When we think of self-portraits, we might picture a photographer standing in front of their camera, the self-timer ticking down, or perhaps a candid reflection caught in a window, reminiscent of Vivian Maier's mysterious style. But the truth is, every photograph we take in the streets leaves behind subtle breadcrumbs of our identity, collectively painting our own self-portrait.

Looking back, that nifty fifty was one of the best, most affordable upgrades we ever made. It’s funny how the joy of that moment lingers, while each subsequent upgrade—a new camera or lens—feels a bit less thrilling. With new innovations often just trickle-down features from professional models, it can feel like we’re not getting anything fresh or unique in our smaller cameras.

When it comes to ergonomics, the G2 shines. The slightly larger grip and improved texture make it a pleasure to hold. The redesigned controls, including a back dial for shutter and aperture adjustments, are a thoughtful touch, enhancing the shooting experience. And while the drive selector can lead to some accidental self-timer shots, those little quirks are part of the charm of using older gear.

I've been using the Sony RX1 for nearly two months now, and it's been a delightful journey. One of my main frustrations with fixed lens cameras used to be cleaning the sensor—any dust and you’re stuck. But with interchangeable lens cameras, you can easily remove the lens and clean the sensor. However, the RX1’s leaf shutter—a series of overlapping blades inside the lens—means you get the benefits of a mechanical shutter without the hassle. It’s nearly silent and reduces the chances of rolling shutter effects when you're capturing fast-moving subjects.

When you’re starting out in photography, you’re at the beginning of a learning curve. You snap photos of everything, experiment, and learn as you go. But as you progress, you start to think, “If only I had that f/1.4 lens,” or “I need that flash, those filters, that tripod.” So, you buy more gear, thinking it’ll enhance your creativity. In reality, though, it just makes the hobby more expensive without adding much to your results.

You know that classic, trusty nifty 50? Well, what if I told you there's a new contender in town that's breaking all the rules? Enter the Viltrox 40mm f/2.5, or as I like to call it, the "Naughty 40." It's not quite a nifty 50mm, but this 40mm gem is redefining what a standard lens can be, with just the right amount of sass.

Street photography isn’t just about capturing a human subject – it’s about capturing them in action. People in motion create dynamic, lively compositions that draw viewers in. Watch for the animated individuals in any scene – whether it’s someone in the middle of a heated phone call, a group of people pointing every which way as they decide where to go, or someone struggling with a heavy bag across the street. These are the moments that add life to your photos and spark curiosity in your audience.

Interestingly, the Lumix GX80 shares the same sensor format and is roughly the same age as the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II. I reviewed the E-M10 Mark I about a year ago, and while there are similarities in the images you get from these two cameras, the form factor and usability of the GX80 have won me over.