There is no one photography kit. Some can be large, and some can be small—it all depends on need and style. From times when an extensive collection of items is necessary, to more insignificant day-to-day kits, and creating endlessly with the camera phone that is always in his pocket, John Stanmeyer has done it all over the years. In this VII Insider session, John shares his experiences preparing for assignments and how he thinks about what gear is necessary. John shares his philosophy of minimalism and simplicity, and gives insight into what feels just right for him, to help guide others to committing not to more and more gear, but to less—and the limitless possibilities he finds in bringing a simple collection of tools into the field on an assignment. In a wide-ranging Q+A, John also discusses long-form and short-form storytelling with a small kit, sharing examples not so much of the gear, but what one can do with their gear.

John Stanmeyer is an award-winning photojournalist, Emmy nominated filmmaker and educator, dedicated to social, humanitarian and political issues that define our times. For more than 15 years, John has worked nearly exclusively with National Geographic magazine, producing over 19 stories, resulting in more than 14 covers. Between 1998 and 2008, John was a contract photographer for Time magazine. His years with Time resulted in 18 covers. In 2001, Stanmeyer co-founded with six of the world’s leading photojournalists, the prestigious VII Photo agency. Today VII represents more than 30 photographers from around the globe. Stanmeyer is an Emeritus member of VII and also is represented by Nat Geo Image Collection agency and is a member of Ripple Effects Images, a collective of artists and storytellers working on issues related to women, empowerment and equality. He is the recipient of numerous honors, including the prestigious Robert Capa award, POYi Magazine Photographer of the Year and the World Press Photo of the Year in 2014. John lives with his dog, Elfriede the Great Dane, in the southern Berkshires of western Massachusetts.