Got Fuji or Leica Envy for Street Photography? Reconsider Your Smartphone
The Fuji x100 Didn’t Work
It just seemed sooo cute and hip. Combined with my snappy shirts, the Fuji’s retro factor and film simulations lifted my spirits, at least for the first few days. Then I started noticing all of the flaws. Then I needed a “pro” camera. Then I started to obsess about getting a Leica. Goodbye Fuji. Fast-forward to today—I have the new x100vi on two different waiting lists. Things are different now, and I’m pretty convinced that this will be the solution to a whole lot of problems.
The Leica M Film Didn’t Work
Somewhere along the way an M6 Leica film camera seemed like a good idea. Once again, the whole aesthetic fit well with my snappy shirts and a recent move to Austin. Surely this would bring me presence and inner peace. After all, what is more mindful than risky film handling, complex manual controls, dealing with the online photo lab and the post office, and in the end, never even ordering prints—“just the digital files please.”
The Leica Q3 Didn’t Work
The Leica Q would surely be the ultimate solution. It would grant me access to the Leica Aficionado Club. In Austin, I remember scoffing at the poor Fuji x100 chumps walking by, gawking at the red dot on my Q. I solved the happiness formula: spend 5K on a camera with a fixed 28mm lens (more like a 26mm in reality). “Damn it!,” I would say over and over, “If it only had a 35mm lens!” Yep, I sold it. And now I catch myself studying up on the Leica Q3 with its one-year waiting list…and the same freaking lens.
What do Corvettes, cameras, and cruises have in common? They’re all classic symptoms of a man’s midlife crisis! If you’re buying all three at once, you’re either having a really great year or a really rough one.
Let’s get real for a moment. In the world of street photography, there’s a social contagion creating fashion-obsessed camera dorks who wouldn’t dare abandon their 9-month Leica/Fuji preorder and instead choose a humble smartphone. Iconic gear hanging from their necks, they cast pitying glances at smartphone photographers, all-the-while begging to get mugged. Fanboys and girls, you know who you are. I really know who you are because, well, I’m one of you.
The topic about smartphone cameras versus cameras like the Fuji X100iv and the Leica Q3 is on my mind. You see, I recently published a book called The Mindful Photography Field Guide, and I very intentionally included the subhead 15 Smartphone Photography Practices for Inner Peace. Factors like simplicity, image quality, convenience, and shareability have made me a believer in smartphone cameras, and I find myself using my big-boy cameras less and less these days. This transition has been a long time coming. Even back in 2016, I wrote a blog comparing street shots between an iPhone 12 and the Leica Q. Eight years later, that blog gets a ton of traffic. Something tells me I’m not alone in my fascination with the camera we always have with us.
Fellow cameraholics, it’s time to reconsider the smartphone as your go-to street shooter.
Ergonomics
I find the idea of big cameras being ergonomic compared to smartphones preposterous. Remember, we aren’t talking about photographing college football or far-away galaxies here. Street photography is all about decisive shots.
Picture this: You have your Fuji strapped around your neck, looking your hipster best, doing your best ninja walk through a bustling street market. But, admit it—you struggle with your stealth because you are constantly futzing with settings. On top of that is the shame you feel because you’ve started wearing some kind of girdle because of the back pain from that weight hanging down over your belly.
Meanwhile, I’m behind you, whipping out my superlight smartphone and within a split second I’m nailing shots right and left, practically unnoticed. Who’s got the ergonomic advantage now? Who’s the true ninja of the street photography world?
Not a believer yet? Read on, fellow shooter.
Three Primes
Iconic street photography cameras like the Fuji X100iv (35mm), the Leica Q3 (28mm), and the Ricoh GR3 (28mm) have fixed focal-length lenses attached. Advocates love the way a single focal length forces the photographer to adapt to that view. Less choices = better. I get it.
