Lightroom keeps track of things I don’t think about while I’m shooting. I don’t usually do this, but I started looking at some statistics from my Lightroom catalog for the images I took in 2025. I think I felt I was changing lenses less than in previous years, but aside from that, I didn’t think I had made any significant changes to my approach to photography.
But I noticed some interesting patterns.
The Record
~8,000 images made in 2025.
A small handful of lenses account for most of the images.
Two lenses stayed on the camera far longer than the rest.
Others came out only when there was a specific reason.
Most of my images were created with Fujifilm X Series gear, with some 35mm film mixed in (vintage Nikon and Minolta).
What I Noticed
First, the totals were down this year. I’m not trying to get a certain number of images; quantity isn’t important. But I found it interesting that I took significantly fewer images than last year. Two things that contributed to this were taking some time off for my knee surgery in the spring and not shooting any school sporting events in the fall.
But what I also noticed was that I’m not taking as many shots of the same landscape scenes, playing with the composition and the exposure to see what works. Less trial-and-error, and more intentional work.
Besides that, the numbers reinforced my feeling that I was using less gear. I have a Fujifilm X-T5 and an X-H2. I’ve been leaving the 16-55 f2.8 zoom on the X-T5 much of the time, and the 50-140 f2.8 has been staying on the X-H2. These two lenses account for just under 70% of my images, with the 16-55 being used for a significant majority of all my shots this year.
I know that these two lenses mostly live on my cameras now. The image quality is great from these two pieces of glass, and they just do what I want most of the time.
The other 30% of my images were split between a couple of prime lenses and Fujifilm’s 100-400mm zoom. When I switch to one of these lenses, there is a specific reason.
Comfort vs Habit
These two main zooms are lenses that I have become extremely comfortable with. Comfort doesn’t automatically mean complacency. Although I will admit that going out with less stuff in my camera bag makes life easier.
These two lenses are at a point where they just disappear for me. I’ve stopped trying to decide if they are right for the scene. I’m not thinking about focal length. I know which one I want as soon as I get to a location.
In my mind, I know what I want, and which one of those two lenses will find it.
I am free to concentrate more on timing, framing a shot, and patience.
What the Awareness Gave Me
These stats aren’t really changing anything for me. But they are verifying some things that I already suspected. When I’m out photographing landscapes, I am spending less time trying to decide what lens to use, and what type of image I want to make, and more time observing, noticing, and composing images.
This gives me confidence. First and foremost, it gives me confidence in where I’m headed photographically. It also gives me confidence to get rid of some of my gear that is not being used.
The numbers gave me some clarity. It confirmed which tools in my bag are essential and which ones are optional.
Carrying It Forward
First off, just to be clear, I’m not using stats to drive what I shoot with going forward. I’m still picking up the camera and lens combo that feels right for the day. That’s how I have always worked.
I’m not going to go out of my way to pick up lenses that I haven’t used much just to justify keeping them.
I did notice that there are two types of shooting that I normally like to do that were missing from my 2025 library.
Macro/close-up photos out in the woods were one. Part of it was just the fact that I had a knee replaced last April, and getting down on the ground to look for and photograph small details in the forest wasn’t possible. That will likely return to my projects this year.
I also didn’t use my wide-angle lens much. And I have questions to think about. Are my tastes changing? Is it a lack of inspiration? I didn’t use my wide-angle zoom much at all, but I don’t think I’m ready to sell that one yet. But we will see this year if it makes a return.
I’m a software developer by day, and photography lends a creative balance to my life. Looking at these stats is an exercise in letting my logical brain check in with my creative brain, which is oddly satisfying. And the numbers gave me a little more insight into how I photograph.
✅ Where to Find Me
You can find more of my work on the web at: Simmons Photography
If you want to work with me, or inquire about licensing images: Contact Page
There's a lot of honesty in here that I think a lot of folks shy away from. I'll tell you, the most esteemed photographer I know shoots two cameras with fixed lenses and loves to talk gear, but they don't really play ball or chase the collection. Great notes.
I really enjoyed this piece, Bob. The concept of intentionality resonated with me a great deal. This line said a lot to me: "When I’m out photographing landscapes, I am spending less time trying to decide what lens to use, and what type of image I want to make, and more time observing, noticing, and composing images." Maybe that's because that's how I approach capturing the world. Finally, the Otsego Lake photo is amazing. Thanks.