One Camera Not Enough For Ya? - Entering The World Of Two Cameras

Starting off as an event photographer I was completely content with my Canon 6D. I acquired all the lenses I absolutely needed to get the ball rolling on some quality photography. After awhile of shooting a wide variety of subjects I started to come up with a particular approach unique to my taste. I noticed with all these prime lenses fumbling in my kit, I would be aware of all the key moments that would pass me by desperately hurrying up to change focal length. I was tired of disrupting the flow and wanted to find a solution that would make the photography experience seamless and in flow.

After seeing other event photographers with two cameras, my initial reasoning was that it was way over the top and totally not necessary. But only after lot of shooting did I realize that having the proper lens for each camera would be the key to capturing the moments in two different perspectives with little down time.

“Can You Remember That First Click of the Shutter?”

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Your first camera is something of a magical experience. Looking at the world through a lens creates a new way of seeing things. Bring out the most of what you can uncover with one camera. Then move on to another to keep the magic flowing.

I loved my Canon camera. It was rock solid and had amazing color rendition but truth is, it was way to big. Seriously after a whole day of shooting you want to have your arm stored in the freezer from all the heavy lifting. Naturally I wanted to find something with the same performance yet not as heavy. I could have gone with another Canon like the 7D but I was looking for something that would be a total opposite. Something that would uncover another part of me the Canon couldn't bring out. Once I found out about the Fuji Xpro series I knew I was on to something.

So what came of it? Well a world in two different styles and approaches to my photography. For a time when shooting event contracts I brought my usual Canon camera with on camera flash accompanied by my Fuji Xpro with prime lenses.

That way both had their style which merged together as a whole. With my Canon I shot knowing that most people are aware of me. Displaying high energy and enthusiasm in the people I photograph. Group shots, intense physical actions in big bright beautiful light. With the Fuji the way of shooting was more subtle. Using prime lenses only I shot like a photojournalist. Nobody knows I'm taking the shot. Capturing more of an intimate nature in people. The beginning of events are great with the Fuji as the people at the venue become comfortable with a camera floating around. Creating a clear separation between the image maker vs image taker.

“Create Two Worlds Into One”

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At first your going to have to balance both cameras in a way that works together. During the process you'll come to discover that each moment has a certain approach to be taken. Find your way of showing it and create a harmonious relationship between both worlds and create one unique style to call your own.

I was always searching for two different styles as I kept honing in on my craft but the key was having a second camera to make the clear distinction between them. Events such as weddings has been a great way to shoot with two prime lenses during prep time. One slightly wide like a 50mm and coming in close with a 135mm. That way the least amount of time is lost during a high paced environment like weddings. As a result I have more perspectives from the same scene.  Making my albums have more depth in content.

So if you have the budget for it, invest in another quality camera. Go for something different yet in line with what would compliment your current style. Change the dynamic with a new camera.

Prime lenses are a great way to photograph the world around you. Allowing you to tune into the experience of your camera. Like I've said in my other articles, always think about doing better. Be it in gear or in creativity. The most important thing is to become one with your tools so your vision can come out smoothly. So whatever tools you think will make that happen invest yourself in it and master the new ways of the art.

Keep Snappin'!

Chris From MKMI Photo