I simplified my EDC for better Street Photography

28mmStreet
Sep 14, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Sep 21, 2025

September 2025 - Blog# 19

I used to head out to do street photography with a bag and pockets full of gear but that felt more like a burden than necessary tools.

Extra lenses, camera bodies, random accessories — most of it never left the bag, but it slowed me down and distracted me.

Over time, I simplified my everyday carry (EDC) down to the bare essentials. What I discovered was not so surprising: the less I carried, the more present I felt. My minimal EDC made street photography easier — and perhaps even better, though I might be highly biased.

The trap

I believe most new street photographers falls into the same trap in the early formative years learning about the craft.

Instead of improving my photography, all that gear became a distraction — I spent more time thinking about tools than making photographs.

When I started my journey I believe the first 4-5 years the focus on gear was very dominant. Rightfully so.

I was curious about the all aspects of street photography, not just learning about it aesthetically but also the tools that made it possible.

It's natural to be curious about gear and understand how gear can elevate one's technical skills in the long run.

As most new street photographers I also was spellbound to collecting shiny new gear. Believing first of all that I absolutely needed it and secondly it somehow would make me a better street photographer.

That's not really how it works.

My EDC over the years

Since 2016 I've have 4 different camera bodies and I have a fairly large lens collection.

5 lenses: 24mm, 35mm, 40mm, 55mm and 85mm for my Sony mirrorless camera.
2 manual lenses for my Leica M6.

And then the gold standard of accessories I've collected over the years. So many I've lost count:

5-6 different camera bags in different sizes
Accessories like tripods (small to large)
Different types of filters and step-up rings
Camera straps, extra batteries, cases, and much more.

The point I'm trying to make is that gear and accessories have their place in a street photographers bag if you need it.

Most of the gear I have I hardly use. Yes they are handy to have in case I need it.

I bought the very expensive Polar Pro Peter Mckinnon Variable ND filter ($200) a few years ago. It's great and I love it. But I don't use it enough to justify the price tag.

I can't recall the last time I've used it for street photography. On the other hand I've used to make content for my Youtube channel when I'm recording myself.. see handy and necessary - occasionally.

Gradually, I realized most of this gear wasn’t helping my street work. So piece by piece, I stopped carrying it and moved toward a lighter setup.

Check out and download my full gear list and edc setup here:

Some advise

If you are a new street photographer or struggling with G.A.S (gear acquisition syndrome) my advice to you would be to understand your needs before adding another piece of gear to your street kit.

This will save you a pretty penny and also direct your attention to fully understand the purpose of said gear — "I like it vs I need it".

If we go back to the Polar Pro Peter Mckinnon filter, I didn't really need it, I wanted it because — to be honest — I don't know what reason I came up with back then.

Of course if you are a landscape photographer you might need a good quality tripod or similarly if you are a wedding photographer you might need a good flash unit or an extra camera body.

Everything can be justified. And back then, I justified a lot — simply because I didn’t understand my street photography needs. That only came with years of experimentation and growth.

My minimal setup, why it works

Now in 2025 I only carry my Leica M6 and 28mm for street photography sometimes the or 50mm. The overall footprint is very small and I don't have the need to carry a bag either.

I also have 1-2 rolls of film with me in case I like to splurge the rolls I just put in my pocket. That's it.

As mentioned in the intro this setup as been long time coming, gradually scaled back, and become an ultra-minimal EDC setup I've come to love — and all I really need to do street photography.

By simplifying, I don’t just carry less — I shoot more, notice more, and enjoy the process more. In a way, carrying less might have helped me become a better street photographer.

The setup is easy - as I only have to decided on the day which lens I would like to shoot with - the 28mm or the 50mm, next is which film I'm in the mood for - color or black and white. Most days its black and white film.

Simple decisions that are made with ease. This makes it less about gear and tools and more about feeling in touch with and focusing on street photography.

Because the setup is so small I always carry my camera with me. No excuses, I just put it over my shoulder and out the door.