Photography, for me, has always been about capturing the essence of a moment. It’s the interplay of light, shadow, and emotion—frozen in time. Over the years, my gear has changed as much as my vision. What started with a solid Canon DSLR transitioned into the dial filled world of Fuji’s mirrorless system. And now, I find myself on a path to simplify and lighten my camera bag.
The Canon Beginnings
When I first picked up a Canon camera, film was still king and I bought an Eos 3. With its superb autofocus, and eye tracking, this felt like the pinnacle of technology. I quickly moved on to the 10D and 5D – the weight of the DSLR, the satisfying click of the shutter—it was love at first frame. Canon offered me reliability and versatility. From wide landscapes to intimate portraits, my Canon gear was my companion through countless photographic adventures.
But with time, the bulk and complexity of carrying multiple large heavy lenses and a hefty body or two began to wear on me. Photography should not feel like a workout session!
Embracing Fuji’s Philosophy
Enter Fuji and the XPRO1. Compact, beautiful, and full of character. Moving to Fuji wasn’t just a technical switch—it was a mindset shift. Fuji’s dedication to color science and its tactile controls utterly caught me. Suddenly, I was more connected to the act of photography itself. It wasn’t just about the shot; it was about the process.
Yet, as much as I loved my Fuji gear, I found myself lugging around gear that was still more than I needed. My camera bag told the story of someone who was carrying too much, both literally and figuratively.
The Path to Simplicity
Lately, I’ve been embracing the idea that less is more. Photography isn’t defined by how much gear you own, but by how you use it. Simplifying my gear has been freeing—both creatively and logistically. By focusing on a minimal setup, I’ve learned to work within limitations, which often sparks greater creativity.
The journey to simplify isn’t just about reducing physical weight; it’s about finding clarity in my photographic vision. Whether it’s a single lens that can do it all, or a compact camera I can slip into my pocket, I’m on a mission to focus on what truly matters.
Lessons Along the Way
- It’s Not About the Gear: While having the right tools is important, the best camera is the one you have with you.
- Process Over Perfection: Gear won’t define your photography, but your passion and perspective will.
- Simplify to Amplify: By reducing the noise (and weight), I’ve discovered new creative freedom.
- Lots of gear and big fast zoom lenses: These just get in the way of interacting with people.
If you’re curious about my work or want to follow my journey further, check out my photo website at www.gerrykerr.com. You can also dive into my previous blog posts at blog.gerrykerr.com to see how my style and philosophy have evolved.
In the end, photography is a deeply personal journey. It’s about finding what works for you, and more importantly, what brings you joy. When you pick up a camera and it feels right in your hands, you’ve just found your perfect camera and that is something that might change as your photography evolves. For me, that means letting go of the excess and focusing on the art of seeing.
blog.gerrykerr.com 
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