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Photography drones have emerged as game-changers in the world of photography.

In the ever-evolving world of photography, drones have emerged as game-changers, offering a unique perspective and unlocking creative possibilities like never before. With advancements in technology, the market is flooded with a wide array of photography drones, each boasting its own set of features and capabilities. In this article, we delve into the world of aerial photography and present a curated list of the best photography drones.

Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiast seeking to capture breathtaking shots from the sky, this guide will help you find the perfect drone to elevate your photography to new heights.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0 is a highly advanced drone, boasting impressive features and ease of use, earning a solid rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Key Stats:

– 30-minute flight time
– 7 km transmission range
– 4K video at 60 frames per second

Reasons to Buy:

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0 is an ideal choice for both professional and recreational drone users, as it offers excellent image quality, long-range transmission capabilities, and reliable obstacle-sensing technology.

The drone’s five-directional obstacle sensing and four-directional obstacle avoidance systems help keep your craft safe in flight. At the same time, its innovative OcuSync 2.0 technology allows for seamless video streaming and telemetry data display. With a 30-minute flight time, capturing stunning aerial footage and amazing photos has never been easier or more reliable.

Reasons Not to Buy:

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0 is a costly investment and may not be the best option for beginners or users with budget constraints. The drone’s bulky design also makes it less portable compared to foldable alternatives, which could be a deal-breaker for travelers or on-the-go users. Additionally, the controller’s built-in screen might not meet everyone’s preferences, as some users may prefer using their own mobile device as a display.

Pros:

– Outstanding 4K video quality
– Long-range transmission capabilities
– 30-minute flight time
– Advanced obstacle sensing and avoidance systems
– OcuSync 2.0 technology for seamless video streaming and telemetry data display

Cons:

– Expensive and may not suit budget-conscious users
– Bulky design – not as portable as foldable alternatives
– Controller’s built-in screen may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer using their own mobile device as a display

ATTOP Drone with Camera

The ATTOP Drone with Camera is a user-friendly and versatile drone, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

Key Stats:

– Camera capabilities: 720p HD
– Flight time: 8-10 minutes
– Control distance: 330 feet

Reasons to Buy:

If you’re searching for an easy-to-use drone with a decent camera for capturing aerial footage, the ATTOP Drone is a great choice. Its 720p HD camera resolution ensures clear images, while the one-key takeoff and landing feature makes it beginner-friendly. With a flight time of 8-10 minutes, users can enjoy ample time exploring and capturing images, and a control distance of 330 feet provides a decent range for exploration.

Reasons Not to Buy:

For individuals seeking advanced features or professional quality aerial footage, the ATTOP Drone may not be the ideal choice. The 720p camera resolution is not as high as the 1080p or 4K resolutions found in more advanced drone models. Additionally, the 8-10 minute flight time might be limiting for some users who want longer periods of uninterrupted flight.

Pros:

– Beginner-friendly with one-key takeoff and landing
– Decent camera quality (720p HD)
– Reasonable control distance (330 feet)

Cons:

– Camera resolution falls short compared to more advanced models
– Flight time may be too short for some users
– Lacks advanced features found in more expensive drones

Ruko F11GIM2 Drone with Camera

The Ruko F11GIM2 Drone with Camera is a highly versatile and reliable drone, earning a solid 4.5 out of 5 rating for its impressive performance, user-friendly features, and quality camera capabilities.

Key Stats:

• 4K UHD camera with 2-axis gimbal stabilization
•  30-minute flight time per battery
• 2,500-meter transmission range

Reasons to Buy:

The Ruko F11GIM2 Drone offers a competitive edge in the market, with its 4K UHD camera providing exceptionally high-quality images and videos. The 2-axis gimbal stabilization ensures smooth and stable footage, perfect for professional photography and videography. With a flight time of 30 minutes per battery, you will have ample opportunity to capture stunning aerial shots, while the 2,500-meter transmission range allows for great flexibility and control during flights. Moreover, the user-friendly interface and various smart features make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced drone pilots.