Personally, with my lifestyle, I much prefer having 3 primes to choose from. 13mm, 26mm, and 65mm come in mighty handy. I live in a mountain town now, outside of city-style street scenarios. However, similar logic applies. I like to have flexibility, especially on the wide end. Being dwarfed in a forest by the 13mm focal length is a beautiful effect. The same idea applies when I’m in the city surrounded by towering buildings. Reapproaching my forest scene, I now shoot at 65mm and compress a scene looking down a backlit forest road. Same principle applies in the city in scenarios when I want to shoot down a packed street, compressing the action and light that I see. Finally, in my forest, I might then switch to 26mm and shoot a macro shot of tree sap hanging off a broken limb, with a blurry background scene of nature. If I were in the city, I might discover a tiny architectural detail and take a macro shot of it, complete with a blurred-out street scene in the background.
So, while I get the “less is more” philosophy about iconic cameras like the Fuji x100 and the Leica Q, I have never found that the choice of three prime lenses clutters my mind or distracts me. Quite the contrary. I now find myself better able to tell a complete story, from the details to the big picture.
Rocking Rules Have Changed
When was the last time you got hassled for carrying your smartphone into a concert? A museum? A company meeting? A foreign country?
Years back while living in Austin, I would frequently walk into clubs and concerts with my pro camera slung around my neck, unprotested. Those days are nearly gone, and venues are increasingly touchy about “professionals” coming in and shooting without stacks of model releases and privacy clauses.
But, the 60 megapixel, 8k video, miracle of a smartphone camera technology in your pocket? No problem, ma’am, walk on through. Heck, shoot live video if you want, no problem at all. Do you see the irony? Regardless, it is a sign of our times. Smartphones are ubiquitous.
The rules of the street have changed too. I used to carry expensive gear and take risky photos out on the street. From Bruce Gilden-style in-your-face flash shots, to street-party scenes of madness, filled with hoards of people in varying states of intoxication, I felt like my size and presence kept me fairly safe from crime or violence.
Not these days. Enough said.
Streamlined Everything—Shooting, Editing, Organizing, Storing, and Sharing
Shooting
Smartphones are simple and stealth. Their screens are large, bright, and perfectly responsive. They put the screens of pro cameras to shame. Results from smartphone cameras are nearly always in focus, with balanced color and exposure.
But what about an electronic viewfinder, like the big cameras have? Personally, I love looking at the world through a great viewfinder, and that is a definite plus in the column of a dedicated camera. But, viewfinders come with the costs of space and added expense. Even certain iconic street cameras like the Ricoh GR are leaving viewfinders off in favor of compactness. I think it is a generational thing too. Younger people are increasingly used to relying solely on a phone screen for previewing their shots.
Speaking of phone screens, don’t get me started on camera screens. Can you imagine if a Sony a7-whatever had a back screen just like your killer iPhone screen? As it is, those back screens are terrible resolution, brightness, size, and touch-responsiveness. And imagine if that Sony full-frame were connected to everywhere you’d want to post? And able to edit? Zeiss almost had the right idea with the ZX1. Oh well.
Editing
Are you kidding? Being able to edit a photo on the same device it was shot with? On a bright, vivid screen? No importing onto a computer? Oh, and by the way, this thing fits in my pocket? How quickly some once-miracles of technology become commonplace and unappreciated.
As far as this whole process of shooting and then editing photos goes with a dedicated camera, well, let’s just say it sucks, it has always sucked, and camera makers may never get it right.
Born to Share
In the time it takes a Leica enthusiast to find a Wi-Fi connection to transfer his photos to a laptop, our smartphone hero has already edited and shared his latest masterpiece directly from the scene. With this superpower, our smartphone man is a magnet for lovely ladies who think stinky, tatted street photographers are irresistible. See? Instant sharing isn’t just convenient; it’s revolutionary. Welcome to the era of live storytelling!
Tech Savvy and Trendy
Smartphones are on the cutting edge of technology. So much of the world’s camera R&D is going into smartphones and AI integration. Each year brings gadgets that push the boundaries of what a traditional camera can do, all while fitting in your pocket.
