Random Revisited is a series of posts where I use the WordPress random post generator to revisit a post in the 35hunter archives, then compare it with where I am now and see how my photography has evolved.
You can see all Random Revisited posts so far here.
This time around the random post is from August 2018 – Defining A New Normal In Photography.
Back then…
I reflected on how three years previously I was shooting film with 35mm SLRs, having it processed and scanned at my local Asda, and uploading the best to my Flickr.
For my digital shots made almost entirely with a Sony NEX 3N and vintage lenses, I was using LightRoom to process but struggling to get a consistent look I liked.
I contrasted this with how I was shooting at the time of the article – entirely with digital compacts and processing with the Snapseed app on my phone or iPad.
What was normal for my photography in 2015 had changed significantly (but incrementally) three years later.
Where am I today?
So what does my photography normal look like today, another seven months on?
Not greatly unlike last August, but the most significant difference I would say is how I’ve taken on a project for 2019, shooting just one camera each month. It’s called, er, One Month, One Camera.
I’ve become even more curious about exploring the capabilities of older digital compacts that can be picked up for £20 or (much) less, and can still deliver not only lovely images, but a very rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Which flies in the face of the more mainstream notion that digital cameras must be replaced every 6-12 months and only those with the highest MP, full frame sensors, longest zoom range and most complex feature set will do.
My new normal then, is choosing a different camera each month, using it extensively, then deciding at the end whether it’s one I want to keep, with perhaps a shade of quiet self-satisfaction that my new (to me) camera cost me the price of a car wash, rather than the price of a car.
It seems that two of the strongest elements of my personality – being frugal and using what’s already in existence, plus being curious – are combining with my passion for photography and creating a satisfying and rewarding journey.
How about you? What does normal look like in your photography right now? Which elements of your personality come to the fore in how, what and why you photograph?
Please let us know below (and don’t forget to tick the “Notify me of new comments via email” box to follow the conversation).
Thanks for looking.
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35hunter 
i am liking your approach to shoot with old digi compacts
now i shoot with olympus xz2 which was on my shelf for a long time
and i newly got olympus epl3 – for very cheap – very nice camera
Thanks Pavel. There’s plenty you can do with what are now very cheap old digital compacts, it’s surprising!
The world of micro four thirds is one I have explored very little, but certainly plan to investigate more in the future.
I have a Panasonic Lumix GF1 which to be honest I haven’t given enough time to get to know as yet. I have an M42 adapter so I can use my favourite old lenses, and a rather compact native 12-32mm zoom which again I haven’t really used much yet. Mostly because the Lumix LX3 I have has a better lens and is far smaller.
I’m curious about looking at other more compact MFT cameras and lenses, to see if they might replace cameras like my Ricoh GRD III or Lumix LX3. The Lumix GM1 is intriguing, but I haven’t even looked at any Olympus MFT bodies. Yet! And I guess a compact prime lens would be better for me than that 12-32mm zoom, but the primes are pretty expensive, again compared to the LX3.
How small is the Olympus EPL3?
Well, this PEN with 17mm lens is small, but can’t be compared with Ricoh GR because the lens stick out of the body, so it is not pocketable, you need a little bag. But it is much smaller than OMD EM10. I have M.Zuiko Digital 17mm F2,8 and this is not expensive.
Thanks Pavel, that’s helpful for when I explore M43 further.