p.1 #1 · Making Sense of Photo Gear Makes No Sense
I have been a photographer since grade school in the 50's. Photography has always been about the gear. Reading the ads for it, lusting after it, attempting to make a kit that works, purchasing something and then realizing that it is not "the best" camera or lens or system for what needs to be done. Accumulating camera gear, bags, lighting, cases, filters, accessories, cords, etc. on a limited budget. New camera bodies replace older ones. AF lenses replace MF lenses. Primes replace zooms. Zooms replace primes. Newer coatings reduce flare. Different formats for different strokes. Buying and selling. WTF?
Of course, I look at pictures and I make pictures. However, there is something way off with photography it seems. On occassion, I lay everything out on the floor and see how it all works together. I get "the missing pieces". I try to gain efficiency with a current camera and lighting kit.
"What's it all about Alfie"? Are we doomed to this re-occuring madness?
p.1 #2 · Making Sense of Photo Gear Makes No Sense
Back in the days of film, there did not seem to be as much development of new camera bodies as the film was basically the variable between one camera and the next. The digital age has entered at the time of extreme consumerism and the race for one-up manship. I agree, most of us can do more with the less that we already have.
Douglas
p.1 #3 · Making Sense of Photo Gear Makes No Sense
It's hard to have equipment ambivalence and be a pro photographer. So many goodies, so little time to spend yourself into oblivion. It's only after you realize that you have to make do with the equipment you have... or sell your house to keep on spending. Of course everything you own or want has to be justified according to your inner photographer. You convince yourself that the photo suction cup you bought on eBay is the difference between life and death in the photo universe. Some people don't even need Viagra when in the presence of a Leica M9. Just place it on a pedestal in front of two old bathtubs in your back yard, but remember to remove it before your 4 hr. window is up. It's only after you stop playing the photo game and retire, or take on another expensive hobby (like guns) that you slowly let go because you can't afford both.
p.1 #4 · Making Sense of Photo Gear Makes No Sense
It seems, especially now, that when we want to improve our act, that the gear needs to be upgraded.
I was at an art show last night talking to a guy who showed panorama's of structures around Chicago. He manipulated the pics in the camera with double exposures. He said his digital bodies would not have been able to render the highlights like that, as he added multiple layers to his pics by double exposures. The prints were out of alignment to the original exposure, making it his art.