Reasons Not to Buy:

Despite its impressive performance, the Ruko F11GIM2 Drone may not be the perfect choice for everyone. Its relatively higher price point might not suit budget-conscious buyers. While good, the 2-axis gimbal stabilization is not as advanced as the 3-axis stabilizers found in some of the high-end competitors. Additionally, some users might find the drone’s size and weight less convenient for frequent transportation.

Pros:

• High-quality 4K UHD camera
• Stable 2-axis gimbal stabilization
• 30-minute flight time
• 2,500-meter transmission range
• User-friendly interface with smart features

Cons:

• Higher price point than some alternatives
• 2-axis stabilization is not as advanced as 3-axis options
• Size and weight may not be suitable for frequent transportation

DJI Mavic 3 Classic

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic is a highly advanced and reliable drone, earning a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars for its powerful performance, upgraded camera capabilities, and intelligent flight features.

Key Stats:

– 46 minutes of flight time
– 5.1K video resolution at 50 fps
– 20 MP Hasselblad camera with a 4/3 CMOS sensor

Reasons to Buy:

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic is an excellent choice for both professional and recreational drone users due to its long flight time, exceptional camera quality, and advanced autonomous flight features.

The improved 5.1K video resolution and 20 MP Hasselblad camera ensure stunning footage, while the upgraded obstacle avoidance sensors and ActiveTrack 5.0 technology make it safer and easier to fly than ever before.

Furthermore, the addition of O3 video transmission system provides a stronger and more stable connection, allowing you to explore and capture the world without limitations.

Reasons Not to Buy:

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic may not be the best choice for those who are new to drone flying or seeking a budget-friendly option, as its high price tag could be off-putting. Additionally, some users may find its many advanced features overwhelming or unnecessary, especially if they do not require professional-quality footage or plan to use the drone primarily for recreational purposes.

Pros:

– Long flight time of 46 minutes
– High-quality 5.1K video resolution and 20 MP Hasselblad camera
– Advanced obstacle avoidance and ActiveTrack 5.0 technology
– Reliable and stable O3 video transmission system
– Highly portable and foldable design

Cons:

– Expensive price tag
– May be overwhelming or unnecessary for beginners or casual users
– Potential learning curve for some advanced features and settings

Bwine F7 GPS Drone with Camera

The Bwine F7 GPS Drone with Camera is an advanced, feature-packed drone with excellent performance, offering a solid 4.5 out of 5-star rating.

Key Stats:

– Maximum flight time: 25 minutes
– Camera resolution: 4K/30fps video and 5GHz FPV transmission
– Intelligent flight modes: GPS-assisted, Follow Me, Orbit, and more

Reasons to Buy:

The Bwine F7 GPS drone offers a great combination of advanced technology and high performance, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced drone pilots. The 4K camera, combined with its 5GHz FPV transmission, provides stunning, high-quality video and images.

Additionally, the drone’s intelligent flight modes, such as GPS assistance, Follow Me, and Orbit, make setting up the perfect shot easy. With a maximum flight time of 25 minutes, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to capture amazing footage.

Reasons Not to Buy:

While the Bwine F7 GPS drone offers impressive features and performance, it may be out of budget for some drone enthusiasts. The drone is also relatively new in the market, which means limited user reviews and technical support may be available. Furthermore, in some instances, the drone may struggle in windy conditions, making it challenging for inexperienced pilots.

Pros:

– Excellent camera quality with 4K/30fps video and 5GHz FPV transmission
– Numerous intelligent flight modes for easy and creative filming
– Impressive 25-minute flight time
– Suitable for both beginners and experienced pilots

Cons:

– May be considered expensive for some users
– Relatively new in the market, which may affect user reviews and support
– Can struggle in windy conditions

Holy Stone HS700E Drone with Camera

The Holy Stone HS700E Drone with Camera is an impressive aerial photography device, earning a 4.5 out of 5-star rating for its advanced features and reliable performance.