I remember when the portrait-mode came on the iPhone, enabling you to shoot photos with a blurry background, as if it were with a fast lens on a full camera. And then it got even better. All the while, I kept on saying “just imagine if this were available on video!”
Done.
Ebay will be a gigantic pile of expensive camera bodies that were the bomb just a few years ago.
Accessibility for All
Let’s not forget the inclusivity smartphones bring to photography. No need for a heavy strap or a chiropractor on speed dial—just pure, creative freedom that’s accessible to everyone, including those who can’t lug around a camera all day.
The Sparkle of Simplicity
We often chase after things that sparkle—whether it’s the latest camera gear, a shiny new Corvette, or the latest tech gadget. But these things rarely stand the test of time. Instead, we can focus on experiences and moments that bring true joy and fulfillment.
Smartphone photography embodies this principle of simplicity. It allows us to focus on what truly matters: the beauty of the present moment.
Embracing the Moment
Classic cameras have their charm and can certainly produce beautiful images. However, they come with their own set of complexities. How mindful is it really to have to transfer images, update firmware, charge batteries, and navigate the intricacies of various dials and settings? Once you’ve taken the photos, there’s the additional step of importing them, editing them with software, and managing the complexity of file organization. All this can take away from the simplicity and joy of the photographic process.
Smartphone photography, on the other hand, simplifies this process significantly. You shoot, edit, and share all from one device, eliminating the need for additional steps and tools. This streamlined process allows you to stay more connected to the moment and less preoccupied with the technical aspects.
Turning Your Smartphone into a Dedicated Camera
One key to maximizing the benefits of smartphone photography is to turn your smartphone into a dedicated camera. This means disconnecting from the internet and turning off notifications while you’re shooting. This way, you can focus entirely on the act of photography without being distracted by incoming messages, emails, or social media notifications.
In The Mindful Photography Field Guide, I detail how this practice can enhance your focus and deepen your connection to the present moment. By removing the distractions of modern technology, you allow yourself to be fully immersed in the creative process.
The Benefits of Simplicity and Mindfulness
Simplicity is a core principle of mindfulness. When we simplify our tools and our approach, we open up more space for presence and awareness. A smartphone camera, with its intuitive interface and minimal setup, allows us to quickly and easily capture the beauty around us without getting bogged down by technical details.
Moreover, the simplicity of smartphone photography encourages us to be more spontaneous and experimental. With fewer barriers to taking a photo, we are more likely to capture those unexpected moments of beauty that can bring joy and inspiration.
Investing in Experiences, Not Things
One of the key benefits of using a smartphone for photography is the cost savings. Traditional camera gear can be incredibly expensive, and the costs can quickly add up when you factor in lenses, tripods, bags, and other accessories. By using a smartphone, you save money that can be invested in experiences rather than things.
In my book, I talk about the importance of investing in experiences that enrich our lives and bring lasting joy. Whether it’s a photography workshop, a trip to a beautiful location, or simply spending time with loved ones, these experiences are far more valuable than any piece of gear.
The Joy of Letting Go
Letting go of our attachment to gear can be incredibly liberating. It allows us to focus on the act of photography itself rather than the tools we use. In the book, I discuss how this mindset shift can lead to more authentic and meaningful photography.
As a photographer, I have to admit that I’ve been guilty of chasing after the latest and greatest gear. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new technology and forget that the most important tool is the one behind the camera—our own creativity and vision.
Photographers are notorious for their obsession with gear. We love our gadgets, sometimes more than the art of photography itself. Remember that classic camera sitting on your shelf, gathering dust because it’s just too cumbersome to carry around? Or that old tech we hang on to for dear life, resisting change even though it complicates our lives?
The Efficiency of Smartphone Photography
Smartphone photography allows us to streamline our entire photographic process. Think about it: you shoot, edit, and share from one device. No need to transfer files, charge multiple batteries, or deal with complex editing software. Everything you need is right there in your pocket.
