I’ve started to classify my photography efforts into three simple categories: Realistic, Scientific, and Artistic.
These expand beyond tools and processes; they affect how I think about the how and why of using cameras as creative outlets.
Right now, if I want great capabilities in photo, infrared, and video modes, then I need multiple camera bodies. That means overhead in forms of weight, complexity, and distraction.
Finding a compact powerhouse that could answer several of these needs wouldn’t truly replace my best tools. It wouldn’t be a master of any one discipline. But it might be good enough to cover most situations, which would mean it would spend more time in my hands.
That question has led me on a deep dive into the world of hybrid mirrorless cameras, resulting in an order for a full spectrum converted Fujifilm X100VI. Could it be possible that this would be a true hybrid solution that would sit in the middle of this Venn diagram?
Here’s how I see my photography efforts spread across these three categories:
Realistic
While I care about accurately representing the world around me, I also care about what it takes to practice the craft. Mobile devices, while always with me, do too many things passably and almost nothing exceptionally. Year over year, I use them less and less for photo/video tasks.
High-end video tools have been in my hands for decades – also the only college-level training that I’ve ever pursued. Knowing that I can effectively document life in both personal and professional settings means the world to me.
Digital cameras are important tools to have on hand on the photo side as well, especially beyond what a mobile device can capture. In the visible spectrum, I value having capable digital bodies that can punch above their weight, especially when scanning film or doing paid work.
Scientific
Shooting digital has opened up new worlds for me. I’ve been exploring infrared photography over the past couple of years and it has become a deep interest. While a bit maddening at times, finding the little breakthrough processes fill me with fresh enthusiasm every time.
Film is probably the most emotionally loaded category for me. I never shoot as much as I’d like and have dozens – maybe hundreds – of 35mm rolls stored at home. This was my first love in photography and has been a reality for me since the age of five.
Artistic
When you shoot film and get it right…it feels earned. I love the texture, the chemistry, the gamble of using expired rolls, and the challenge of pulling something beautiful out of materials that no longer exist. You can’t truly recreate the grain structure, color response, and light behavior of certain stocks with digital methods.
Then there are the peripheral tools, like drones and action cameras. I’ve explored the dance of full spectrum and visible spectrum hybrids here as well. While I don’t use these tools very often, I do like having an ace up my sleeve.
I want to be honest with myself that the Fujifilm X100VI is a working theory, not a conclusion. These three photographic categories feel wonderfully (hopelessly?) intertwined. Sometimes it’s hard to place a specific process or piece of kit into any one bucket.
Part of me recognizes the familiar pull of gear acquisition syndrome, another sees a genuine experiment worth running.
Downsizing always makes sense if the immaterial gains – presence, relationships, memories – are more valuable than the material losses. Would fewer, more flexible tools meaningfully reduce friction while documenting life’s adventures?
I think that it’s time to find out.