I just returned from an epic trip to Spain and France. Before departing, I hemmed and hawed about which cameras to pack. I ALWAYS over-pack cameras for a trip, lug them around with me each day, only really shoot with one or two, and then have terrible back pain from the weight of my camera bag. I wanted to learn some lessons from my previous experiences in doing this, and I wanted to make some different decisions about which cameras I brought along with me to Europe. I knew I would take one of my Polaroid cameras (duh!). But the hemming and hawing came with choosing between my digital SLR and my 35mm film camera. After much debate, I left the digital home, choosing to shoot film and use my iPhone for any digital shots I wanted. This was a big step for me, but a good one. My back feels just great after three weeks away, and I’m excited to see what gems might lie in my undeveloped film rolls. And because mobile photography has come such a long way, I am super happy with the digital photos I took on my phone.
Here are a few of my favorite mobile photography shots I took and a small peek into our trip.
A colorful street in Madrid…
Gorgeous tile (and me and my Canon AE-1) in Seville…
Breathtaking San Sebastián (I want to move here)…
And that famous place with the windmill in Paris…
I have no regrets about traveling without my big digital camera on this trip. And I’m looking forward to printing and framing some of these mobile photography photos.
What about you? Are you forgoing your big digital camera in favor of using your phone these days? I’d love to hear what you’re shooting with during your travels.
Meghan of Life Refocused
I think that was a wonderful idea. With so many choices these days it’s difficult to choose which camera to use when.
Next time I travel I’m going to use one of my 35mm film cameras – I think it’s fun to get the results weeks/months later and relive the trip all over again.
erin // beingerin.com
I agree, Erin — so fun to re-live the trip when the film photos come back!
Your photos are beautiful ~ however you make them! I miss using my film camera…maybe it’s a good time to pick it up again.
Ciao,
Suzanne
Thank you so much, Suzanne. I’d love to see your film photos 🙂
Yes! This is exactly what I did this trip too. It is definitely the way forward and my back is already thanking me for making that decision! LOVE the pics. Spain is definitely moving up the list!
Yes, less cameras helps the back and helps to focus on what you have. Can’t wait to see your photos from France and Italy. You definitely should get Spain on your list!!
I always overpack cameras too! I think part of it is the fear of not getting “the shot” on film- especially of it’s somewhere I’ve been. I’m slowly gaining that confidence to leave the digital at home and shoot my preferred medium. Great read, thanks!
I totally get you, Melissa. I feel the same way about “not getting the shot” on particular film. Try out leaving the digital at home — you might feel liberated!
Hi Meghan, your trip pictures already are making me smile so will look forward to more. Your Q: my back is always hurting, I lug so much to NYC, my DSLR and my macair 11″. God forbid I miss anything. Today I only have my iPad and my Fuji instax mini. I’m light on my feet. But going to Africa in the fall I’m renting the 8 pound 200-400 lens, and taking my other 2 lens. I’m tired already. Who are these girls with the little purses, I want to know. 😉 see you in NYC.
Thanks, Nancy!! WOW–8 POUNDS!! You will be so happy you have that lens on safari, though. Such a different situation than typical travel. And YES! I hope I see you in NYC soon!
I recently took my big digital camera (but only 2 lightweight lenses) and used my cell phone almost equally as much. When I got home I discovered something had happened to my micro SD card — effectively corrupting it. So I don’t have any of the pics from my cell phone. Please remember to backup – OFTEN! Things happen when you don’t even know it’s happening. I’m holding on to that micro SD card still hoping to somehow recover its content.
Lovely photos 🙂 I used to have a big digital camera but I found I used my iPhone most of the time anyway haha…felt like a waste of time lugging all the way around Europe!!! Sometimes it is best to keep it simple 🙂
You are inspiring me Meghan!!! I am going to London and Paris in a few weeks and I have also been hemming and hawing about what cameras I will take!!!! Thank you for this!!! xxxooo