LESS GEAR, MORE VISION: EMBRACING MINIMAL SETUPS IN FASHION AND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY
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There’s a certain freedom that comes from working with less. Whether I’m photographing a model in a quiet corner of the city or creating portraits in soft window light, I’ve found that minimal setups often lead to my most intentional work. This post is a look into how simplifying my gear helps me stay grounded and connected to the image.
Limiting Options Spark Creativity
There’s a quiet clarity that comes with having fewer choices. When I walk into a shoot with just one camera and one lens, I stop thinking about what gear to use and start focusing on what matters—light, gesture, and atmosphere.
My Go-To Minimal Gear Setup
When I want to keep things simple—whether I’m walking around the city or working with a model on a quiet shoot—I reach for just a few key pieces. A small setup keeps my bag light and my mind focused. There’s something liberating about working this simply.
Gear: Sony A 7IV + 85mm lens
Gear: Sony A 7IV + Sony 50mm lens
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Camera: Sony A 7iv
Responsive, reliable, and beautifully sharp—the A7 IV has been my steady companion for fashion and portrait work. The autofocus is fast and intuitive, which lets me stay focused on connection and mood. I often shoot in silent mode, especially when I want the moment to stay still and undisturbed. It's a camera that quietly does its job and lets me stay in the flow.
Lens: Sony 50mm f/1.4
The 50mm gives me flexibility—wide enough for environmental portraits but still intimate. It encourages me to move, observe, and engage with the space. If I want a more compression, I’ll swap it for the 85mm f/1.4. Both are fast, sharp, and perfect for low-light shooting.
Extras I carry in my bag:
A few spare batteries
A small microfiber cloth
A compact reflector if I’m heading outdoors
And that’s it—no lights, no rig, no fuss.
Gear: Canon 5D Mark IV + 50mm lens
Working minimally has taught me to see differently. I move more. I look longer. I wait for subtleties I might have missed if I were fiddling with a zoom or adjusting lights. Instead of controlling every detail, I respond to what’s already there. And somehow, the work feels more honest. There's nothing to hide behind. Just a subject, a mood, and a frame.
Minimal setups are a reminder that great images don’t come from complicated gear—they come from attention, patience, and how we choose to see. Some of my favorite portraits were made with minimal tools, in quiet corners, using only what was available.
As always, best of luck!
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All images distributed by Leticia Valdez Fotografia are professionally copyrighted works. These images cannot be used or altered for any purpose without permission. Copyright © 2024 Leticia Valdez Fotografia LLC.