The Paradox of Gear Choice
Vik, Iceland - 2016
“What should I take on this trip?”
I ask myself this question every time, and with this current trip, which lasts 12 days, I weighed on this decision more than usual.
I’m halfway through this trip, and it’s my last day in Matera. Tomorrow, I will fly from Bari to Florence. Looking back on my deliberation a week ago, I feel I’ve made the right choice on what to bring regarding gear.
When we enter the world of photography, we introduce ourselves to many choices, not only in how and what we shoot but also in the subjects that interest us. The paradox of choice suggests that too many options can lead to dissatisfaction by either leading us to not choose at all or causing anxiety and regret from our eventual decisions. In this paradox example, having more gear options when travelling is not always easier or better.
If you have ever found yourself browsing Netflix, you’ll understand how this paradox affects our decisions. Is this the best movie to spend two hours of my time on? Maybe I should read some reviews first. Should I invest in 1-2 episodes to see if this new series is worth my time? It’s probably going to get cancelled anyway. How do you choose one when another is just a click away? Where do we invest our limited time? Sometimes, we grow frustrated and do something else entirely.
The internet has given us more choices than ever, and this is not limited to movies and TV. There are endless resources for the newest cameras, lenses, and presets. And all of that information is free! It’s right in front of you, 24/7. We can get anything we want almost immediately, and it can quickly become overwhelming. Wasn’t it easier and more fun when the options were limited?
Minimizing our camera bag during travel can free us to enjoy photography and immerse ourselves more in our surroundings. Having numerous options at our disposal can lead to anxiety or regret as we second-guess our decisions. What if a different lens captured a wider view of the landscape? What if I had the telephoto to get tighter on the subject? This constant questioning can diminish the joy of photography and add stress to your travels.
New gear and the latest trends are always on the horizon, and keeping up with them is tough. If you give in to the pressure of keeping up with buying new gear, switching cameras, or trying to replicate what you see on Instagram, it makes it incredibly difficult to get to a place you are happy with. One where you feel you are progressing on your own with your photography.
My enjoyment of travel and photography comes from the environment and the experience. The limitations of how I can photograph don’t bother me. They motivate me to create, and knowing I only have what is with me, I’m free to focus on my photography.
Too many options can limit your freedom. Take less gear and create more. Eliminate second-guessing and the what-ifs in your travel photography.