Photographer Code: One Camera = Tourist; Two Cameras = Pro

Since I have less time to devote to photography than I’d like, I often take up to three cameras with me.  Trying new emulsions, shooting for the VMLP, or making images for  “Around the City” posts becomes a more efficient use of time with multiple cameras.   The Minolta AF-C or Freedom Zoom 160, a Maxxum (5, 70, or 7), and an XD or X-700 are my ideal triplet groups.   These sets allow me to shoot color, B&W, and try new lenses without having to reload.   If a new camera is the test subject, I substitute it for one of the camera types.  For example, my December outing to downtown Decatur included a Minolta 7sII, Konica Pearl II, and a Minolta AF-C.  Here, I was testing the shutter speed on the Konica, doing a VMLP shoot with the 7sII, and capturing public art with the AF-C.  No matter the goal of an outing, the AF-C or Freedom Zoom is included.    Both make great images and are lightweight.

My need for efficiency is, no doubt, the reason I noticed the “Two Camera Rule.”   The first time I experienced it in action was a few years ago while wandering around Midtown.   I wanted to capture the reflection of a building in the mirrored façade of the Lowes Hotel.   The best vantage point was the middle of Peachtree Street at the intersection of 10th Street.    The trick was getting to the middle of the street while avoiding turning cars and having enough time to get the shot.   I stood there on the corner for a few traffic light cycles to no avail.  My camera was around my neck—so I looked like a tourist.  But, when the second camera could be seen on my hip, the drivers gave me a break.

At Atlantic Station, I had to walk slightly into the street to get a shot.  I had a Minolta AF-C in one hand and an XD-5 with a 100mm f2.5 draped over my shoulder.   Three people walking nearby, noting the cameras, yelled out, asking what I was doing, pausing briefly to hear my answer.

It seems that the immediate assumption made on seeing multiple cameras is that one has to be doing work, not relaxing.   People get out of the way, stop walking to avoid entering the scene, and they usually have a friendly comment.  I’ve never considered doing street photography because people are not a significant point of interest to me.  However, I know now that, should I ever want to do street and meet little resistance, I simply need to have more than one camera.  The reaction to multiple cameras has been so reliably positive that I have second thoughts about taking a tripod along—that might result in an audience.

But, I have to admit, I am curious as to how people might react if I were to wear the khaki vest my wife gave me.   Standing there with vest pockets loaded with film and three cameras, I have a feeling someone would ask how much I charge for portraits.