Much as there's a lot of truth to this… Like it or not, people are constrained by the equipment they have available.
She says: "That new camera and expensive lens does not create a good picture. You do!" Again, that's true - but the new camera and expensive lens will allow you to realise that good picture to a much higher quality.
Not to mention the fact that some specialist shots will require some specialist equipment (extreme close-up macro photography, for example), and there's no getting 'round that if you want to achieve decent results in that field.
They say that "a bad workman blames his tools" - but part of being a 'good workman' is selecting the right tools for the job, and then knowing how to use them and maintain them!
You could be the best, and most skilled carpenter in the world - but you probably won't be making anything special armed only with a cheese knife.
I don't think she is saying 'don't buy new equipment' but as the quote below illustrates, something more along the lines of taking more photos by doing something like this project is probably the first thing to do to improve ones photography, rather than thinking more expensive gear will solve all your problems.
"To become a better photographer, learn to see. Learn to see the new and see the familiar as new. Get out there every day on photo walks. Work on a daily or weekly project. Give yourself assignments or goals. Most importantly – get outside your comfort zone! Shoot, shoot and shoot some more.
If your work is not improving and you have the money, then buy more gear and help the economy. If your work is improving, and you feel limited by the equipment you have and you have the funds, then maybe it’s time to invest in a better camera body or a new lens."
I have had students who have gone out and spent £2k on a set of drums after they've only had three lessons, and their technique is nowhere near refined enough to be able to produce any better tone with that kit than they would on one which cost a fifth of that. Likewise, I've seen some of the best players in the world get on very average drumkits and make an incredible sound.
I think it's absolutely correct to say that if you don't know what you're doing with a cheap camera, you won't know what you're doing with an expensive camera either! And that if you are a skilled photographer, you'll be able to cajole a much higher quality image out of inferior equipment than someone with less understanding or experience.
But there are people who like to espouse the view that the quality of one's equipment is a complete irrelevance - and, to me, that demonstrates just as high a level of ignorance as the opposite view.
I definitely agree with the sentiment, but there is nothing more disappointing than taking a great photo with cheap equipment and not being able to do anything with it other than maybe post it on here! I like to have mine printed and displayed, so lower quality cameras can be limiting. I'm aware that my camera is definitely above my skill level, haha, but it's totally worth it when I DO get the shot :)
I'd have to agree with the article. I am planning an upgrade at some point but my camera doesn't do the work for me. I work the camera. People are still doing film and getting better images. The writer does not say don't upgrade; he's saying know WHY you are doing it. Good advice!
Besides, by the time you are just getting used to your new toy it's been superseded by a better, swankier model that will definitely take much better shots than your one.....
In my experience, there is a correlation between the cost of the camera and the quality of the shots, but a more expensive camera gives you more CHOICES and when you don't know what you are doing, it hurts.
When I started spending real $$$ on gear, my shots got worse. MUCH worse. The more I spent, the worse it got. I wasn't learning to use my tools - I was collecting shiny cylinders with glass in them.
Instead of spending my money of toys, I now spend it on education. I watch videos, buy books, learn workflows and processing techniques. I look at the Exif information for shots I love. I reach out to other photographers and talk about their work. I spend the cash on making my brain a better camera than on the hardware.
@manek43509 Kit - I completely agree. You said "I think it's absolutely correct to say that if you don't know what you're doing with a cheap camera, you won't know what you're doing with an expensive camera either!" I'm proof of that.
Read the FINE manual. Visit the tutorials on your camera makers web site. Buy a book or two. See if things improve. Buy or upgrade when it makes sense, but not because you think your shots will dramatically improve overnight.
Experience is the best teacher. And, your first 10,000 shots with any new camera won't live up to your expectations. :)
I recently upgraded my camera, actually… After using my entry-level Nikon D3000 for the best part of three years, I decided to snap up a D7000 which I saw at a decent price, and I am really noticing the difference in the quality of my shots, and what I'm able to achieve with the new body.