Key Stats:

– Camera Quality: 4K UHD with 30fps and 5G FPV transmission distance of up to 1000m
– Flight Time: Up to 22 minutes per battery charge
– Maximum Range: 1000 meters with GPS-assisted flight

Reasons to Buy:

The Holy Stone HS700E Drone with Camera is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced drone enthusiasts interested in capturing stunning aerial footage. With its 4K UHD camera, GPS-assisted flight, and return home feature, users can expect a stable and convenient flight experience.

Its foldable design, brushless motor, and follow-me mode also make it ideal for travel and outdoor adventures. Additionally, its decent flight time and range provide ample opportunity to explore and photograph various landscapes.

Reasons Not to Buy:

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly drone, the Holy Stone HS700E may not be the best option as it has a relatively high price tag. Additionally, although its camera quality is quite impressive, it may not meet the expectations of professional photographers looking for more advanced camera features and higher frame rates. More experienced flyers might also find some of the user-friendly features, such as the GPS-assisted flight, unnecessary for their skill level.

Pros:

– 4K UHD camera with 30fps and 1000m FPV transmission
– GPS-assisted flight for stability and convenience
– Foldable design and brushless motor for durability and portability
– Follow-me mode for dynamic shots
– Decent flight time and range

Cons:

– High price point may not suit budget-conscious buyers
– Camera quality might not satisfy professional photographers
– GPS-assisted flight not appealing to more experienced flyers

DJI Mini 3 Pro

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is a highly advanced, compact drone boasting exceptional performance and features, earning a solid 4.5 out of 5 rating.

Key Stats:

– 4K UHD video at 60fps
– 31-minute flight time
– 10km video transmission range

Reasons to Buy:

The DJI Mini 3 Pro offers users an exceptional and convenient aerial photography experience with its portable design, making it easy to transport and capture special moments anytime, anywhere. Its ability to shoot stunning 4K UHD video at 60fps ensures high-quality footage, while the 31-minute flight time allows for more exploration and creativity. With up to 10km video transmission range, users will enjoy better control and coverage during their flights. Furthermore, the drone’s powerful propulsion system and advanced safety features make it a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced pilots.

Reasons Not to Buy:

Although the DJI Mini 3 Pro is packed with impressive features, its higher price tag might be a deterrent for some users, especially those on a budget or only needing basic drone capabilities. The drone may also receive future upgrades making the current model outdated relatively quickly, leading some consumers to hold off on purchasing it. Lastly, some users have expressed concerns with processing delays when dealing with DJI customer service, which may be a potentially negative experience for buyers who encounter issues with their drones.

Pros:

– Compact and portable design
– High-quality 4K UHD video at 60fps
– Impressive 31-minute flight time
– Advanced safety features for beginner-friendly piloting
– Long-range 10km video transmission

Cons:

– Higher price point may not be suitable for all consumers
– Possibility of becoming outdated quickly due to future upgrades
– Some concerns with customer service processing delays

DJI Air 2S

The DJI Air 2S is a highly advanced, user-friendly drone boasting exceptional image quality and powerful flight performance, earning a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Key Stats:

– 20MP 1-inch CMOS sensor with 5.4K video at 30fps
– 31 minutes of flight time per charge
– 7.5-mile (12 km) max transmission distance with O3 (OcuSync 3.0)

Reasons to Buy:

The DJI Air 2S is an ideal choice for individuals seeking a high-quality, easy-to-use drone for both photography and videography purposes. Its 20MP 1-inch CMOS sensor captures stunning images and 5.4K video, elevating your aerial content to new heights.

With an impressive 31 minutes of flight time per charge and a 7.5-mile max transmission distance, you can easily extend your flights and capture beautiful scenes.

DJI’s trademark obstacle avoidance and intelligent flight modes also ensure a safe and enjoyable flying experience for users of all skill levels.

