We have work to do, and art to create
A quiet word to my photographer friends. I’m in various photography groups and forums, and I see a strong tendency in the more technical forums to whine about the specs of current cameras, or to bitch to-and-fro, disparaging others or other brands.
My feelings about that:
We should always keep in mind that our photography heroes of previous eras created masterpieces with cameras less advanced than we have now. For me, Richard Avedon immediately comes to mind. There are many others.
So if you feel you’re being held back by the camera you have, consider whether you’ve reached that stratosphere yet.
In the meantime, we all have work to do and art to create. ***
The most recent I saw was someone complaining that the Fuji X-T2 doesn’t have built-in stabilization, and that it might be something that Fuji might incorporate in future cameras. My immediate reaction was, “where there any photographs you hadn’t been able to take with that Fuji X-T2?”
If you regularly post on FB groups how Nikon or Canon have “forgotten about photographers” because they haven’t yet embraced mirrorless cameras, then I have to wonder again – what photographs have you missed out on with your Nikon or Canon that you would’ve gotten with a Sony or Fuji camera? Enough with the whining and negativity!
Similarly, when you start comparing the figures on the spec sheets of various cameras, and see that your camera doesn’t have 693 focus points … well, what photographs have you missed out with your current camera?
Spend less time arguing and whining on FB groups, and use that time creatively!
*** Now of course, I have to qualify what I mean
A topic that I’ve touched on several times, is that the camera does indeed matter.
- Your camera doesn’t matter – except when it does
- Wedding photography – Style, technique & choice of gear
- Developing your photographic style – the necessary photo gear
Therefore my statements at the top of the article might seen disingenuous, since I will be the first to say that we should use photo gear that enables us as photographers. Currently I shoot with the Nikon D5 and D810 amongst other. I also use the f/2.8 zooms and the f/1.4 range of primes. I should add that I’ve been tempted by the Sony A9 for the silent shutter mode – perfect for corporate events and wedding ceremonies.
My point is – use what have. Truly use what you have to the limit of its capabilities. If you feel your gear holds you back, please do upgrade. But for the love of photography, don’t get involved with to-and-fro nowhere debates about the minutia of the technical aspects of camera gear. Use that time and energy to create!
About the main photo above
The photo at the top is a B&W version of one of the images I took of a model, Bethany.
Technical details are explained here: Multiple off-camera flash – gelling your flash for effect. And yes, that linked article is about gelling your flash, however, the photographs work really well in B&W as well.
1David Bruno says
Neil – I enjoyed this quick article you posted.
I have been trying (somewhat unsuccessfully) to get more Corporate/Business/Social Media head shot customers. I’ve used what I have – Speedlights – for the jobs I’ve gotten. I see all these beautiful, and somewhat affordable monolights, pocket strobes, etc., and would LOVE to spend some money. But for what? So it can sit in my 3rd-floor area? Whatever head shot jobs come my way in the next year, I will be looking to strengthen my technique and, who knows, come up with a style? But I will be doing it with the stuff I have, because as you say, what shots did I not get without a big monolight?
Dave
2Adrian Feliciano says
I couldn’t agree more! It seems like keyboard warriors would rather chin stroke about the latest article on Petapixel than actually create anything worthwhile.
Adrian Feliciano
alphajulietfoxtrot.com
3Jason Guy says
Preach!!! I definitely believe in the minimum standard, but too many people care way too much about the tech stuff and way to little about the craft.
4Simon Hepworth says
Nice comment as always Neil
I would like some one to find me a bad camera these days. The teck we have now is just awesome and I think we forget how good it is. To me the only thing that can really make a big difference to my photography is me so I try and improve with every job I do and every picture I take. I have watched many training videos and being on many training causes and would like to thank you for all your help in developing my Photography over the years through crafty causes and your books plus the bits on your blogs all the best Neil and again thank you for what you do
5Johan Schmidt says
Spot on – well said!
6Richard A.Phillips says
Spot on. The latest gripes are that the d850 has less dynamic range than the A7s and that the 6d has no 4k. One can’t even appreciate the points of a camera without being shouted down by a fanboy of another brand. Unfortunately nothing will change inspite of what we say. Some people just want to argue.
7Neil vN says
It’s the same with the Nikon D5 being dismissed because the dynamic range is less at the lower ISO settings. It’s such a superb camera, and yet the detractors will keep shouting about this. You know, I would not have noticed this in the work that I do, and I am only aware of it (in theory) because it was mentioned.