monochrome_joy
Analog Enlightenment
I've followed photography forums of one kind or another for several years. Starting with my first DSLR, the Pentax ist DS. My background is that of a computer programmer/tech with work ranging from fixing computer to writing complex software.
For a long time I have followed the technical aspects of photography in great detail. I understand how sensors work, how to process film, what factors make a good lens, and many other details that go into the hardware and process of photography. My brother has also followed suit and we could talk at great lengths about why a P&S will never make a better photo (technical quality only) than a DSLR. Following this reasoning, and a few camera purchases later, I found myself with a Canon 1D with a few "L" lenses. No doubt, the picture quality was superb and the camera handled flawlessly in the rain or otherwise. For me, photography was more about the equipment, and more so, I feel, for my brother. I believe this was a natural evolution of the engineer mindset.
Then, a seed of change was planted. It started with a model shoot. Some fellow photographers pooled money together and rented space and time with a few models. My photographs were good, and my equipment was bested by only a few others. What I saw though, was that other photog's using lesser equipment were making equally great photos. This was the seed that started the change. Several months later, I found myself with an opportunity to travel to the Philippines and shoot for an NGO. I felt my gear would be too much (weight, size, etc.) and so "downgraded" to a 30D and took one lens, a 17-55 zoom. The photos I brought home were excellent (IMHO) and provided much fertilizer for my seed.
That seed of thought seemed to be growing into a mindset of simplicity. On my path to simplicity, I sold some camera equipment and bought my first Leica M3. Naturally, being of an engineering mindset, I quickly researched all the information I could find on Leica M3's and lenses, and accessories ad nauseam. Of all the information I could find, none of it really satisfied me. I now realize that my quest for simplicity is really a quest to understand the art and I need to leave the engineer alone for a while.
I realize this is a fairly long post so I'll wrap it up. I've read many forums and articles on photography and I see more information to feed engineers than I do to feed artists.
For a long time I have followed the technical aspects of photography in great detail. I understand how sensors work, how to process film, what factors make a good lens, and many other details that go into the hardware and process of photography. My brother has also followed suit and we could talk at great lengths about why a P&S will never make a better photo (technical quality only) than a DSLR. Following this reasoning, and a few camera purchases later, I found myself with a Canon 1D with a few "L" lenses. No doubt, the picture quality was superb and the camera handled flawlessly in the rain or otherwise. For me, photography was more about the equipment, and more so, I feel, for my brother. I believe this was a natural evolution of the engineer mindset.
Then, a seed of change was planted. It started with a model shoot. Some fellow photographers pooled money together and rented space and time with a few models. My photographs were good, and my equipment was bested by only a few others. What I saw though, was that other photog's using lesser equipment were making equally great photos. This was the seed that started the change. Several months later, I found myself with an opportunity to travel to the Philippines and shoot for an NGO. I felt my gear would be too much (weight, size, etc.) and so "downgraded" to a 30D and took one lens, a 17-55 zoom. The photos I brought home were excellent (IMHO) and provided much fertilizer for my seed.
That seed of thought seemed to be growing into a mindset of simplicity. On my path to simplicity, I sold some camera equipment and bought my first Leica M3. Naturally, being of an engineering mindset, I quickly researched all the information I could find on Leica M3's and lenses, and accessories ad nauseam. Of all the information I could find, none of it really satisfied me. I now realize that my quest for simplicity is really a quest to understand the art and I need to leave the engineer alone for a while.
I realize this is a fairly long post so I'll wrap it up. I've read many forums and articles on photography and I see more information to feed engineers than I do to feed artists.
WoolenMammoth
Well-known
I grew up on war photographers. What was going through a photographers mind as he boarded a flight to Khe Sahn will always outweigh what he brought with him, which is wholly and absolutely irrelevant.
its fun to geek out about gear. But it really has nothing to do with photography. If you have "it" you are taking that awesome photo regardless of what you put up to your face.