Reasons Not to Buy:

While the DJI Air 2S offers exceptional features, it may not be suitable for everyone due to its relatively high price, potentially making it inaccessible for budget-conscious individuals. Furthermore, its compact size may result in less stability in strong winds than larger drones, limiting its use in certain weather conditions.

Lastly, professional aerial photographers and filmmakers may want to consider alternatives with more advanced features, such as interchangeable lenses and higher frame rates for slow-motion video.

Pros:

– Excellent image quality with 20MP 1-inch CMOS sensor and 5.4K video capability
– Impressive flight time of 31 minutes per charge
– Advanced obstacle avoidance and intelligent flight modes for a safer flying experience
– Compact and portable design

Cons:

– Relatively high price may exclude budget-conscious individuals
– Less stable in strong winds due to compact size
– Some advanced features missing for professional users (e.g. interchangeable lenses, higher frame rates)

Oviliee Mini Drone with Camera

The Oviliee Mini Drone with Camera is a portable and user-friendly device perfect for capturing aerial footage, earning a 4.5 out of 5 rating.

Key Stats:

– Lightweight design with foldable arms for easy portability.
– High-resolution 1080p camera for capturing stunning images and videos.
– Advanced flight features, including altitude hold, one key return, and headless mode for seamless navigation.

Reasons to Buy:

The Oviliee Mini Drone with Camera is a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced drone enthusiasts alike, with its foldable design making it an excellent travel companion. The 1080p camera captures clear and vibrant footage, allowing users to take stunning aerial shots effortlessly.

Additionally, its user-friendly features, such as altitude hold and one key return, make piloting the drone a breeze, while the headless mode ensures easy orientation for first-time drone users.

Reasons Not to Buy:

While the Oviliee Mini Drone has many great features, it may not be the best choice for professional photographers and videographers looking for more advanced camera capabilities.

Furthermore, the drone’s short flight time of up to 10 minutes may limit your ability to capture extended footage or fly for long durations, and its lesser-known brand may be a concern for some users in terms of product reliability.

Pros:

– Compact and foldable design for easy transport.
– 1080p camera offering quality image and video capture.
– User-friendly features for seamless navigation.
– Ideal for beginners and experienced users alike.

Cons:

– Limited camera capabilities compared to professional-grade drones.
– Short flight time of up to 10 minutes.
– Lesser known brands may raise concerns about product reliability.

IMI X8 SE Drone Quadcopter

The IMI X8 SE Drone Quadcopter is an excellent drone for enthusiasts and professionals alike, earning a solid 4.5 out of 5 rating.

Key Stats:

– Flight time: Up to 35 minutes
– Maximum flight range: 8 km
– Camera resolution: 4K 30fps video and 12MP still images

Reasons to Buy:

If you’re in the market for a drone with impressive flight time, range, and camera capabilities, the IMI X8 SE 2022 Drone Quadcopter checks all the boxes. It’s an ideal choice for extended use, as it boasts a long-lasting battery (up to 35 minutes) and an impressive 8 km flight range.

Furthermore, the drone is equipped with a 4K 30fps camera, perfect for capturing stunning aerial photography and videography. Its user-friendly controls and host of intelligent features, such as GPS tracking, Flight Planning, and Smart Track, make it a standout option for drone pilots of all experience levels.

Reasons Not to Buy:

While the IMI X8 SE 2022 Drone Quadcopter has many appealing features, it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget, as it falls within the mid to high price range for drones.

Additionally, its camera performance in low-light situations is not class-leading, which may be a concern for those looking to capture footage during dusk or dawn.

Finally, it may not be suitable for those requiring more specialized professional applications or unique features that are not included in the standard package.

Pros:

– Impressive flight time and range
– 4K 30fps camera with 12MP still images
– User-friendly controls and intelligent features

Cons:

– Mid to high price range
– Not the best low-light camera performance
– May not be suitable for specialized professional applications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a drone suitable for aerial photography? A: A suitable photography drone should have a high-resolution camera, stable flight performance, and advanced gimbal stabilization to capture clear and steady shots. Additionally, features like obstacle-avoidance, intelligent flight modes, and extended battery life can enhance the overall aerial photography experience.

