"Nice Camera!!!"

[igi]

Several years ago there was a serious craze on RFF where people were taking pictures of their cameras next to cups of coffee.

I found this very odd and disturbing.

I'm actually more disturbed at people disturbed at very simple things...

 

[OddE]

I, for one, take great pleasure in seeing a well executed photo of a camera. A lot of classic cameras are (to my eyes) objects of art in their own right, and just looking at items made to a standard more than to a price point makes me smile...

Also, cameras aren't the most trivial objects to shoot, what with reflective surfaces and sharp angles requiring lighting from several directions to provide even lighting, etc, etc - as with most product photography, there's quite a lot to it if you want to do it really well.

As for mediocre photos of cameras? Well, they also serve their purpose (At least I hope so, as I've made lots!) - seeing what other people own, use and take pleasure in often brings a smile to my face. As was mentioned by the OP - if it is art, execution is secondary; in my book, something becomes art when it evokes a response in the viewer. Seeing photos of old cameras make me smile, hence they are art. End of discussion. (Tongue-in-cheek, of course)

 

[sreed2006]

I'm actually more disturbed at people disturbed at very simple things...

You know, even that doesn't bother me anymore. I've grown used to it, I guess.

If there was a big bold sign on the top of the gallery that said "ART ONLY" then I could see the point of the OP. But then, there would have to be a definition of ART that at least 50% of the posters could agree on, and gooood luck with that. 😉

 

[archeophoto]

Not every photo has to be art. The worst art is the one the artist has to explain and talk up with big words.
Some people post bad snapshots of their kids eating breakfast in their galleries and then explain that they are inspired by Picasso, Matisse and Degas.

No thank you - I'd rather look at cameras.

So what? Might as well be 3640 people. Yes, camera manufacturers and camera designers did a good job. So? What is in this picture of yours? Where are you in this?
This is not just about cameras. Sunset, sunrise, quite kitten or child.... All the same things.
In my opinion, successful ART picture cannot rest on content. It SHOULD NEVER rest on content. The idea is always primary, execution is secondary. Or tertiary. Good execution will never replace the absence of idea. Not to mention that this and most if pictures of cameras in gallery are not even executed well…

 

[brbo]

I wasted a roll (of Velivia, no less) shooting all my cameras just because of this thread. I expected to feel sick after I was done.

I was just fine. But I knew I was no artist even before doing this test.

 

[pete hogan]

I'm not putting down anyone else's pictures. Now when they make your picture into a postage stamp, like W. Eugene Smith's picture of the Marine, then you've got something!

 

[archeophoto]

Actually that's a good idea. I think I take photos of all my cameras now. Maybe I even post it in the gallery...

I wasted a roll (of Velivia, no less) shooting all my cameras just because of this thread. I expected to feel sick after I was done.

I was just fine. But I knew I was no artist even before doing this test.