Who Truly Defines the Art: The Photographer or Their Gear?

I navigate through various seasons with my equipment. Some seasons are dominated by Nikon; others by Panasonic or Fuji. Yet, no matter how often I attempt to minimize my collection, I invariably find myself right back where I began: overwhelmed by an excess of cameras.

It appears that UK-based street photographer and YouTuber George Holden faces a similar situation. In his most recent video, he discusses how, after streamlining some of his camera equipment, he ended up with even more compact cameras than he had before, leading to a conundrum in decision-making.

This reflection led him to realize that his top personal photos aren’t treasured due to the camera used to capture them; instead, their value lies in the moments depicted. Despite initially believing that a new camera could enhance his photography skills, this was frequently not the outcome.

I have also grappled with these sentiments. Indeed, there have been a few advancements that have significantly impacted the field: take, for instance, eye-detection autofocus or the substantial improvement in ISO capabilities that modern cameras offer.

However, at present, I find equal comfort utilizing an entry-level Canon EOS R50 for a shooting outing as I do with my EOS R5. All of them function and perform quite similarly. At times, I might even opt for some quirky vintage cameras, like the Panasonic FZ50 or Canon PowerShot G1, simply for the nostalgic experience.

The other day, I ventured out with a basic lens, the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens, and captured this image, which focused more on technique than equipment:

I utilized a B+W MRC Nano Master #810 ND Filter to create the illusion of glassy rushing water, even during daylight using a prolonged exposure.

There was an exhilarating sense of liberation in hiking without lugging around excessive equipment and having only one set of filters for a single lens. I had only fleeting thoughts regarding my high-end gear (primarily longing for a slightly wider lens).

As I scroll through my Instagram feed, I often cannot recall which camera or lens was used for each photograph unless I made a point to tag such details in the post.

Regardless, Holden’s video serves as a reminder that the essence lies in the act of getting outside and photographing, rather than being tethered to a computer while seeking the next bargain on photography gear. Check out the video above to see some of his images captured during his small-camera adventures, and if you have a favorite piece of equipment for street photography, feel free to share it in the comments below.