Q: What are the key factors to consider when choosing a photography drone? A: Key factors to consider include camera quality (resolution and sensor size), flight stability and maneuverability, battery life, range and connectivity, intelligent flight modes, and portability. Evaluating these factors is important based on your photography needs and budget.

Q: Are there any legal requirements or restrictions for flying photography drones? A: Yes, there are legal requirements and restrictions for flying drones, including registering the drone with relevant authorities, obtaining necessary licenses or permits, and adhering to local regulations regarding flight altitude, no-fly zones, and privacy concerns. Familiarize yourself with the regulations in your area before flying a photography drone.

Q: Can photography drones be used for videography as well? A: Absolutely! Many photography drones excel in capturing high-quality videos as well. They offer various video recording resolutions, frame rates, and cinematic features like follow-me mode, tracking shots, and smooth camera movements, making them versatile tools for aerial videography.

Q: How do I ensure the safety of my photography drone? A: Safety is paramount when operating a photography drone. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe flying, always maintain a visual line of sight, avoid flying in adverse weather conditions, and keep a safe distance from people, buildings, and other obstacles. Regularly inspect and maintain your drone to ensure it is in proper working condition.

Q: Can I edit and post-process the photos captured by photography drones? A: Absolutely! The photos captured by photography drones can be edited and post-processed using professional photo editing software, just like any other digital photographs. This allows you to enhance the colors, adjust exposure, and add creative effects to achieve your desired results.

Conclusion

Brad Anderson

Editor In Chief at ReadWrite

Brad is the editor overseeing contributed content at ReadWrite.com. He previously worked as an editor at PayPal and Crunchbase. You can reach him at brad at readwrite.com.

Landscape photography is a challenging genre that takes a combination of technical skill, creative vision, knowledge of the elements, and occasionally, a bit of luck. If you are new to the genre and looking to improve your work, check out this helpful video tutorial that details 10 common mistakes new landscape photographers make and how to fix or avoid them. 

Coming to you from Henry Turner, this great video tutorial discusses 10 common landscape photography mistakes beginners make and how you can fix them. Perhaps the most common mistake I see newer landscape photographers make it over-editing their images, often pushing the highlights, shadows, and saturation sliders to extremes. Modern editing software is tremendously powerful, and even minor adjustments can have a significant impact on the image. One of the best ways to combat this is to step away from your computer when you are done editing for just a bit, then evaluate your work once more before exporting the images. After allowing your eyes to reset, you will often find that you want to tone things back a bit. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Turner.

And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out “Photographing The World 1: Landscape Photography and Post-Processing with Elia Locardi.” 

Drones have become incredibly powerful image-making tools in just a few years, and for landscape photographers, they offer the ability to reach perspectives that would not have been possible before. If you would like to see how a drone can improve your landscape shots, check out this helpful video tutorial that features an experienced landscape photographer showing how he uses the DJI Mavic 3 Pro in his work. 

Coming to you from Nigel Danson, this neat video takes a look at the DJI Mavic 3 Pro for landscape photography and offers some helpful tips for working with a drone in the genre. Perhaps the best bit of advice I could give a new drone user when it comes to landscape photography is to not forget to rotate the camera up and down. It can be easy to keep the camera tilted about 20 degrees down so you can get a normal perspective simply from a higher point, but pointing the camera straight down can often yield equally interesting shots that show off geometry of the land that would not be visible otherwise. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Danson. 

And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out “Photographing The World 1: Landscape Photography and Post-Processing with Elia Locardi.” 

A photographer inspired by nature weaves women into the landscape using natural elements like grass, water, and plants.

Jeanne Simmons tells PetaPixel she had a “recurring impulse” to weave women into the grass and finally followed through on her vision and it ended up changing her life.

“Grass Cocoon set me on a trajectory of exploring my relationship with the natural world, expressing my reverence for it, and affirming my connection to it,” she says.

