Thanks to the Leica Store in Bologna, Italy, for their help on a recent trip. My daughter stopped in and they were helpful and courteous to her.
Traveling with a Leica is such a joy. My entire kit weighs less than my studio camera and lens. It is easy to get caught up in gear acquisition that some people forget the reason for getting a camera in the first place. For me it is creating art and making memories. Most of my street photography has been made with either a 50mm or 35mm lens. I have never gone hunting for images with all of me lenses. First I don’t like changing lenses. Like I have said before, I always seem to have the wrong lens on the camera. And I really don’t like carrying a heavy camera bag. I become very focused when shooting so I tend to limit my equipment. Of course when I have a shot list and I know a ultra wide-angle is going to be needed it is added to the bag.
When doing travel photography I find the researching a location before leaving home is the best insurance for getting quality images. Just walking around looking for images will sometimes pay off but don’t count on getting lucky. Also slow down. Sitting down and waiting for the right clouds or for someone with the right color of dress to walk by can make all of the difference. Photography is not a race to see who can get the most images. A few well composed images are much better that a hundred snapshots.
Another strategy I have when shooting is to get to know the people of the area. We are all on our best behavior when talking to strangers and I have met some truly fascinating people over the years. Most people are more that happy to help suggest locations to photograph. But besides taking photos it’s just nice to talk to people. Yes, people are divided on opinions more that ever but spend some time getting to know people that are different than yourself. That is a great way to grow as a person.
So log off from the forums. Stop watching gear reviews. Get out and exercise you shutter.