Less Is More
by johnandterri
I have a hard time choosing one thing, as I find that I am someone that wants “to choose all”. Yet the truth is that less is often more.
Walking the Camino, we were faced with this “less is more” dilemma. We could not take everything we wanted in our packs. We tried very hard to get our pack weight down to the minimum but once we started hiking we quickly realized our packs were too heavy. After a week of walking we decided to ship to Santiago de Compostela (our final destination) those items we felt we did not need. The lighter packs were a delight! We felt so relieved and really enjoyed walking with the reduced weight and it gave us extra energy.
I was reading a book about travel photography this past week and it made me think of this same issue again. As many of you may know, I love to photography and I carry around a lot of camera gear when I hike or when we are traveling (I ALWAYS carry a tripod!).
This book was challenging me to establishing constraints. Less is more was the advice. The author of the book made the point that in choosing to go with less, there is more room for creativity and less energy expended on the camera gear (and all the choices it presents). The author, David DuChemin also makes this important point as well:
“It will scare you at first, because freedom is like that, and much as we think we like choice, it’s often the hardest thing to do.”
I do see the point being made here. By having less camera gear, I will become more available and open to see and create. Less cluttered with worry about not having the right lens for the shot.
Ok, I get it. Now let’s see if I can take this advice to heart on my next outdoor adventure! Less is more, less is more, less is more!
Blessings,
John
Photograph of the Week
I took the photo last week during a walk in a Las Vegas Wetlands Park. It had a park bench by it so you could take in the peaceful view. I sat a while and then spent some time to trying to capture its beauty. When I got home and processed the image I decided to draw out the dream quality of my time at this wetland pond. I hope you like the final result.
Thanks, John. I always enjoy your comments, and really appreciate this one. “Less is more”, especially when we travel and carry fewer things with us. Your comments triggered some thoughts that I’ll probably continue to stir during the day. Thanks again!!!!
Gratefully,
Mary
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it’s hard to trust that things will take care of themselves in a manner that will be just fine. I struggle with the less too It also creates a focus on what might be missing versus what is always there and constant. We overlook that. it’s an interesting perspective that I am looking at this month as I try to simplify. Thanks for sharing and your picture is beautiful! Now what frame to match with it? FUN!
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So less is more…hummmmm, having grown up with a lot less has than my contemporaries had made me a “kitchen sink” packer! When you need a kitchen sink a tin cup won’t do. Layering with three pair of shorts ☃ does get it done!
Take as much as you can carry…look it as not having to go to the club and work out.
Gary
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John, Thank you. Love your comments.
This wetland is in LV Nevada???
How many lenses did you end up carrying?
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John, I was surprised to find this Wetlands park within 10 mins of where we were staying in Las Vegas. A very nice park. Amazing since it was not something I thought I would see in LV. I did carry several lenses for this trip. We are headed to Ireland and Scotland in Fall for 5 weeks. That is where I need to find my “less is more” mojo.
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