1. Three Chords and the Truth

OPPOSITE Jared Mason is a musician, actor, and Broadway star. In this picture, he is illuminated by a window while playing a tune in his home in New York City.

Canon 5DMii, 50mm lens, f/1.2

EACH SUMMER, my family loads up the car with camping gear and we drive north to the majestic Yosemite Valley. This trip has become a much-anticipated tradition, as it never ceases to revive and revitalize us. Regardless of how many visits we have made, each one builds off the last for an awe-inspiring experience that helps us reconnect as a family and rediscover the wonder of the great outdoors. One summer we invited some new friends to join us on our trip. They had never experienced the joy of sleeping in a tent or the thrill of roasting marshmallows over a campfire.

Curious about camping, they asked, “Do we need a tent? Should we bring our guitar?” Quickly their nervous questions progressed to wilderness survival tactics. “Does the campground serve coffee?” “Will my iPad work?” When they arrived at the campground, it was a comical sight. Their car was filled to the brim with gear. They’d gone on a shopping spree and purchased an oversize tent, enough camping cookware for an army, and every possible camping gadget, essential and nonessential. They had enough gear to outfit an expedition to the South Pole.

The camping trip progressed smoothly and we all had a wonderful time. After a few days, the dad from the other family pulled me aside. He said, “Thank you for inviting us—we’re having a great time. My only regret is complicating the trip with all of these extra supplies.” These were wise words coming from someone whose camping experiences had only just begun. When it comes to gear, sometimes less is more. Yet it’s easy to fall prey to all of the marketing and hype.

Back to Basics with Camera Gear

In photography, the lure to buy more gear has an even stronger pull. It’s easy to justify because we deeply rely on technology to amplify our visual voice. We imagine that if only we had a certain camera or lens, then our pictures would be great. This definitely isn’t true.

I like the way the singer-songwriter Harlan Howard once described country music: “Three chords and the truth.” And so it is with creating authentic photographs—the basics will do. All you really need is a camera and the courage to accept that powerful pictures are made from within. It’s who we are that affects the photographs we make.

On assignment and before the official shoot, I captured this candid frame of legendary surf photographer Jeff Divine in his office with a slideshow of his pictures.

Canon 5DMii, 16–35mm lens, f/2.8

Exercise: Pictures in 10 Minutes

Whether you are a seasoned pro or new to the photographic scene, returning to the basics is a great way to revitalize your art. Without all the bells and whistles, habits, typical techniques, fanfare, and hype, picture making is distilled to a more free and pure form. That’s what this exercise is about. Let’s go back to the basics, use simple gear, and make great pictures in a short amount of time. The goal for this shoot is to create an authentic portrait with a minimum of time and means. Your challenge is to create ten pictures in 10 minutes.

Step 1 Technical Considerations

Choose a normal or slightly telephoto lens—somewhere around 50 to 100mm will work best. Choose the f-stop with a shallow depth of field like f/2.8 (or as low as your lens will go). Turn off automatic focus so that you will have to manually focus the frame. Preset these options so that you don’t have to fiddle with them during the shoot.

Step 2 Selecting the Subject

Select a subject who is an acquaintance, family member, or friend. Don’t make the choice based on whether or not someone looks like a model. Choose someone who you enjoy and who you think leads a quality life. Contact the subject and ask if he or she would be willing to participate in a brief 15-minute portrait shoot.

Step 3 Choosing a Location

The location choice is entirely up to you. Consider photographing your subject where he works or lives. Or choose an outdoor location that is inviting like a park, lake, or beach. Most important, pick a natural spot that fits with what you want to do.

Step 4 The Shoot

Arrive at the location early to pick out the perfect portrait spot. When the subject arrives, greet him with a warm handshake and smile. Express gratitude that he is giving you his time. Without skipping a beat, so as not to lose momentum, walk the subject over to the location where you want him to stand. Explain that your goal isn’t to create a stylized picture but to capture something real.

Use manual focus and compose the first shot. Take your time and snap a few more frames. Talk to the subject. Provide a few encouraging words and posture or pose suggestions to put him at ease. Keep the shoot simple, natural, and free. After 10 minutes, call it a wrap and thank the subject for his time.

LEFT Style savant, clothing designer, and surfboard shaper Shawn Stussy in his workshop.

Canon 5DMii, 50mm lens, f/2.0

Step 5 Postshoot Reflections

After the photo shoot, select the picture that you like best. Create a print of it and show it to a few friends. Explain that the goal was to create an authentic image in a short amount of time. Ask for feedback and consider their thoughts.

OPPOSITE It’s best to avoid shooting in the harsh midday sun, but this is one of those photos that proves some rules are meant to be broken. Here rock climber, big wave surfer, and all-around adventure man Jeff Johnson peers through his trusted camera during the middle of the day.

Canon 5DMii, 50mm lens, f/3.2

“I hate nothing more than a sugary photograph with tricks, poses, and effects. So allow me to be honest and tell the truth about our age and its people.”

—August Sander