“I developed an ephemeral approach that involved integrating my models into the landscape, adorning them with sculptural elements, and capturing the moment through photography.”

“With my work, I attempt to convey my belief that we belong in nature, that we are part of the very fabric of nature,” she continues.

“This work is my personal antidote to what I perceive to be the tragic alienation between much of humanity and the Earth upon which we are dependent.”

Creating an Earthly Photo

Simmons is inspired by the materials she encounters during walks with her dogs. Plants that many may not even notice spark the photographer’s imagination.

“Once I have identified a site and a particular material, I inevitably begin the collection process, foraging for and harvesting my materials,” she says.

“Sometimes I create the necessary sculptural components for a project in my studio and transport them to my site on the day of the shoot.”

“Other times I forage on-site, and create and document the piece all in one day, building the piece directly on my model’s body,” she says.

“Once my models are situated and wearing whatever accouterments I have created for them, the actual shoot goes very quickly. I’m shooting for perhaps a half an hour to an hour, depending on the elements and the level of comfort or discomfort that my model might be experiencing.”

“There are of course an abundance of variables to manage when preparing for a shoot outside, sometimes requiring me to study the tides, the location of the sun, the weather, et cetera, all of which add to the fun and feeling of engagement that I love so well,” she adds.

Simmons’s models are “regular people” who live in her community. They don’t wear makeup and she doesn’t alter them in Photoshop afterward staying true to the organic themes of her images.

All she brings along to her photo shoots is her camera, her iPhone, a couple of tripods, and a reflector.

“So far I have used entirely natural lighting. My skills are still somewhat rudimentary. After a lifetime of identifying with tools like hammers, drills, chisels, and shovels. I still feel a bit clumsy with a camera,” she adds.

New to Photography

Simmons was previously a sculptor with “virtually no photography skills whatsoever” and began capturing photos using an iPhone 5.

“When I began making this body of work, I had no idea where it was leading me,” she explains.

“I later purchased a Fuji X-T3 and took an online photography class at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. I’m still trying to catch up with myself, from a photographic perspective.”

Simmons lives on the edge of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington surrounded by a temperate rainforest with her husband and daughter.

You can see more of Simmons’s work by visiting her Instagram page and website.

Image credits: All photos by Jeanne Simmons.

The “New Photography” series at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has received criticism in recent editions for being too conceptual and lacking cohesiveness. However, the latest installment brings a refreshing change, putting an end to the losing streak. For the first time in the series’ history, “New Photography” focuses on photographers with ties to Lagos, Nigeria, also known as Èkó in the Yoruba language. This shift in geographic perspective is a significant milestone, as African art, especially African photography, has rarely been given prominence at MoMA.

Curated by Oluremi C. Onabanjo, the exhibition challenges conventional notions of documenting a city and its people through photography. Instead of featuring a large group of artists as in previous editions, Onabanjo selects only seven artists, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of their practices. Each artist finds innovative ways to pay homage to the citizens and history of Lagos, blending conceptual approaches with more traditional techniques. The common thread among all the artists is a fascination with the medium of photography itself—its purpose, audience, and revelatory potential.

Among the featured artists, Logo Oluwamuyiwa stands out with his captivating black-and-white photographs of Lagos. He employs oblique angles and distorted perspectives to provide a fresh view of the city. In his work “Oil Wonders II” (2018), an upside-down shot reveals two standing figures with only their sandaled feet visible at the bottom. Above them, a reflective puddle exposes their upper bodies. Oluwamuyiwa’s prints, vinyl wallpapers, and films redefine our perception of Lagos, challenging us to see it from unconventional angles.

Karl Ohiri‘s project, Lagos Studios Archives, collects damaged studio portraits that reflect the passage of time. The scanned and re-photographed images display bruises and discoloration, showcasing their own haunting beauty. Kelani Abass also incorporates family photographs from the past, repurposing them in her own work through letterpress techniques.

