WALKING PHOTOGRAPHER

Street Photography Cameras and Equipment

The Art of Simplicity: A Street Photographer's Philosophy

Street photography, at its essence, is about freedom. Freedom to move, to observe, to capture life as it unfolds before us. Over years of walking countless streets across the globe, I've learned that simplicity isn't just a choice - it's a philosophy that shapes how we see and interact with the world around us.

This philosophy manifests in my minimal approach: one camera, one lens, and a good pair of sneakers. There's something beautifully liberating about stripping away the excess and focusing solely on what matters: the moments, the light, the stories waiting to be told on every corner.

My street equipment reflects this ethos of simplicity. I alternate between my LEICA M11P or LEICA SL3 paired with a 21mm 3.4 ASPH lens, and my Leica Q3 with its built-in 28mm 1.7 Summilux lens. Each setup offers its own unique perspective on the urban landscape, while maintaining that essential simplicity that allows me to focus on what truly matters - the photograph itself.

Accompanying me on these urban explorations is my Castello pipe, filled with rich Latakia tobacco. It's become an integral part of my process. Those moments between shots, when I pause to observe while the aromatic smoke curls into the air, often reveal the most compelling scenes. It's meditation in motion, a ritual that helps me sink deeper into the rhythm of the streets.

The Duality of a Photographer's Life

Yet there's an interesting duality in my practice. While my street photography embraces minimalism, my commercial and portrait work has led me to build an extensive collection of specialized equipment over the years. Each piece in my professional arsenal serves a distinct purpose, from high-end studio portraits to complex advertising campaigns. This collection spans from intimate 35mm street photography to medium format commercial work, each item carefully chosen to meet specific creative and technical demands.

This contrast - between the street photographer's minimalism and the commercial photographer's technical requirements - offers an interesting perspective on contemporary photography. In the studio, technical precision and specific optical characteristics are essential tools of the trade. But on the streets, it's about stripping away everything that doesn't serve the pure act of seeing and capturing.

When working beyond Rome's familiar streets, my approach remains essentially unchanged. A notebook for observations and a portable hard drive for backups are my only concessions to practicality. Everything else would just be a distraction from the primary mission: to walk, to see, to capture.

This commitment to simplicity in street photography isn't about limitation - it's about liberation. When you're not constantly thinking about which lens to use or what settings to adjust, you're free to immerse yourself fully in the street life around you. Your camera becomes an extension of your vision, not a barrier between you and the world you're trying to capture.

The essence of street photography, after all, isn't found in the equipment we carry, but in our ability to observe, connect, and capture the fleeting moments that tell the stories of our cities and their inhabitants. Whether working with minimal street gear or extensive studio equipment, this fundamental truth remains unchanged: the photographer's eye and understanding of light are the most crucial tools we possess.

My Studio & Street Photography equipment list:

Whether you're just starting your street photography journey or you're a seasoned photographer looking to simplify your approach, remember: sometimes less truly is more. The streets are waiting to share their stories - all you need is the right tool and the willingness to walk, observe, and capture.

Feel free to reach out with any questions about equipment or technique. But more importantly, get out there and start creating your own street photography stories.