I’ve always loved photography. Not in an all-consuming way, but I’ve always been drawn to being behind a camera, capturing a moment in time. Perfect, without flaws. It’s often led me to endless waiting or getting seriously pissed off because too many people were in the frame.

What’s always fascinated me about photography is symmetry, the clean lines of urban architecture, or a natural landscape that, more often than not, looked quite different in digital form compared to what my eyes saw.

Over the years, I’ve honed my skills a bit through courses, tips, and YouTube videos, reaching a decent enough level to bring home a handful of shots I’m proud of—ones that feel like they capture life itself.

And yet. Yet, I just sold my Sony a7R III after five years. Along with four different lenses and, perhaps, a piece of my passion (?).

In my decluttering process, one key factor is how often I use or engage with something. If I’m not making the most of it, it’s probably unnecessary, and I can let it go.

So why did this happen with photography?

After some reflection, there are a few reasons. First, laziness. It never even crossed my mind to grab my mirrorless camera for a quick walk around the neighborhood, to explore nearby streets and come back with a decent shot, even just of a sunset.

The second reason is definitely tied to my smartphone. My iPhone 15 Pro Max takes ridiculously high-quality photos. And isn’t the secret to a great photo all about what it conveys to the viewer’s eyes?

The third, and maybe final, reason is the weight. Never knowing which lens would be best, I’d end up carrying two, sometimes three, only to finish any outing with a sore back or, at best, a good sweat.

Have I sold off a passion? Does letting go of a camera I loved—and still love—make me less of a photographer? I’m not sure. The fact that anyone, anywhere in the world, has the chance to take a life-changing photo gives me hope. But it also makes me think about how the quality of so many of our passions has dropped, just like the quality of a good photo.