Secret Camera Technique: Abandon the Photography Equipment

In the realm of photography, taking a break might seem counterintuitive, but for photographer Sebastian Oakley, it has proven to be a transformative practice. With nearly two decades of experience specializing in equestrianism, Oakley, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, has made a name for himself in the industry, with his work published internationally and used by leading equestrian industry names such as FEI, The Jockey Club, and Horse & Hound.

Oakley's photography journey began as a hobby, but it evolved into a career. He is familiar with various photography formats, using products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, Sinar, and cinema cameras from Sony, RED, and ARRI, among others. His academic background also reflects his diverse interests, holding a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science and a Master of Arts in Publishing. Oakley is also a member of Nikon NPS.

However, Oakley found himself feeling disconnected from his own work and didn't immediately find the answer to why he was making the images he was. He learned that sometimes, the best thing for photography is to take a break and step back.

Taking a break from photography, according to Oakley, benefits a photographer by allowing them to recharge creative energy, reduce feelings of burnout or stagnation, and gain new perspective on their work and goals. This pause helps free the mind from creative pressure and rekindles excitement and motivation for future projects.

Stepping away encourages the photographer to observe the world without the camera, which can inspire fresh compositions and ideas once they return. Engaging in unrelated activities or other artistic interests helps refresh creative thought processes by giving the "photo brain" a rest. This break can help overcome a creative plateau, contributing to renewed enthusiasm and clearer direction regarding the photographer's creative ambitions.

The break also affects the photographer's perspective by shifting focus from technical output to genuine presence and experience. Without immediate interaction with the camera, photographers often reconnect emotionally with their subject matter and develop more intuitive artistic instincts. The pause away from photography helps internalize creative impulses and can lead to stronger, more meaningful photographic work rather than mechanically produced images.

When ready to pick up the camera again, one might find that their photography has moved forward in ways they never expected. Oakley, for instance, now finds himself photographing for joy while remaining immersed in the world of photography as a journalist. His vision had refined itself, seeing differently, more clearly, and more honestly.

If you find yourself feeling lost, uninspired, or unsure about direction, it's acceptable to pause and put the camera down without guilt. Stepping away can lead to a quiet humility, freeing one from noise, pressure, and obsession with output. Oakley believes in documenting the beauty of the mundane, ordinary moments, and quiet scenes.

In his spare time, Oakley uses his Leica M-E or Leica M2 for Street/Documentary photography, usually in Black and White. His photography career took him to places he once dreamt of.

In essence, taking a break serves as a mental and creative reset, reducing burnout and distraction, enhancing observation and intuition, and often resulting in more inspired, fresh, and purpose-driven photography upon return.

Oakley's photography journey, rooted in equestrianism, has been celebrated globally, with his work featured in renowned publications like FEI, The Jockey Club, and Horse & Hound.
As a member of Nikon NPS, Oakley has used numerous camera brands and models, including Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, Sinar, and Sony, RED, and ARRI.
In an unexpected move, Oakley temporarily stepped away from photography to recharge his creative energy, eventually discovering that this pause contributed to renewed enthusiasm for his work.
After his break, Oakley shifted his focus to lifestyle and home-and-garden photography, exploring the beauty of the mundane moments and quiet scenes in a more intuitive and purpose-driven manner.
As a testament to this transformation, Oakley now uses his Leica M-E or Leica M2 for Street/Documentary photography in Black and White, having taken his passion for photography to places he once only dreamed of.