u/theoriginalnamikaze

Hey everyone,

I’m heading to Poland soon for a documentary-style project (including historically heavy locations like Auschwitz), and I want to approach this thoughtfully both technically and artistically. This is my first time trying to create a cohesive body of work rather than just shooting casually, so I’d really value some input.

Current gear:

•	Minolta SRT-101 + X-700

•	Lenses: 28mm f/2.8, 45mm f/2, 135mm f/2.8

•	Film: 6 rolls HP5, 2 rolls Portra 400

What I’m trying to figure out:

1. One camera or two?

I’m considering bringing both bodies and keeping one loaded with HP5 and one with Portra so I don’t have to switch mid-roll.

But I’m worried about overcomplicating things / carrying too much vs staying focused.

2. Lens choices

I’ll definitely bring the 28 and 45, but unsure about the 135 — does it actually add value for this kind of work, or will it just slow me down?

3. Film approach

I’m leaning toward mostly HP5 for the mood, but I also don’t want to miss opportunities where color matters.

Would you:

•	Mostly stick to B&W?

•	Or intentionally mix in color?

Also debating rating HP5 at 800 or 1600 for flexibility — good idea or unnecessary?

4. Shooting approach

For people who’ve done more serious/documentary work:

•	How do you stay intentional and build something cohesive?

•	How much do you shoot vs hold back?

•	Anything you wish you knew before doing a project like this?

I’m trying to balance being prepared with not getting in my own way.

Would really appreciate any advice or critiques — especially from people who’ve shot similar subject matter.

Thanks 🙏

Hey everyone,

I’m heading to Poland soon for a documentary-style project (including historically heavy locations like Auschwitz), and I want to approach this thoughtfully both technically and artistically. This is my first time trying to create a cohesive body of work rather than just shooting casually, so I’d really value some input.

Current gear:

•	Minolta SRT-101 + X-700

•	Lenses: 28mm f/2.8, 45mm f/2, 135mm f/2.8

•	Film: 6 rolls HP5, 2 rolls Portra 400

What I’m trying to figure out:

1. One camera or two?

I’m considering bringing both bodies and keeping one loaded with HP5 and one with Portra so I don’t have to switch mid-roll.

But I’m worried about overcomplicating things / carrying too much vs staying focused.

2. Lens choices

I’ll definitely bring the 28mm and 45mm, but unsure about the 135mm, does it actually add value for this kind of work, or will it just slow me down?

3. Film approach

I’m leaning toward mostly HP5 for the mood, but I also don’t want to miss opportunities where color matters.

Would you:

•	Mostly stick to B&W?

•	Or intentionally mix in color?

Also debating rating HP5 at 800 or 1600 for flexibility, good idea or unnecessary?

4. Shooting approach

For people who’ve done more serious/documentary work:

•	How do you stay intentional and build something cohesive?

•	How much do you shoot vs hold back?

•	Anything you wish you knew before doing a project like this?

I’m trying to balance being prepared with not getting in my own way.

Would really appreciate any advice or critiques especially from people who’ve shot similar subject matter.

Thanks 🙏