Walkabout Photography

A specific subject is seldom the objective when I go out taking pictures, I would rather walk in a relaxed way and just look for interesting forms, textures and colours.  The nature of the subject is not important, but to see beyond attaching a label to an object takes a bit of practise.   Our brain tends to avoid abstract thinking and must be gently forced to decompose a scene in front of us.

To keep the walk relaxed I prefer a compact camera; it keeps the weight to a minimum and the camera tends to be simple to operate freeing the mind to wander.  My camera of choice is the Olympus XZ-1 with a VF-2 viewfinder.  The viewfinder has a head that rotates 90 degrees allowing the camera to be placed on the ground or allowing you to shoot up the face of a building while looking forwards  The diameter of the lens is relatively small so that it can be poked through odd gaps or through fencing, permitting unusual perspectives.