Life’s precious moments are like fleeting butterflies – they flutter by in an instant, leaving behind a wistful trail of memories… or regret, if you don’t have a camera on you to snag that moment on sweet, sweet celluloid. That’s where your trusty “everyday carry” camera comes into play – a compact companion that ensures you’re always ready to seize those random moments, no matter where you are.
Save your back
Sometimes what can get in the way is the need to have that rocking 7lb medium-format beast and heavy-duty tripod to be able to snap a photo. It’s a pain to haul around that stuff, so you cart it out when you know you are going somewhere with a purpose. Sure, that thing will get the job done when you need to. But most of the time, you might be out running errands, and don’t want to be hauling around a 40-litre camera backpack with all your lenses and kick-ass camera. So, you leave that thing at home. But then… you are out, hauling ass to the grocery store because you forgot that you needed more chicken tendies to feed your evening addiction. As you turn the corner, there’s some beautiful light peaking out and lighting up the neighbourhood so nicely – “maaaan, this would look great on film,” you think to yourself. But you don’t have that big old beast on you. The moment is lost forever.
That is where the everyday carry comes in. Something that might not be able to rock every situation, but it’s something you always have at the ready to snag moments like that.
Bangers not required
Remember, you don’t always need to be shooting for a museum photo. But there is value in continuously shooting. Here you are going for quantity over quality.
Sure, you might be thinking – film is expensive, I don’t want to waste it. And no, you shouldn’t be shooting willy-nilly at your feet, behind your back, and at that dead lawn you have out front (unless it’s cool).
But here, you are making sure that you aren’t leaving those random moments of inspiration behind. Capturing those everyday moments, like going out with friends, going for a hike, etc.
Practice Makes Perfect
The more you carry your camera with you, the more you’ll find yourself engaging with the world as a photographer. As you constantly observe your surroundings, you’ll hone your composition skills and develop a keen eye for unique perspectives. This consistent practice elevates your photography from a hobby to an intrinsic part of your daily life.
Creative Outlet on the Go
Photography is not just about capturing moments; it’s also a means of creative expression. Your everyday carry camera offers you a spontaneous outlet for artistic endeavors. Experiment with different compositions, play with light and shadows, and let your imagination run wild as you turn the ordinary into extraordinary.
What’s the best everyday carry?
There’s no one right answer here. It’s whatever you can see yourself hauling around everywhere you go and that can get banged around a bit in your bag.
Some people like to go with a point-and-shoot with almost no settings except maybe the ability to turn off the flash. Lately, a lot of people have been reaching for the Contax T2 or Yahica T4, but those prices have shot up through the roof lately. You might want to check out a Ricoh R1s or something similar.
If you need some more control and options, another option is a rangefinder. On the high end, that could be your Leicas. But you can always check out the Olympus 35 SP, Yashica Electro 35, or Canonet GL17 GIII.
Or maybe a light, small, plasticky 90s SLR. The Minolta Maxxum STSi was one that I got back in the day that I think is a good reliable choice at a basement level price.
Anyways, like I said, there’s no wrong answer here – it’s whatever you can see yourself actually bringing around and using.
In conclusion, having an “everyday carry” camera is essential. It’s not just about taking photos – it’s about cherishing life’s fleeting instants, finding joy in the mundane, and embracing the journey of becoming a better photographer every day. So, never leave home without your camera, for you never know when life will gift you a moment worth capturing. Happy shooting.
