You Can’t Out-Shoot a Weak Body

Hard truth from a fat f*ck in the field.

The Quiet Creep

Somewhere in the last five years, I let it slip. Too many long days sitting. Too many late edits. And as a movie buff? Let’s just say my nights weren’t helping either.
For me, a good film demands a good snack—maybe a glass of red—and that became a routine. Harmless in the moment. Easy to justify. But it adds up. Quietly. Consistently.

A few kilos crept on. Then a few more. And at first, it didn’t matter. I could still get the shot. Still move fast enough. Still carry the gear. But lately, I’ve started to feel it. Not just in the mirror—but in the field.

The Drag in the Field

Carrying a video rig. A long lens. A second body.
Walking to that distant ridge for a better angle. Walking through sand or forest or scree.
And suddenly I’m winded. Stopping to catch my breath. Lagging when I used to lead.

The Mental Negotiation

Then comes the rationalizing. You’re packing your bag, and your mind whispers,
“Maybe we should leave the 400/2.8 behind. It’s heavy. We can live without it on this one.”

That’s not strategy. That’s physical limitation disguising itself as logic. And when that starts happening—it’s time to fix the real problem.

This Job Is Physical

Wildlife photography—done right—isn’t passive. You’re carrying 15–20kg of gear for hours. You’re moving before sunrise. You’re reacting fast, shooting sharp, and sometimes running flat-out to catch the moment. It’s not just about vision. It’s about capacity.

And right now? I’ve been underperforming mine.

Getting Back in the Game

So I renewed my gym membership. No unrealistic plan. Just action. Small steps. Build back strength and stamina. Because I’ve got places to go—and I don’t want my own body to be the thing that holds me back.

If you want to go the extra mile—literally—you have to train like someone who’s going somewhere.

Legacy takes stamina. The wild doesn’t wait for you to catch your breath.