A Plain Cardboard Box
Change is never easy
Change is never easy
Goodbye to a close friend
I lifted the box out of the back of my car. With mixed emotions I opened the door to the FedEx Office store. My heart was heavy as I placed the box on the counter, passed the shipping documents to the clerk, and wished my camera kit godspeed.
Five years I have enjoyed that Canon R6. Five years of improving my skills as a photographer. Giving it up is hard.
So, how did it come to this? Well, mostly cause my body told me to get real. In the past six months, I have been avoiding my friend. It’s heavy. It takes great photos, but it’s heavy.
A couple of years ago my knees decided my hiking, let alone my backpacking days were done. If I wanted to take banger landscape shots, they would be close to the road. Then I had a valve replacement, and a spark plug for good measure. Something had to change.
So, I bought a bike. The knees don’t complain so much about the rotary action of pedalling like they do with walking. My heart doesn’t complain about the exercise. It’s a good kind of workout. I won’t be joining the Lycra set, however.
When I was out hiking, my camera would be out. Ready to respond at a moment's notice. On the bike however, it’s different. I can’t have the camera bouncing off my body so it has to be in my bag. By the time I pull it out, the moment is gone.
Usually, Liddy and I ride the local rail trails. It’s fun, it’s refreshing, and we love being outdoors. While I’m trying to set a better pace, ten miles per hour is about as good as it gets, especially as Liddy is riding behind in our trailer.
When we are out hiking, I pay attention to the birds, the bees, the flowers, the trees. I get some good shots this way.
When I’m riding, I don’t see them. I don’t see those moments like I do while on foot. If I do see a moment, by the time I get stopped, get the gear out ready to shoot, the moment is gone.
Catalyst for change
We recently travelled to Germany to enjoy Christmas with our daughter’s family. I was thinking that I would be able to get some good photos and videos during our travels. In addition to the Canon and my smartphone, I brought along an action camera.
I have lots of video, lots of photos, but they are a disjointed mess because I couldn’t make up my mind as to what camera I should be using. I have a pretty good story, but I was shooting stills when I should have focused on the video and vice versa.
I’m disgusted with myself for schlepping around fifteen pounds of gear with not much to show for it.
A new beginning
So, is this the end of my photography career? Nope! Don’t think so.
Am I going to buy a smaller, lighter camera? Maybe a Fuji XT something, or a Ricoh GIII? Maybe an Olympus four thirds kit?
Nope. Not happening.
Instead, I’m going to upgrade my phone. I’m going to trade in my Samsung S21 for the latest Samsung S25 Ultra. Don’t think I’m buying an expensive smartphone; I’m buying a reasonably priced camera.
The S21 has a lot of good camera features that I have not taken the time to learn. Why would I when I have the Canon with me. Except when it isn’t.
The good and the bad
The truth is smartphone cameras fall short of what you can do with an interchangeable lens camera. The smartphone’s long lens isn’t long enough and there is no aperture control. Taking advantage of depth of field is challenging.
On the other hand, I always have my phone with me. Upgrading it to the S25 Ultra, the phone becomes my primary camera. As I will be using it all the time, I should be able to figure out how to take some bangers with it.
Another advantage to the smartphone is that they are invisible. Everyone has one. Everyone has them out in hand, so nobody sees them. Shooting locations in a crowded street, you’re not alone. It’s crazy really. Taking environment shots in a museum or restaurant. If you don’t enable your flash, you’re invisible.
I know the tiny sensors won’t enlarge to satisfy a sixteen by twenty print, and that is a shame as I do like a good print. On the other hand, mostly we display our product on these tiny smartphone screens or as wallpaper on our computer.
So. Goodbye old friend. Parting is such sweet sorrow.
“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.”
– Tim Cahill
The world is a beautiful place. Share the beauty. Leave only footsteps.