One Lens, Real Struggles: An Honest Look at Creative Limits

Photographers often hear about using fewer tools to spark creativity and sharpen skills, but does limiting yourself really improve your photography?

Coming to you from Andy Banner, this candid video examines the experience of intentionally restricting gear choices, specifically going out with just one lens—a rarely used 45mm f/1.8 prime. Banner approaches the exercise skeptically, immediately acknowledging feelings of uncertainty rather than embracing the romanticized narrative of creative constraint. His early struggles highlight that using unfamiliar equipment can provoke frustration rather than inspiration, and his openness about these challenges sets a realistic expectation for anyone considering similar experiments. The video doesn’t sugarcoat the experience, showing clearly how the idealized theory of fewer options doesn't always match the practical reality of photographing in the field.

Banner encounters multiple practical difficulties, notably the limitations imposed by the prime lens' fixed focal length and minimum focusing distance. He finds himself physically adjusting positions constantly—something photographers who rely heavily on zoom lenses may underestimate when considering prime lenses. Banner humorously calls this movement the “photographer's dance,” emphasizing how physically engaging photography becomes when your equipment lacks versatility. Yet, despite initial setbacks, he does capture some compelling images, such as a delicate geranium illuminated by fleeting sunlight, demonstrating that the constraints can occasionally yield powerful results even under less-than-ideal circumstances.

Beyond physical constraints, Banner openly shares his mental hurdles during this exercise, revealing genuine struggles with mindset and expectations. He openly reflects on previous attempts at similar challenges, noting a past photographic competition that left him frustrated because restrictive rules stifled his natural shooting style. This honest admission encourages you to recognize how personal attitudes toward gear limitations significantly impact photographic outcomes. Banner emphasizes that preconceived notions about limitations can sometimes hinder creativity more than the physical constraints themselves, reminding you that mindset plays a crucial role in whether such challenges are beneficial.

The video also effectively addresses an often overlooked aspect: the crucial role post-processing plays in photography, especially when working under gear limitations. Banner candidly shows before-and-after examples of his images, highlighting that substantial edits significantly improved the original shots. This realistic portrayal challenges the often romanticized idea of achieving perfection straight out of camera, reinforcing the value of editing skills as complementary rather than secondary. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Banner.