In this groundbreaking “New Photography” show, MoMA finally breaks free from its previous shortcomings, offering an engaging and cohesive exploration of Lagos’s vibrant artistic talent. By shining a spotlight on these photographers, the exhibition not only celebrates their individual contributions but also creates a platform for African photography to thrive within the art world.

Head to the MoMA’s website for more information.

MoMA
11 W 53rd St.
New York, NY 10019

I’m done with it. Seriously.

As a 6’1” guy with 20+ years in the Army National Guard and a lot of construction projects behind me, I’m fairly used to carrying heavy things. Recently, my wife and our three kids (all under five years old) took an overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Traveling from La Crosse to Amsterdam via Minneapolis with only one flight left, the airline gave away my seat to someone else — just my seat, of course. According to their system, I never showed up at the La Crosse airport despite getting on two planes thus far and everyone in my party traveling with me. Nevertheless, I was stuck in Amsterdam alone, waiting for the next flight, while the rest of our group went to Portugal without me so the kids could get there before nighttime.

The Epiphany

Prior to this seat-being-given-away episode, we had been awake for 22 hours and just raced across Schiphol Airport because of a short layover. When I say race, I mean fast walking with two or three of the kids in a stroller and 42 lbs of camera gear in my backpack. For this trip, I had four lenses, two Canon mirrorless bodies (an R5 and R6 II), an Insta360 X3, a Profoto A2 flash, two microphones (I had no use for even one mic), and two ball heads, among other countless accessories. That’s not even counting my tripod in our carry-on. I decided to pack lighter after a trip to Hawaii with the kids in December. How did I do this time? I left my drone at home, mostly because of the confusing drone laws in Europe. But hey, I felt pretty proud about reducing my kit!

At this point, I was standing at Schiphol’s epicenter, where they reschedule all the flights (it’s a big operation to fix things as often as they need to). Before I found a stale baguette sandwich with my $12 food voucher, I had an epiphany. This epiphany was mostly through discomfort and soreness, along with not showering for a day, but an epiphany nonetheless. The truth is, even though I brought all this stuff, I rarely used much of it while on past vacations. I mainly just get a psychological boost knowing I can access it if I need it. In the midst of this catharsis, I decided I didn’t need most of my gear. To take architectural photos and candid moments, I need (well, want) a wide and mid-range lens, respectively. My camera needs to be stabilized long enough for some of those, so I also needed some sort of tripod. That’s it, nothing more.

Rather than thinking I could access everything during this adventure, I decided at the airport that I would just stick to the essentials. It was easier to free myself from my gear if I limited my mind beforehand. I identified three key components of this strategy.

Lens Selection

In preparation for this endeavor, I spent a lot of time thinking about my lenses. On previous trips, I switched between a wide zoom (maybe 90% of the time) and a telephoto (the other 10%). This worked fine before kids, but I wanted to minimize lens changes so I could focus on the moments. Keeping this in mind, I bought the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 beforehand. Even though I’m a recovering gear nerd, my inner technical snob questioned the f/4 aperture, but I liked the idea of a small and light lens. Honestly, I can’t say enough great things about this lens. While it’s not a wide enough focal length for some places like European churches, I used it for 90% of the trip.  Between this and my RF 15-35 f/2.8, I had everything covered with two lenses instead of four.

Tripod

I’ve already been moving away from using a tripod since I discovered the Platypod 4-5 years ago. I believe that compelling images show you the world in a way you’re not used to seeing it. When I use a Platypod, I can get the camera low while only using just enough room in my bag to fit an iPad mini and with something that weighs less than 10 oz. Apart from self-portraits and possibly using it as a light stand with the new Platypod Handle, my tripod has almost become obsolete.                                  

