Seeing more with less
There’s this misconception that minimalism is about empty rooms and rigid rules—about owning nothing, living cold, and saying no to beauty or comfort. But for me, minimalism is something entirely different. It’s about clarity. Freedom. Focus.
And it's become the foundation not just of how I live—but how I create.
As a photographer, especially someone who’s drawn to natural light, raw landscapes, and simple moments, minimalism is in everything I shoot. I’m not interested in over-staging or perfection. I’m after what feels real. A single wave breaking at dawn. An open road at dusk. A glance, a gesture, a flicker of mood that you might miss if you weren’t paying attention.
But for me to notice those moments, I have to be present. And to be present, I’ve had to strip away a lot of the noise—in my space, my workflow, and my schedule.
I used to think I needed more to feel secure. More gear. More gigs. More options. But the more I added, the more I felt scattered. Buried under stuff, to-do lists, and clutter that didn’t feed me creatively.
Now, I try to focus on tools I trust. I don’t chase every new lens or app. I keep a tight kit that I know inside and out. When I pack for a shoot—whether it’s a coastal drone mission, a real estate gig, or a spontaneous road trip with my camera—I bring only what I need. It’s lighter on my back and lighter on my mind.
My editing process has become more intentional as well. I use Lightroom presets I’ve built over time, a folder system that works for me, and I have been better about scheduled time blocks so I’m not constantly chasing the next task. It’s not about perfection—it’s about peace of mind.
Minimalism has also shaped how I approach creative work. The less visual and digital clutter I have around me, the more clearly I can see a photo in my head before I even press the shutter. The more intentional I am about where I put my energy, the more space I have to try something new. To sit with an idea. To just… make something I love.
That’s the beautiful part. Minimalism doesn’t kill creativity—it fuels it. By limiting distractions, I’ve actually found more room for play. More experimentation. More storytelling.
My day-to-day now revolves more around essentialism. A few little things that help::
I block off specific days for, editing, writing, or admin. No multitasking.
My phone is on silent to minimize distraction more often than not.
I spend more time surfing, reading, or driving in silence—not because I’m avoiding noise, but because I’m finally listening to my own thoughts again.
All of it helps me stay connected to the “why” behind what I do, which is to capture moments that feel honest. To live a life that’s slow, intentional, and aligned. And, in all honesty, writing these blog posts helps so much as a sort of reminder.
Minimalism isn’t about denying yourself. It’s about choosing deliberately. It’s not restrictive—it’s expansive.
When I’m not weighed down by stuff—mental, emotional, or physical—I can show up more fully. In my work. In my relationships. In the kind of photographer, partner, father and person I’m becoming.
And that’s what I want my photos to reflect. Not the chase. Not the grind. But the quiet joy of being here—seeing clearly, living fully, and creating with heart.
