Malta - Packing Less, Seeing More
I always travel to rest whenever it's possible, even though my occupation makes me feel that I am never truly off. Is it that bad though? As a photographer, I tend to see the world with different lenses. Every destination offers interesting light, unique details, and fleeting moments that deserve to be captured. The camera may be part of my job, but it has also become an inseparable part of how I experience every journey.
There is, however, one amusing contradiction about my travels: I genuinely dislike hot weather and beaches. While many people dream of spending their holidays under the blazing sun, I would happily choose cool mountain air, charming old towns, or quiet forests instead. Yet somehow, the moment I have a camera in my hands, my opinion softens. A beautiful sunrise over the ocean, interesting textures in the sand, or people enjoying the coast suddenly become irresistible subjects. I may not love the heat, but I certainly appreciate what it can create through a lens.
If there is one challenge that follows me on every trip, it is deciding which camera and lenses to pack. The debate begins well before departure. Should I bring the versatile zoom? A telephoto for distant details? A wide-angle for landscapes? Or perhaps every lens I own, just in case? The possibilities are endless, while the space in my backpack is not. This trip was different. I made the surprisingly difficult decision to travel with only a single 35mm lens. It felt almost liberating. Without a bag full of alternatives, there was no temptation to constantly swap lenses or question my choices. Instead, I focused on moving, observing, and adapting. The 35mm It proved why it's one of the most famous lenses of all time, always encouraging me to think more creatively about composition.
Although I will probably continue claiming that beaches and high temperatures are not my ideal vacation, photography has a funny way of changing my perspective. As long as there is beautiful light, an interesting scene, and a camera in my hands, even the hottest beach can become a place worth exploring. And for this trip, the only thing I needed to capture all was my trusty 35mm.
