The Only Lens I Need

Pack Light, Find Flow

My life philosophy: Pack as little as possible.

Find one tool that can do almost everything, and then lose yourself in the process of exploring and creating.

When it comes to photography, I pack:

• One camera

• One lens

• No tripod (I live with regrets)

When it comes to lenses, my Fujinon 35mm is a workhorse.

It’s a prime lens, so there are no focal length decisions while taking pictures.

For me, a 70-200mm lens means 130 focal lengths to choose between (multiplied by every photo I take). That’s a recipe for decision fatigue, which is a creativity killer.

Its f2.0 aperture makes it ideal in low light, which I often find myself in.

As an essentialist, I love this lens because it is small, light, and easy to carry.

With a weather-sealed Fuji camera and this 35mm lens, I can take long hikes in light rain or sandstorms and stick it under my jacket for protection.

But isn’t the 35mm focal length too limiting?

Every lens has limits.

Sometimes those limits reduce decision fatigue and act as a helpful creative constraint.

I’ve used my 35mm Fujinon for:

• Headshots and environmental portraits

• Small groups and families

• Posed and candid moments

• Nature and wildlife

• Close-ups (but not macro), food

• Landscapes, seascapes, and occasional cityscapes

One moment this lens is used for semi-professional headshots; the next, it's capturing a spontaneous laugh around the glow of a campfire.

For my purposes, it’s wide enough to capture a landscape but not too wide for portraits (nearly perfect for environmental portraits).

Granted, it doesn't have the telephoto reach that sometimes comes in handy. But you’re forced to get closer to a scene, and that's usually a good thing.

In a job interview, this lens wins every time.

It's a committed generalist and an adventurist, delivering 80% of the results of a whole bag of lenses.

Yes, I love my ultra wide lens. But the 35 is great for stitching panoramics.

Intention

I pack light to eliminate decision fatigue, introduce creative restraints, and find flow in the creative process.

Pack Light, Find Flow

What’s your recipe for creativity?

Mat