Gear does matter - feat. Mike Chudley

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Many people believe that the photographer's skill is more important than the gear they use. While there's truth to that, I still think that the gear you choose can significantly impact your journey and career. In today's video, I'll discuss this topic with fellow street photographer Mike Chudley.

A few days ago, we were in Malaga for the premiere of the documentary we participated in last year. Check it out and be amazed by the result!

See you soon in the next one!

my video setup*:

some of my favorite film stocks*:

*Amazon Affiliate links. By using the links above I get a small kick back with no extra cost involved for you. You can support the channel by using the links. Thank you so much! 😊👌


👉 Settings for low light STREET PHOTOGRAPHY:

👉 I don't shoot from the hip, here is why:

👉 How to master manual focus:

👉 How I develop color negative film:

👉 How I develop color positive film:

👉 Scanning Negatives

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[thescotlandeffect]

Hello from Glasgow, I have a bag full of Canon gear that I used to use all the time, but one day I was diagnosed with blood cancer which changed everything. Long story short, I now have one camera with one lens for the rare good days and a very compact pocket camera for all other times, without it I would rarely ever get to use a camera.

[ryancrouch]

Gear absolutely does matter. Two years ago I was working 80 to 100 hours a week as a nurse when I suddenly started having health problems at the relatively young age of 45. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and put on disability. Photography had been my passion for 30 years and I had just bought a nice Nikon kit. However, due to my illness I was unable to use it. After a hospitalization in April I was also told that I needed to be tested for multiple sclerosis immediately. Then in May I was told it was very likely that I have Lupus as well. Inspired by you I bought a Q3 that I can actually hold to use and it brought back the joy of photography for me. I do have to say Malaga is a great area. I spent a summer there when I was 20 and have never felt more at home.

[emregologlu]

Hello. I’m a professional photographer since 2004 and I haven’t been taking street photos for years. After I discovered your channel I started to do that again. Thank you so much. I’ve found myself again.

[Stringbob]

Love this Robin. In the sense that gear puts a smile on my face and inspires me to get out a take photos, then I agree with your thoughts.

[StewartChambers]

For me gear matters. You have to enjoy the feeling of the camera and be inspired in order to make good images. Having never been to Malaga these videos opened my eyes to a possible new destination for my travel bucket list. Great work guys.

[stansabev]

The Gear not just matter, it’s essential. The right tool for the job is making the master. To know what tool you need is job of the master.

I just come back from Malaga, and unfortunately from this video I’ve learn about the Joel exhibition and your event. I had great time with my Leica Q2 there and only now I’ve learn that you and mike were there. I will definitely go back to Malaga. Great place, climate, food, people and place to live.

[RadovanFaltus]

Thank you for sharing, I was following this project since the beginning and also with several other participating photographers. And that was exciting story overall. I tend to the opinion that experiencing the gear and ability to motivate you for picture talking is major factor why the gear matters. And yes Malaga and Spain in general is small Mexico waiting for me to explore.

[lunifyd]

One moment at a time. This phase says it all. Nothing new but we live in a world of pictures and moments. And the Lucky few who captured those moments are truly amazing….

[rossxjohnson]

Gear matters because it's important to enjoy what you're using, enjoy the process and want to take your kit out an capture moments but also have what you need to be able to capture what you need to. Malaga has been on my list forever but due to circumstances I've never been able to go but one day if I get the chance, I definitely will.

[mehmetbayraktar]

Absolutely gear matters, my experience has been that the simpler the setup, the more engaged the photographer is with the creative process, and the more satisfying the photography experience is. Thank you for all your content and congrats!

[zoltankalmar]

I just visited Andalucia a few months after your trip. I saw almost all the places that you guys had covered. Took some pictures too but I'd be very much interested in seeing such a beautiful corner of the world through your eyes too. Gear? It does matter. When it's a hobby then the gear should motivate you picking it up in a first place. When it's a profession, the gear the one that helps you putting food on the table.

[gloriasantiago]

Hello from California, yes, I think that gear matters. It’s like you said, it is how you feel when you use the camera. I love using my Leica Q3 or other Leica because it feels good in your hands and to me I’m making art. I think Spain is lovely and I hope to travel there again someday to take some photos. I lived there for a few years in the mid-70’s, but did not have a camera to capture the many beautiful places I traveled to. Thanks for a nice video .

[dbkoala]

I agree with Mike that gear matters in the sense that it has to fit with your work flow and it has to help inspire you to want to go out there and make work. I have never been to Malaga or anywhere in Spain. The country looks beautiful!

[leviwelling]

My take on "Does gear matter?": I pretty much agree with you guys. If one camera gets you excited about creating and/or photographing the world and another camera does not imbue the same excitement then there really is no question whether gear matters....of course it does in that case! Ever since I managed to get my first used Leica M back in 2019 I've had a desire to take it with me wherever I go. No other camera made me feel that way and I've been shooting since 2005. Have I been to Malaga? No. Would I consider traveling to Malaga? Absolutely! I have been to Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Hungary, France, Italy, Serbia, and would love to add Spain to the list (Gemany as well ;) ) In the meantime, I'd love to visit Spain by turning the pages of that book! Thank you, Robin!

[MarcAdesso]

I think Mike Chudley nailed it - you once get past a baseline of decent cameras, it’s all about experience + utility/match with workflow needs.

[Caballeroshot]

Well deserved Robin, your photography is absolutely amazing and clearly the gear matters. The reason it matters is simply because if it inspires you to create art then you're more likely to do so, that to me is the sole reason for choosing your gear wisely. one can make images with any camera but it's the one that makes you reach for it and use it that makes it more valuable than any spec sheet ever could.

[marlenelandstravels]

Gear does matter, I have added a pancake lens to my Fuji X-T4 and I am taking it everywhere with me, taking more street pics. I would love to go to Malaga, I have heard wonderful things about the city. I can't wait to get my first leica soon, your videos have inspired me to do so. Keep up with the great work

[theronsan]

For me, gear matters in the sense of if it inspires me to use it or not. Gear also matters depending on the type of photo assignment you will be doing.

[SieDaniels]

Gear definitely matters to me. The feeling a camera, lens and film give me will encourage me to go out and shoot. And having different systems to choose from to get the most out of my setting makes a big difference.

I've loved the Andalusia work coming from a few of you guys and it has definitely inspired me to return to the region. I'd love a copy of that book so I'm sorry to hear it is a limited run. Such amazing work coming out from that project!

[MrGarrych]

Absolutely gear matters. I have mobility issues not as spry and fast on my feet so I love the freedom my RF 24-105 L gives me, pair that with the amazing autofocus of the R8 and I will be shooting street for many more years. Love your channel.