Silly RF thought of the day

[David_Manning]

We're bombarded with camera gear and tech info all day, every day. Seems like I lust after a different camera, scanner, or printer constantly.

I find myself constantly thinking, "If I only had ____ I could do wonderful work!"

I have to force myself to remember that the little square of 35mm film has loads of information on it. It's a RAW capture and is future-proof. If I happen to get a serious keeper, I can get it professionally scanned or printed. When I develop at home, I control the entire process...not just the process as some engineer designed it (a chemist, maybe 😉 ).

I sometimes have to force myself to remember that it's the compelling image that makes a picture, not how sharp, noise-free, or large, easy, fast, or inexpensive it is.

So, no matter what you're shooting with, embrace it and go out and make pictures!

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Not a silly thought. In fact, it becomes easier to think about images (new, different ways to present a familiar object, like a fire hydrant) when you have only one lens on hand. The minute I have a choice, I mess it up and start thinking about gear instead.

The best? Have two cameras, each with different lens and film. 🙂

BTW, great images in your portfolio, David. I really liked the ones from Rancho de la Osa in your cowboy series. <mutters to self>Now, if I only had that lens I could come up with something like this stuff...</> Just kidding!! 😉

 

[pvdhaar]

"If I only had ____ I could do wonderful work!"

Same here.. For many years I though that I had to fill in some type of equipment there. But over time, I've discovered too that it is 'more time, more dedication and better ideas' that should go on the dotted line.

Well, I'm on the way to enlightenment.. and feel much better for it as well.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Once you've shot enough you get an idea of what each lens can do so having choices doesn't make it hard. I see a scene and can immediately see in my mind how I want it to look in the photograph and choose a lens accordingly.

 

[david.elliott]

So, no matter what you're shooting with, embrace it and go out and make pictures!

I'll echo that. 🙂

 

[Roger Hicks]

Not a silly thought. In fact, it becomes easier to think about images (new, different ways to present a familiar object, like a fire hydrant) when you have only one lens on hand. The minute I have a choice, I mess it up and start thinking about gear instead.

Dear Francisco,

Funny, it's the exact opposite for me. I think of the image I want, and then of the gear I need to get it (which most of the time, by now, I have). I used to do instructional AVs (slide/tape -- there's a vanished skill) and I often needed to make really dull subjects look at least half-interesting. Your example of a fire hydrant reminded me of shooting a pillar box (mail box, posting box, whatever it is in American). I used a fish-eye to emphasize its gaping maw and the cost of postage.

Cheers,

R.

 

[nikon_sam]

Once you've shot enough you get an idea of what each lens can do so having choices doesn't make it hard. I see a scene and can immediately see in my mind how I want it to look in the photograph and choose a lens accordingly.

I totally agree with this thought...😀

 

[amateriat]

Chris: Bingo. When I got started in this stuff, I was as scatterbrained as any other newbie concerning gear. Oh, I knew what I wanted, but I was too damn stuck on getting the top-notch stuff. I think I've mellowed-out a bit since then. 🙂


- Barrett

 

[pachuco]

Very true. Currently I'm using a Canon 5Dmk2 for work that produces astoundingly clear and sharp images, but I miss the look of a slightly out of focus and grainy Tri-x image shot with my M3.