“Don’t put away your camera,” says legendary photographer Mary Ellen Mark. “Keep it out at all times, even when you think you have the shot already.” This is the quote I hear in my head so often, and that has made me urge camera manufacturers to improve their battery life ever so much more. There are many times when I’ve thought that I’ve finished with a shoot and then turned my camera off because I was done. But then later on, I’d see something that I knew I wanted to photograph for one reason or another. And that’s what we have to keep in mind.
Sometimes, it’s truly just better to keep your camera out and ready to shoot until you’re home or back at your studio. Those other moments can deliver some of the greatest photos in your portfolio, and it could be one of your only really incredible photos amongst the thousands that you might shoot.
Some of the best photographers have stated before that the best camera is the one that you’ve got with you. But even then, it’s not always capable of delivering the creative vision that you probably have in your mind. An iPhone can’t do slow-motion and slow shutter speed work the way a dedicated camera can. And even then, you won’t be able to do it as a photographer. That statement, said by others, is great if you simply end up capturing a moment. But if you’re creatively compelled in a different way, then it’s a different story.
This is also an excellent justification for carrying two cameras with you if you’re shooting a gig. One camera is bound to be working and have more battery life than the other. At times, I even bring more batteries than that.
Of course, there are photographers who don’t necessarily care and only shoot during a specific time. And for them, I applaud your boundaries and enforcing them. But keep this in mind: everything that you shoot is always for yourself. There can be great moments to be had even outside of a paid photo gig.
On the other hand, there comes with all this the idea of acceptance. There have been many times when I’ve known that something would’ve been a great shot, but I knew I was tired and that it wasn’t worth the effort and the time I was putting into it. Those shots don’t end up haunting me because life goes on. So with that said, keep the camera out and available, but don’t go out hunting for photos, or else you’ll end up wearing yourself out. Instead, let them come to you. And with that, you’ll be able to relax a bit more and possibly even get something that you’ll be super proud of.
Let yourself be inspired and open to everything that’s around you. And if you’ve got a special creative vision or take on something, then go for it. But make sure that it’s something very unique to you.
