless prospect of magic and wonder.' I just want to be a witness to that.
Presence. For me that's what making photos has always been about. This probably stems from having spent half my photographic life working with film which demanded both technical expertise and mental presence, since everything had to be recorded before the shutter was pressed. However, at least to some extent, the camera and it's format influences our approach to a situation since, for instance, a large format camera requires a totally different level of involvement than a mobile phone camera.
Loved this reframing. The idea that photography is fundamentaly about presence rather than equipment is something I've felt but never quite articulated. When I traveled through Southeast Asia last year, the moments I remember most vividly weren't the technically perfect shots but the converstaions that happened because I had a camera. The gear debate feels like such a distraction from what actualy matters in the work.
I‘d say I love it - similar to what you described - as a key to unlock life, that is parts and areas of it where the fact that you have a camera and are prepared to invest in images beyond a mere snapshot give you the a priori credibility to engage with people and with situations differently than the average passer-by. And sometimes what ensues is pure magic. Most often, it at least gives pleasure, with or without resulting images.
Sooo agree with this " And somtimes what ensues is pure magic. Most often, it at least gives pleasure, with or without resulting images."
Oh yes, that sounds great, I would love to read and share those thoughts and experiences.
As for me, I do like to use a camera that translates the moment into a picture that shows my awe, I.e. that is also if good quality, but I do find it difficult when I have to get a new camera, because I am so familiar with my old one that I don’t have to think about its handling. I agree: My passion for documenting precious moments or catch someone’s personality in a portrait has gifted me with some precious friendships.
Great reason "a picture that shows my awe" :)
...for me it's all about the experiences and finding things that I might overlook or take for granted if I didn't have a camera with me
Yes, I think having the camera helps us not overlook.
Love what you wrote - for me, it is my connection to the world. It is almost like fishing, the point is less about catching fish and more about communing with nature. Photography is my meditation. I love grabbing my camera and hopping in the car and exploring my surroundings. I came across the often posted Ansel Adams quote: 'believe the world is incomprehensibly beautiful - and endless prospect of magic and wonder.' I just want to be a witness to that.
We're on the same page. :)
Presence. For me that's what making photos has always been about. This probably stems from having spent half my photographic life working with film which demanded both technical expertise and mental presence, since everything had to be recorded before the shutter was pressed. However, at least to some extent, the camera and it's format influences our approach to a situation since, for instance, a large format camera requires a totally different level of involvement than a mobile phone camera.
Thanks so much for this thought provoking post.
Welcome and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Loved this reframing. The idea that photography is fundamentaly about presence rather than equipment is something I've felt but never quite articulated. When I traveled through Southeast Asia last year, the moments I remember most vividly weren't the technically perfect shots but the converstaions that happened because I had a camera. The gear debate feels like such a distraction from what actualy matters in the work.
Oh yes to this "converstaions that happened because I had a camera". And, it's amazing how many conversations start thanks to the camera.
Kudos on starting a Skool group. I am interested in that concept.
Thanks. I'll get to it next month and will start gathering some ideas.