Today I went out for a street photography walk in Brussels with my Fujifilm X-T30 II and the 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens.It was overcast and rainy, which gave the city a soft glow. Wet streets always make photos feel moodier and add texture, so I was happy to go out, especially now that it’s slowly getting warmer.
I stayed on the smaller side streets near the Grand Place and used the Velvia film simulation. I like this one because it deepens the mood while still making the colors pop.
A rainy walk with the 27mm
I’m slowly getting used to this lens. It’s the newest addition to my gear, so I haven’t spent as much time with it yet. I bring only one lens on a photo walk. It removes the stress of switching lenses or constantly thinking about which focal length I “should” be using. It lets me focus on the walk and on seeing.
Still, I often catch myself thinking, “If only I had brought the other lens.” I’m learning to accept that limitation instead of fighting it.
Why I go on these walks
I’m quite anxious on the inside, even if it doesn’t always show. For most of my life, I’ve lived in a kind of constant fight-or-flight mode. Only in recent years have I started slowing down.
These walks are an anchor.
They help me wind down, clear my thoughts, and move through the city without rushing. Taking time before pressing the shutter takes practice. I noticed that clearly today. There were moments when I didn’t get the shot immediately, waited for a bit, and then gave up, only for the opportunity I had imagined to pass by seconds later.
If I had waited just 30 seconds longer, I would have been satisfied.
Sometimes the settings aren’t right for the scene. Instead of moving on immediately, I should pause, adjust, and wait for the moment to return. Most of the time I’m just waiting for someone to enter the frame. Patience is part of the craft.
Photography forces me to practice that.
What i noticed
Today I focused mostly on the color blue. Even on grey, rainy days, Brussels is full of color if you look for it.
I walked for a couple of hours, circling back home just before the rain started pouring.
Some days the city moves fast. Today, I tried not to.
Here’s the rest of the gallery from this walk. You can see my previous walk here.
