Okay so now you know that is a rant. I was visiting a family member a few weeks ago and she made a compliment about my photos. She then said 'you must have a really nice camera'. A few minutes (really) her husband came in and said I take nice photos. He then said, 'I guess it's all about how good your camera is". And I am not picking on them. I've heard this before. Lots of times. Now I am not bragging about my photos. I know that there are millions of other photographers better then me. I love their work and I follow it. Sometimes I imitate it (or try to). But people think it's all about the shutter press and the expense of the camera. So they go and buy the nicest camera they can afford and then are disappointed in the low quality of their photos. And then they complain.
Now don't get me wrong. A camera is a tool. Like a paint brush is a tool. It's limited by the interaction of the quality of the camera and the skill of the photographer. A great photographer will take a good photo no matter what kind of camera you make her use. But a person who does not have the basics of photography will not take a good photo no matter how expensive it is. Except by accident.
And taking the photo is the first step. Then there's the processing. Now it's by computer rather then a dark room (except for those still doing film). But it requires expertise as well.
Complimenting a photographer by complimenting their camera is actually an insult. It's like complimenting someone on the meal they made and then saying 'you obviously have great pots'. (disclosure- this is not my analogy but I like it).
So here you go. This is what my camera has been up to lately.