I totally agree about investing as much in education as in equipment, though! Since getting the D7000, I've made it my mission to learn more about some of the new features I have open to me, and have spent considerable amounts of time experimenting, reading the manual that came with the camera, and also talking to a friend of mine who's a professional photographer and who used to have a D7000 himself for advice.
It's all very well upgrading your gear, but you won't get the most out of that unless you also upgrade your knowledge base simultaneously!
I agree, but as a newbie to photography I often wonder if a poor photo is user error, or if I am over-reaching the limitations of my camera. In my case I know what shots I want to take, I just don't think my camera allow for it (distant wildlife shots for example.) But I agree, I have to make do with what I have. I just need to simplify things and learn the basics first.
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She says: "That new camera and expensive lens does not create a good picture. You do!" Again, that's true - but the new camera and expensive lens will allow you to realise that good picture to a much higher quality.
Not to mention the fact that some specialist shots will require some specialist equipment (extreme close-up macro photography, for example), and there's no getting 'round that if you want to achieve decent results in that field.
They say that "a bad workman blames his tools" - but part of being a 'good workman' is selecting the right tools for the job, and then knowing how to use them and maintain them!
You could be the best, and most skilled carpenter in the world - but you probably won't be making anything special armed only with a cheese knife.
I don't think she is saying 'don't buy new equipment' but as the quote below illustrates, something more along the lines of taking more photos by doing something like this project is probably the first thing to do to improve ones photography, rather than thinking more expensive gear will solve all your problems.
"To become a better photographer, learn to see. Learn to see the new and see the familiar as new. Get out there every day on photo walks. Work on a daily or weekly project. Give yourself assignments or goals. Most importantly – get outside your comfort zone! Shoot, shoot and shoot some more.
If your work is not improving and you have the money, then buy more gear and help the economy. If your work is improving, and you feel limited by the equipment you have and you have the funds, then maybe it’s time to invest in a better camera body or a new lens."
I have had students who have gone out and spent £2k on a set of drums after they've only had three lessons, and their technique is nowhere near refined enough to be able to produce any better tone with that kit than they would on one which cost a fifth of that. Likewise, I've seen some of the best players in the world get on very average drumkits and make an incredible sound.
I think it's absolutely correct to say that if you don't know what you're doing with a cheap camera, you won't know what you're doing with an expensive camera either! And that if you are a skilled photographer, you'll be able to cajole a much higher quality image out of inferior equipment than someone with less understanding or experience.
But there are people who like to espouse the view that the quality of one's equipment is a complete irrelevance - and, to me, that demonstrates just as high a level of ignorance as the opposite view.
When I started spending real $$$ on gear, my shots got worse. MUCH worse. The more I spent, the worse it got. I wasn't learning to use my tools - I was collecting shiny cylinders with glass in them.
Instead of spending my money of toys, I now spend it on education. I watch videos, buy books, learn workflows and processing techniques. I look at the Exif information for shots I love. I reach out to other photographers and talk about their work. I spend the cash on making my brain a better camera than on the hardware.
@manek43509 Kit - I completely agree. You said "I think it's absolutely correct to say that if you don't know what you're doing with a cheap camera, you won't know what you're doing with an expensive camera either!" I'm proof of that.
Read the FINE manual. Visit the tutorials on your camera makers web site. Buy a book or two. See if things improve. Buy or upgrade when it makes sense, but not because you think your shots will dramatically improve overnight.
Experience is the best teacher. And, your first 10,000 shots with any new camera won't live up to your expectations. :)
I recently upgraded my camera, actually… After using my entry-level Nikon D3000 for the best part of three years, I decided to snap up a D7000 which I saw at a decent price, and I am really noticing the difference in the quality of my shots, and what I'm able to achieve with the new body.
I totally agree about investing as much in education as in equipment, though! Since getting the D7000, I've made it my mission to learn more about some of the new features I have open to me, and have spent considerable amounts of time experimenting, reading the manual that came with the camera, and also talking to a friend of mine who's a professional photographer and who used to have a D7000 himself for advice.
It's all very well upgrading your gear, but you won't get the most out of that unless you also upgrade your knowledge base simultaneously!