A Job or a Burden?

            My latest exhibition, "Maiko and Geisha - A Hidden World", recently finished in Kyoto, Japan, just a kilometer away from where I took the pictures. Kyoto is famous for geishas, and maiko are the trainees who wear more colorful clothing. The exhibit was held in the gallery space of the city's largest camera store, Naniwa Camera, on one of the main shopping streets, Shijo-dori.

            The gallery overlooked the large main shopping floor, full of all sorts of photo equipment and cameras you can play with. I sat there for a week, and it was a real eye opener. I reckoned 40% of the cameras were digital, but the interest in them even greater. But it made me wonder why more camera stores don't have a gallery space, as it provides examples of what others have achieved, brings people into the store who might not have gone there, and inspires them to buy something.

            On a previous visit to Japan, I was shooting for the UK brochure of Japan Airlines and went to a small village north of Kyoto for a religious Shinto Shrine Festival. On the way there by local train I was disconcerted to see loads of other photographers, all kitted up to the eyeballs with at least two of the latest cameras, bulging photo vest, camera bag and tripod. I thought to myself, 'The competition is fierce!' But then I looked more closely at the faces and realized the people were all of pensionable age. Relief! They were amateurs enjoying their retirement hobby with great zeal! In Japan, to take up any hobby, you’re expected to do it properly or not at all, and that means buying every possible accessory and then displaying your serious intent by carrying it all with you.

            I felt sorry for them so burdened down by too much equipment, only a small amount which would probably be used. I then looked at my own two elderly Nikon FA bodies and 28, 50, 85 and 80-200mm manual lenses all in one bag. Even with just this I felt restricted by not being able to move easily without banging into people, but the amateurs must have been unable to move at all with all the bulk and weight they'd saddled themselves with.

            Travel photography covers several genre -- scenic, portrait and photojournalism being predominant. Keeping the kit to the minimum for the anticipated day's work ahead is vital. Take what you think you need and leave the rest behind safely in the hotel. Splitting your kit this way is also an insurance against losing all your equipment should disaster strike. Don't burden yourself with a lot of accessories that will slow you down; you could just miss that great shot which would be the main money spinner!