This efficiency means you spend less time on the technical aspects and more time actually taking photos. It also means you can be more present in the moment, enjoying the experience rather than being distracted by your gear.
The Power of Minimalism
Minimalism is a key principle in both mindfulness and photography. By simplifying your gear, you can focus more on the creative process and less on the technical details. A smartphone is the ultimate minimalist tool for photography. It’s small, unobtrusive, and always with you.
This minimalistic approach aligns perfectly with the principles of mindful photography. It allows you to focus on the present moment and the subject in front of you, rather than being distracted by your equipment.
Enhancing Your Photography Skills
Using a smartphone for photography can actually help improve your skills. With fewer settings to adjust and less gear to worry about, you can focus more on composition, lighting, and storytelling. These are the true foundations of great photography.
In The Mindful Photography Field Guide, I offer numerous practices to help you enhance these skills using your smartphone. By focusing on the basics, you can develop a stronger foundation and become a better photographer overall.
The Evolution of Smartphone Cameras
Smartphone cameras have come a long way in recent years. The technology has advanced to the point where the image quality rivals that of traditional cameras. Features like computational photography, advanced sensors, and high-quality lenses have made smartphones incredibly powerful tools for photography.
These advancements mean that you no longer have to sacrifice quality for convenience. You can have both, all in one device.
The Role of Mindfulness in Smartphone Photography
At its core, mindful photography is about being present in the moment and fully engaged with your subject. It’s about seeing the world with fresh eyes and capturing the beauty of everyday life.
Using a smartphone for photography aligns perfectly with this approach. The simplicity and accessibility of a smartphone allow you to focus on the moment and the act of taking the photo, rather than being bogged down by technical details.
In my book, I delve deep into the practices of mindful photography and how they can be applied using a smartphone. These practices help you develop a deeper connection to your surroundings and your subjects, leading to more meaningful and impactful photos.
Practical Tips for Smartphone Photography
To help you get started, here are some practical tips for using your smartphone for mindful photography:
Turn Off Notifications: Disconnect from the internet and turn off notifications while you’re shooting. This helps you stay focused and present in the moment.
Use the Grid: Most smartphones have a grid option in the camera settings. This helps you compose your shots using the rule of thirds, leading to more balanced and visually appealing photos.
Clean Your Lens: It may seem obvious, but a clean lens is essential for clear and sharp photos. Wipe your lens regularly to remove fingerprints and dust.
Experiment with Angles: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your angles. Try shooting from different perspectives to add interest and variety to your photos.
Focus on Lighting: Good lighting is key to great photography. Pay attention to the light source and how it interacts with your subject. Experiment with different lighting conditions to see how they affect your photos.
It’s All About the Moments
Smartphone photography offers numerous benefits, from its simplicity and accessibility to its cost-effectiveness and instant sharing capabilities. It encourages us to be present, to capture and cherish the moments that matter, and to spend our money on experiences rather than things. By embracing the simplicity of smartphone photography, we can enhance our practice of mindfulness and find greater peace and joy in our daily lives.
So next time you feel that itch for the latest and greatest camera gear, remember the true essence of photography. It’s not about the equipment; it’s about the moments you capture and the stories you tell. Your smartphone is more than capable of helping you do that. And don’t forget to poke a little fun at yourself for being a gearhead, as we all are from time to time. Embrace the simplicity, and let your photography practice be a source of mindful peace.
Want to turn your smartphone camera into a tool for finding inner peace? Grab a copy of The Mindful Photography Field Guide: 15 Smartphone Photography Practices for Inner Peace.
Need a little support? Find my mindful photography vlogs, coaching, and helpful resources at JoeVanWyk.com and MindfulPhotography.org.
Shine Your Light,
Joe
PS:
If you found this post helpful, you'll love my book, The Mindful Photography Field Guide: 15 Smartphone Photography Practices for Inner Peace. It’s packed with practical tips and inspiring stories. Ready to dive deeper? I also offer one-on-one mindful photography training to help you master skills that lead to inner peace. Reach out to me via my contact form and let’s connect.