Ive had the blessing to work with superstar creative forces in two different industries and its these guys who always know the LEAST about the equipment they use. Ive always found that amazing...
its fun to geek out about gear. But it really has nothing to do with photography. If you have "it" you are taking that awesome photo regardless of what you put up to your face.
Ive had the blessing to work with superstar creative forces in two different industries and its these guys who always know the LEAST about the equipment they use. Ive always found that amazing...
Bryce
Well-known
The M3 is to this day used as an example of Bauhaus influenced engineering. You cannot escape your background so easily; the simplicity was engineered in!
On topic, it is all about how you make your pictures. The tools you use can limit you only if you choose ones that aren't suited to the task. It is barely a stretch to say that any 35mm or digital camera will get you good documentary images if you do your part.
Go shoot!
On topic, it is all about how you make your pictures. The tools you use can limit you only if you choose ones that aren't suited to the task. It is barely a stretch to say that any 35mm or digital camera will get you good documentary images if you do your part.
Go shoot!
antiquark
Derek Ross
Probably because technical info is easy to quantify and argue about.johnsonjj22 said:
Art, on the other hand, is in the eye of the beholder. One man's art is another man's garbage. What makes good art? I don't know -- maybe nobody knows.
Although, I agree with the often expressed opinion that you should just take pictures that you yourself enjoy.
JoeV
Thin Air, Bright Sun
WoolenMammoth said:
Reminds me of the old '70s movie "Semi-Tough": "...you will know IT when you get IT..."
My path resembles somewhat the OP's (I have a technical background); it wasn't until years later that I discovered photography is exclusively about creating images; the tools are 'just' a means to an end - implying that the proper choice, and use, of tool is important, but only within the context of the Fundamental Principle: Creating Images.
~Joe
Pablito
coco frío
antiquark said:
Actually, there are a lot of objective criteria. Don't confuse good/bad art with good/bad taste. Taste is subjective. There is a lot of good art that I don't like...
planetjoe
Just some guy, you know?
Art and engineering...if we forgive ourselves for paraphrasing it "...art and science", we come down to the old chestnut; it's our classic dichotomy, whether it be about photography, music, craftsmanship, or something else.
I've lived, loved, and worked on both sides of that line, and it strikes as a kind of sibling rivalry, inevitable and natural. Like two quarreling brothers who don't seem to get along, but yet share DNA; if, indeed we are to live with the apparent contradiction, we should at least learn to use the tension as an engine of inspiration.
As it turns out, I've been trying to "let go" of my technical side for years, like if I were only to forget to be so particular about my gear, I'd somehow take better photos. Amidst all this, however, I've mostly forgotten to enjoy myself.
Gotta start remembering.
Cheers,
--joe.
I've lived, loved, and worked on both sides of that line, and it strikes as a kind of sibling rivalry, inevitable and natural. Like two quarreling brothers who don't seem to get along, but yet share DNA; if, indeed we are to live with the apparent contradiction, we should at least learn to use the tension as an engine of inspiration.
As it turns out, I've been trying to "let go" of my technical side for years, like if I were only to forget to be so particular about my gear, I'd somehow take better photos. Amidst all this, however, I've mostly forgotten to enjoy myself.
Gotta start remembering.
Cheers,
--joe.
monochrome_joy
Analog Enlightenment
Thank you
Thank you
Very insightful Joe. I think I'm kind of at where you were, trying to forget the technical details in order to enjoy the art.
I feel completely bipolar sometimes with an internal debate raging in my head between an artist and a engineer/scientist. One side argues for a film camera and one lens and the other argues the merits of the best DSLR equipment money can afford.
I'm interested to hear where others are/were in photography. Especially those who have struggled with a similar problem.
Thank you
Very insightful Joe. I think I'm kind of at where you were, trying to forget the technical details in order to enjoy the art.
I feel completely bipolar sometimes with an internal debate raging in my head between an artist and a engineer/scientist. One side argues for a film camera and one lens and the other argues the merits of the best DSLR equipment money can afford.
I'm interested to hear where others are/were in photography. Especially those who have struggled with a similar problem.