Taken with my $300 Lumix DMC-LX5
Over the years, it just seems like I get the same feedback from both the students that sign up for my online class with the BPSOP, and my fellow photographers that attend my “Stretching Your Frame of Mind” workshops I conduct around our planet. It’s weird that over the course of a few days I’ll get the exact same thoughts that seem to come in waves of three or four.
Well, it happened again to me, and this time I was walking down the street minding my own business, my Canon EOS 5D Mark III ( now outdated) over my shoulder when I was accosted by a couple that said…since I had such a great camera I must be a great photographer.
Then during a conversation with a couple of online students a few days later the conversation’s focus was about cameras and what ones should we buy. First I started out with this line, “In my opinion, the last person you want to talk to about it is friends, fellow camera club members, and salespeople that make a commission.”
Then I went on to remind them that most cameras (and I don’t keep up with new designs and innovation) have a place to put your finger when you’re ready to take a picture; called a shutter release. They all have a place to put on the lens (unless it’s a fixed lens found on smaller cameras), All DSLRs have a viewfinder where you put your eye to compose your pictures.
Continuing into the exchange of ideas, I said that those three things are all you need to create memorable photos…why they asked? Because, I told them, that it’s not the camera but the ten inches behind it that’s important; the most important piece of equipment.
All cameras have the ability to let you see just enough to compose a picture, then it’s up to you to perceive what’s in front of you and realize when you have enough information to process, thus resulting in a good shot; that’s the tricky part.
Ok, I’m not telling you not to buy a good camera, because there are advantages in doing just that. I will advise you to do some research, read the reviews when possible, and find the camera best suited to you, your needs, and what level you’re at now or want to be in the future.
Staying in this vein of logic, I will tell you what I often tell people that are in a position to buy new photography equipment..of any kind. Buy the best you can so you only have to cry once. You take care of your camera and it will last you a lifetime of enjoyment.
Having said that, I leave you with this…you have a great camera, so you must be a great photographer. is like saying…I’ve read all your books, you must have a great typewriter.
🙂
Visit my website at: www.joebaraban.com, and check out upcoming workshops at the top of this blog. Come shoot with me some time.
Send me a photo and question to: AskJoeB@gmail.com, and I’ll create a video critique for you.
JoeB
