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.
Ha ha. I can't believe people actually say that. And I'd go a little further than saying "doesn't have the basics of photography". A good photographer has an eye, sees the everyday through a different lens, and has the technical knowledge to know how to bring it to life. You have that gift and skill. Just sayin :)
ReplyDeleteYou are very talented. Ignore the stupid comments. Sheesh. When my daughter takes pictures with my point and shoot she gets amazing results. Same camera. Different artist -- well she's an artist.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys.
ReplyDeleteWow, a couple of nice shots there. You must have a great cam... hehehehe... Had to say it. Yes, it is the standard lament of a photographer and it will be the standard comment of the uninitiated for all time.
ReplyDeleteIf it was just the camera then the shots you took last week wouldn't look 1000% better than the ones you took the day you bought that camera and they do, they do indeed. Cheers! :)
I like them both- the second has a painterly quality- Bresson ( and others of note) have said it 'Photography is about seeing'
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