How to Get Into a Photography Flow

Simple thoughts:

  1. Use a “standalone digital camera” like a RICOH GR II in order to NOT get distracted while shooting. While I think smartphones are legitimate cameras, the biggest downside of smartphone cameras is the fact that it is very difficult to focus on the simple task of only shooting photos! This is a good case of shooting film; you can only do one thing at a time.
  2. Shoot while walking, and don’t think too much while shooting photos. The best photography is instinctual and from the gut. Don’t worry about getting a “good” photo while shooting. Just enjoy the walk, shoot, and don’t think too much. Fall into the zen-like trance of wandering the streets, and just responding to scenes you find interesting and just shooting! Also, when you see an interesting scene, allow yourself to shoot as many photos of the scene as you want.
  3. Shoot JPEG: You can shoot quicker (no buffer or lag), and later it is easier and quicker to look through and review your photos. And yes, you can post process jpeg photos.
  4. Shoot P (program) mode: “Set it and forget it!” Distinguish yourself and your photos via your composition, not what your technical settings are.
  5. Find a good place to shoot: I prefer being in an urban setting, with a decent amount of people walking, and (of course) sidewalks where I can dance around a bit. I prefer environments with larger plazas– which allow multi-directional movement. Essentially the idea is have a good walking place, that allows enough regularity from navigating a certain city or downtown area, and also enough randomness to keep things interesting! I cannot get into a ‘flow’ when shooting in a very boring suburban neighborhood or environment– some “danger” helps me focus!
  6. Keep your camera around your neck or on your wrist: I really like the ERIC KIM Neck Strap MARK II with the RICOH GR II, as it is always on you — and because the Ricoh GR II weighs practically nothing– you forget you have it on! Another option– experiment using a wrist strap (Henri Wrist Strap OG, or Henri Wrist Strap PRO), and just go on walks with your camera attached to your wrist. The way I like to think about it: Rappers wear heavy chains, watches, and bracelets. Perhaps we should think about our cameras on our necks and wrists like rappers wear chains!