When to take a camera (and when not to)

Happy new year! (Is it still OK to say that?)

This summer in New Zealand we are enjoying being VIP’s of our own country and many of us are exploring places we haven’t been… partly because they’d usually have been swamped with tourists.

Holidays are tricky. To take the camera or not to? Taking your gear usually means you have a constant push pull between kids and family and capturing that amazing folio opportunity.

But you deserve a rest. Even if you haven’t ‘worked’ much in 2021 I would hope you’ve been shooting lots, and it’s really important to give yourself and your camera a break every now and then. And your habits.

If you can’t help yourself, and you fall in love with the place, consider treating it as a recce. Use your time to think creatively. Mull over some concepts. Think of ways to shoot in that place (at a later date) that are unique. Can you extend an existing long term project? Is there a story to be uncovered?

Plan to return with a fully formed idea, and bring the right gear (and other production necessities) at the right time to make it a shoot of that place like no other, instead of another holiday snap.

Even if you’re stuck and can’t travel, it’s a worthwhile process to go through. There is so much on your doorstep.

If you’re a pro photographer and want help with this process, book a free strategy call with me here and we can chat about what’s possible for you, and how this is just one way to put yourself on the map in 2021.

Meanwhile, be safe wherever you are.