Smaller is better
Using the GoPro as a tool to flesh out thoughts is very effective. I can walk around on the street and speak to the camera as a way for me to think candidly and share my thoughts. The size of the GoPro makes it very convenient to carry around with me and I don’t even need to bring a phone outside to do any creative work.
Small JPEG file sizes and 720p video seems to be the perfect solution for me. I enjoy the fast import and upload speeds and having everything streamlined this way allows me to keep producing and remain in a state of production with no editing needed.
WiFi speed seems to be most critical when it comes to media production.
High Contrast Black and White is the most aesthetically beautiful solution straight out of camera with the Ricoh GRIIIx. This is the goal for me to get the picture out of camera, publish it right away, and move on.
Clothing is armor
In terms of clothing, I prefer Lululemon as it fits me perfectly, is not branded with logos, and stays dry. I typically wear the Drysense Short Sleeve Shirt (M) and the License to Train Linerless Shorts (M). The shorts are perfect because they have zipper pockets to fit your cameras and essentials and the shirt is nice because the fit is slightly longer than others, tight and looks good. Black is probably best because it is most dominant and elegant looking, but I actually love wearing Lululemon’s brighter color options as an anti-emo aesthetic I have been adopting.
Barefoot is best
For shoes, the Vibram Five Finger EL-X barefoot shoe is incredible, but lacks durability. I currently have a big hole on one of my toes, and have gone through a few pairs already because I walk all day long. I don’t really mind because the comfort is so nice that I will keep buying new pairs. The interesting thing to note is that my calf muscles have increased in size significantly from simply walking with these shoes. It looks like they released a new “Knit” version, so I will give those a try soon and see how they feel.
Fitness is fun!
Think primal. The goal is to be in hunt mode all day! I like walking long distances and lifting heavy weights in the gym. With fitness I believe that you don’t need much. A simple pull up bar can get the job done. I believe deadlift is effective, but more unsustainable for daily exercise. I enjoy pistol squats, pull ups, dips, L-sits, and farmer’s walk as a typical daily routine, but switching things up here and there is a good idea. In terms of stretching, I love the pigeon pose.
All street photographers should lift weights. Not only does it make you happier and healthier, but I believe you will make better photos.
Physiology is king
The connection between your mind, eyes, and body is critical to consider as photographers. Your body is your soul. Every day I like to get right into the sun, walk topless, and absorb as much as the rays as possible. I don’t wear any sunblock, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, but if you want to, feel free! I believe by looking directly into the sun first thing in the morning, it helps set your circadian rhythm. Your biological clock is important to consider to promote good sleep. With sleep, go to bed as early as possible and keep your cell phone away from the bed! You don’t even need a phone with you when you’re on the street practicing your photography. The goal is to eliminate as many distractions as possible
Anti-anti-social
No AirPods in public. It’s your choice, but I don’t think you should wear them when you are outside. Wear them in private when you are inside. When you are on the street it is important to be aware, smile at people, and uphold basic social skills. I believe the way that we are currently living in modern cities is going against our natural order and physiological health. Anything you can do to combat these unnatural ways of living is critical. Remain engaged in society as much as possible in the outdoors.
Intermittent fasting
No breakfast. No lunch. Eat one big meal of meat at night. I like beef and lamb. Chicken isn’t meat. It doesn’t give you the same energy. NY Strips are my favorite, short beef ribs are good, brisket, ground beef and lamb leg is delicious. The instant pot is really good to use when cooking meat as you can set it and forget it. Since being on the carnivore diet, I have never been so happy, healthy, and strong in my entire life. People often comment on how healthy I look so there must be something I am doing right.
I also enjoy eating the fermented kimchi from Costco alongside my meat as it is good probiotics that help with digestion and your gut.
Ethics of meat
Every Saturday when I walk to the local farmer’s market there are protesters against animal products and fighting for animal rights. I think when it comes to the ethics behind this stuff, it’s all virtue-signaling nonsense. There is a hierarchy that exists. We domesticate the dogs, we cull the sheep, and we eat the animals. Humans are the apex predator. Also, there is a strange obsession with having pets and it seems like people would rather have a dog than a child lately.
Sports are silly
My general thought is that if you don’t play the sport, why do you watch the sport on TV? It’s very easy to be distracted nowadays. Whether it’s sports, Hollywood, the music industry, social media, I believe we consume way too much. I try to stay away from these things as much as possible. When you go to a bar, what do you see? Everybody is screaming at the TV, gambling, drinking, etc. At the end of the day, I am trying to stay in a state of production, so any superfluous distraction is not interesting to me. When it comes to consumption, I say consume more meat!
Travel is a good use of money
Coffee, meat, salt, and shelter is all man really needs to spend his money on. I believe money is best spent on experiences such as travel and freeing your time to do creative pursuits. Traveling abroad opens yourself up to the world and I believe makes you a more open-minded person in general. Through travel you recognize that the world is ours! People all over the world are more similar than different. I prefer staying in a new city for at least a month. I believe this time period gives you a good sense of what it is like to live in a place. I’ve stayed in hostels, volunteered, lived with host families, but prefer hotels at the end of the day. It’s nice to have your own space, but hostels are a good cheap option.
Photography
Currently my interest is simple. I want to experiment and innovate as much as possible. I am no longer caught up in what makes a “good” or “bad” photo. I am merely curious about the results.
What will reality manifest to be in a photograph?
I like to follow my intuition with everything I do. If theres a 1% chance that you find something interesting, I say make the picture. If you think you should turn this way or walk that way, just follow your gut. Don’t plan anything. Allow the street to deliver.
Just let life flow.