The 1:1:1 Project
One camera, one lens, and one year. My journey using the Leica SL2-S and Summicron R 50mm to cultivate growth and perspective – and how I can advocate for a similar approach.
Sometimes, in order to go forward, you have to take a step back. Many have found themselves in a common situation in photography – The inevitable slide into the GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) fueled journey towards an unnecessarily complex multi-lens and camera body setup to haul along everywhere like a production assembly. I found myself in this exact situation at the beginning of 2024 - A backpack with two camera bodies and three lenses that I felt required to carry as a kit. Thankfully, a book, several YouTube videos and a carefully planned gear exchange resulted in what would become my one camera, one lens, one year project that changed my perspective while traveling .
The camera and lens I chose to carry for a full year are of equally significant and non-significant importance.
An undeniably critical piece of reading for any creative - Ralph Gibson’s Refractions 2.
The concept of this project is more important than the technical tools – the intent of sharing this project is to inspire similar projects and equally praise what has become one of my favorite lenses: The Leica Summicron R 50mm. Prior to this project, I avoided the 50mm focal length, instead preferring the 35mm focal length in my previous camera systems. 50mm never felt wide enough to match my intent while simultaneously having a sense that I could never get close enough.
The project was undeniably inspired by Ralph Gibson’s Refractions 2 – A book that opens the door to a different perspective and more importantly, the creative thought processes of one of the great American fine art photographers. One section in particular catalyzed this project: A simple mention of reducing the photographic process down to the use of a Leica rangefinder camera and 50mm lens in order to force the development of how to “see” in photography. After further research, several videos on the topics of the “one camera, one lens” and “self-assigned project” concepts from Ted Forbes, Daniel Milnor, and Kyle McDougal led me to plan and commit to the project. After a few months of planning and saving, I traded in my complete previous system and downsized to my setup for the next year: A Leica SL2-S and Summicron R 50mm.
I carried this combo for one year across the United States, Europe, and South America. Without a doubt, this project forced growth in several key areas.
Sight
The project forced a recalibration of intuitive sight. I have heard references to “seeing” the photo prior to taking a shot, but I had never experienced it. Removing the option of changing the lens forced visual muscle memory, and I finally began to really “see”. At a certain point, I was composing with my eyes without the viewfinder of the camera.
Intent
At around halfway through the project on a trip to Portugal, I began to have a revised internal process focused more on the intent of the photograph prior to executing it. This clearly became an extension of the learned perspective of the 50mm field of view. I naturally slowed the process down and felt more observant of the entire scene, using my newfound “sight” to lock in. What am I seeing? What draws my eye, and why? How do I perceive what is happening?
Extension
It was while I was exactly in the middle of a crowded city street during the Pase Del Niño Parade in Cuenca, Ecuador, that I experienced what this project’s purpose was – to develop yourself to a point where the tool feels like an extension of your eye and the act of photographing is merely a convergence of intent, perspective, and execution to freeze a specific frame. As the event progressed, I became fully immersed in the parade and as the procession moved by, I realized my part in the process with the natural interaction with the performers. At a certain point, some were performing for the photograph and I realized all that I needed to be was present. The camera and the lens were second nature, the racking of the focus of the 50mm Summicron was at this point muscle memory, and everything just clicked.
Going Forward
I completed my commitment to this project at the start of the summer of 2025, reluctantly and a bit relieved. I can finally capitalize on my urge to go vintage Leica lens hunting, but It is bittersweet. What I have now is a recalibration and a new perspective. The dopamine rush of Gear Acquisition Syndrome is a slippery slope we are all susceptible to, and at times, we all cave in to. But the lens is just a tool, and like any tool, it takes time to master it.
In full disclosure, I did eventually cave in to my urge and I purchased my next Leica lens, a Summicron R 35mm Version II. But this was part of my plan all along once I fell in love with the Leica SL2-S. I've decided I’m taking what I have learned from the past year and will apply the same process with this new to me Summicron 35mm - This new lens lives on my SL2-S now for the most part. I did allow myself the pleasure to switch back to the 50mm Summicron during a recent trip, and it immediately felt like it was a Led Zeppelin reunion. The resulting image below of a barrel racer at the New York State Fair is a testament to everything I have learned from the project and what I really want to drive home – Trust the process of committing to learn the tools to extract everything from them. I can proudly say the Summicron 50mm will be with me for the rest of my life.
Pase Del Niño Parade
The Pase Del Niño parade in Cuenca, Ecuador, takes place every year on Christmas Eve. It is one of the largest celebrations of the year in Cuenca, with the culture of Ecuador on full display.
The Pase Del Niño parade in Cuenca, Ecuador, takes place every year on Christmas Eve. It is one of the largest celebrations of the year in Cuenca, with the culture of Ecuador on full display. I had the chance to witness 2024’s celebration while visiting my Fiancé’s family for Christmas. I capitalized on this opportunity and brought my Leica SL2-S and Summicron 50mm lens to document the parade as part of my one camera, one lens, one-year project of 2024. I hope you enjoy the series and my commentary.
With this being only my second trip to Ecuador, I did not know what to expect from the event. I was told it was a big parade, however that was an understatement. The parade started around 10:00 AM, and we were told it lasted until 5:00 PM, well past when we decided to leave. One thing that stood out to me was the energy of the participants. The dancing spilled into the streets as each group went by. At some point, I realized I became a participant vs a bystander, waiting for the right moment of eye contact or an interesting expression.
I felt very much right in the middle of the action, often spilling over into the street of the parade from the push of the crowd behind me. Often with my camera up to my eye, I felt the breeze of the dancer’s dresses rushing past my face. All of this added up to create a very interesting experience combining composing and taking photographs while feeling overwhelmed with the sounds and sensations.
All I could do was grin and live in the moment. Some of the photos demonstrate the performers catching my gaze and resulting in a smile back. Perfect moment. Click.