Camera Bag

I’ve been using the Peter McKinnon 35L bag from Nomatic and the Peak Design Everyday Messenger bag for travel (both amazing bags). These are both really nice, but I didn’t want to carry the backpack all day, and the messenger bag didn’t fit in our luggage amid all the other stuff. At the last minute, before leaving for the airport, I remembered a small sling bag Canon sent me with a new camera purchase recently and put it in our carry-on. As part of this airport epiphany, I decided to use only what I could fit into this bag the size of a small purse. Surprisingly, I was able to include the RF 15-35mm, Profoto A2 flash, a ball head, and my Platypod Extreme with some ND filters.

So, How Did It Go?

I loved it! Limiting what I used allowed me to create better photos. Although I didn’t do as much architectural photography as I usually do (three kids under five), my work was better than anything I’ve ever done before. I also felt more confident knowing I didn’t have to take all these things. I might still bring a backup camera body in my carry-on, but now that the iPhone is so amazing, I’m even doubtful about that.

For all those who feel like they need to bring it all, it’s OK to leave some things behind. To be blunt, you should distill your kit down to the essence of what matters to you.

I played on the JV golf team in high school for a few years (free green fees were a nice perk), and our coach once had us do a round with just a 5-iron, pitching wedge, and putter. It was the best score of my life.

As we anticipate the announcement of the five winners of the Contemporary African Photography prize, we’ve handpicked a selection of our favourite projects.

At times culture in Venice can feel tidal. The art and architecture biennales bring with them a rush of openings before the crowds inevitably recede. Yet in recent years there have been a number of more permanent cultural institutions setting up in the city. In 2022, the Anish Kapoor Foundation acquired the Palazzo Manfrin in Cannaregio for its headquarters. In March this year, Le Stanze della Fotografia, an exhibition space dedicated to photography, opened on the island of San Giorgio.

‘Venice was missing a fixed place with the capacity to develop a continual activity in relation to photography,’ observes Denis Curti, Le Stanze’s artistic director. ‘There was an institutional void that we wanted to remedy.’ The project began back in 2012, with a series of temporary photography exhibitions organised by Marsilio Arte that brought artists including Helmut Newton, Letizia Battaglia and Sabine Weiss to the Casa dei Tre Oci, a neogothic building famed for its beautiful windows that overlook the city from the island of Giudecca.

Installation view of Ugo Mulas at Le Stanze della Fotografia. Photo: © Luca Zanon

When Casa dei Tre Oci was bought by the Berggruen Institute in 2021, the project found a new, larger home on the neighbouring island of San Giorgio where the Fondazione Giorgio Cini already holds one of the most important photographic collections in Europe. Once the warehouse of the Cini foundation, and then a boarding school, the building provides two floors and 1,850 square meters of exhibition space. Each room contains a network of moveable walls, suspended from high ceilings, ready to be adapted for whatever kind of installation is required. The inaugural exhibition is a survey of the Italian photographer Ugo Mulas; on the second floor, an exhibition of works by the contemporary photographer Alessandra Chemollo captures a ghostly Venice in all its splendour, with architectural shots soaked in golden light.

The works of Rauschenberg transported to the Venice International Art Biennale (1964), Ugo Mulas. Photo: © Eredi Ugo Mulas; courtesy Archivio Ugo

Variety is key for Le Stanze, which seeks to attract as wide an audience as possible and puts on an accompanying events programme with educational courses, talks and book presentations to complement each show. The next exhibition, opening this autumn, will look at the work of contemporary photojournalist Paolo Pellegrin, showing his images in the context of his reportage right up to the present day with his coverage of the war in Ukraine. ‘For us photography is of interest in all its complexity, as a language all of its own,’ says Curti.

The history of photography in Venice is rich. Most famously, in 1979, the city hosted the large-scale event Venice ’79 La Fotografia, with 26 exhibitions, 46 workshops and a large program of seminars and conferences taking place across the island from June through to September. Curti hopes that La Stanze will revive this tradition, but also move it forward. ‘Our objective’, he says, ‘is to share the culture of photography, to make Venice become a point of note, a kind of capital of photography in Italy. We don’t merely want to present exhibitions, we want to develop engagement, a continual movement.’

Le Stanze della Fotografia is now open.