Join Now
Join ePHOTOzine, the friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more for free!
Heard a phrase again today which I'd completely forgotten about:
"Asking a photographer what model of camera he uses is like asking a writer what model of typewriter he uses"
I think we [myself also guilty in the past] have got too concerned about gear and less about vision, attitude and intent.
Given the number of questions at the moment which start "Should I get the Canon xyzD or the Nikon Dxyz or the Sony Axyz should we be saying something other than praising the brand/system we happen to have bought into and feel the need to justify ?
Totally agree. Cameras are just tools to record the vision. Another saying "a bad workman blames his tools" comes to mind, and the opposite is also true, "an artist can use any brush".
It's so easy to lose track of what's important - if the end result is good, then the means (whatever they involve) are justified.
Or how about a photo variation of another phrase - Many batteries make flashlight work.
Or
A stitch in time saves a 9 shot panorama
I see what your saying, But the old " What Have You Got " thing applies equally in other areas.....
One that springs to mind is " What car do you drive " ...AAaaagghh..!
That ones my pet hate, Standard reply is a red one, Or a hatchback, .......Or whatever springs to mind....LOL...
Depending on who has asked....!
If they are a right pain in the rear, An answer like Ferrari F40 can be a right laugh.....
Next up is " What HiFi " .........Geeeeezzzzzz, I'm off......!
Quote: Given the number of questions at the moment which start "Should I get the Canon xyzD or the Nikon Dxyz or the Sony Axyz should we be saying something other than praising the brand/system we happen to have bought into and feel the need to justify ?
Have to say that it is one of my first jobs on the forum every day to go through all the camera threads and hide them. Utterly painless and saves all the angst! 
I once worked with someone who was looking to buy a new camera, so he researched the topic in various magazines, websites and even asked my opinion. Every time he made his choice, an article would be published on a new camera that was just that little bit 'better', so, in the four years I worked with him, he never owned a camera and probably spent enough money on magazines to buy a camera that he said was out of his range.
Quote: one of my first jobs on the forum every day to go through all the camera threads and hide them
Didn't know you could do that - now I'm off to look
I'm sure I once saw on here a story about a photographer who went to dinner at a friend's house.
His friend's wife said something like "I've seen some of your photos, they're lovely, you must have a very good camera".
After dinner, the photographer said " That was a lovely meal, you must have some very good pans".
Quote:
After dinner, the photographer said " That was a lovely meal, you must have some very good pans".
I've actually used a line, similar to that, in real life in a similar situation.
It didn't go down all that well..................... strangely enough! 
Quote: I think we have got too concerned about gear and less about vision, attitude and intent
Absolutley agree, but dont you think think the manufacturers have a lot to answer for bringing new models out like there's no tomorrow. everytime you open a magazine/internet there seems to be an updated this or a new improved that, ok I know you cant stop progress, but how much technology do you need to take a good photograph ?
As photography is primarily a technical it's actually all about the gear.
I know that I take different pictures when I use my lensbaby as opposed to my Canon lenses. I also make different images with my old manual focus FD cameras as opposed to my DSLRs...
Add a Comment
ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more.
Join Our Free Newsletter
Awards
Current Competitions
Olympus 'Portraiture' Competition - Win £1000 Worth Of Gear!
30th April 2013 - 31st May 2013
This month, to celebrate the launch of Olympus' new micro site Olympus Image Space, Olympus are giving you the chance to win £1000 worth of Olympus gear!...
Featured e2 Photo
May's Photo Month
Check out ePHOTOzine's inspirational photo month calendar! Each day click on a window to unveil new photography tips, treats and techniques.
