Article by Scott Bourne
If you’re familiar with my work, you’ve heard me talk about the joke I make when someone sees my photos and exclaims, “You must have a nice camera.”
And yes I do. But I’ve NEVER said a nice camera is required to get a nice shot. In fact, most of the images made by the old masters were made on cameras we would consider sub-standard today. And yes, having the right tool can help. But it’s the eye that counts. Want some evidence?
Meet Harold Thompson. Harold is a long-time TWIP audience member. He sent me a link to some of his work with what he call’s a “real world” solution to the “what camera?” question.
Harold, like many people, is on a tight budget. He’s got “a bunch of kids and no bidget for all the neat camera gear out there.” So he acquired a used Canon A540 for $80. Combined with some Photoshop adjustments, the images he made using the inexpensive camera were very satisfying.
The photo at the top of this post is one such image.
To quote Harold, “You don’t have to have a $3000 rig to make a decent, well composed photo.
To see some more of Harold’s work, visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/camerasvoice/sets/72157611966939112/
It’s probably 15% camera and 85% photographer. Harold, great work using what you have to the max.
A local camera club runs a disposable film camera contest every year. Basically, you have to go to the same shop, purchase the same brand of disposable camera and have to return it to that same shop for generic developing. It levels the playing field and let’s the best photographers stand out, not the best Photoshoppers or the ones with the cameras that do automatic corrections. The digital age has made us a bunch of excessive cropping, burst-mode shooting, “I’ll fix it in post”, lazy photographers. I include myself in that description.
I could not agree more. My family owns a Canon A460, A540 (the workhorse) and recently acquired the G10 and a Vashica MAT 124G from my Dad. I go to Camera West (Walnut Creek, CA) for medium format film (only place that sells it for 25 miles) and often feel looked down upon as they extol the virtues of $1000 SLRs, $5000 DSLRs and $700 tripods. I have taken some really GREAT pics with my modest setup and have seen ‘hot messes’ from friends with the platinum setups. I was just in Best Buy yesterday looking at flashes when I overheard a person shopping for a $2500 Canon when she did not even know what aperture or exposure were.
I love TWiP but would like it if yall would acknowledge that there is a sizable member of there audience that has modest setups and looking for advice on what is essential and how to take better shots with our ‘rigs’ :)
I could not agree more. My family owns a Canon A460, A540 (the workhorse) and recently acquired the G10 and a Vashica MAT 124G from my Dad. I go to Camera West (Walnut Creek, CA) for medium format film (only place that sells it for 25 miles) and often feel looked down upon as they extol the virtues of $1000 SLRs, $5000 DSLRs and $700 tripods. I have taken some really GREAT pics with my modest setup and have seen ‘hot messes’ from friends with the platinum setups. I was just in Best Buy yesterday looking at flashes when I overheard a person shopping for a $2500 Canon when she did not even know what aperture or exposure were.
I love TWiP but would like it if yall would acknowledge that there is a sizable member of there audience that has modest setups and looking for advice on what is essential and how to take better shots with our ‘rigs’ :)
Scott – the importance of what you have to say cannot be overstated. So much of the discussion on photography forums revolves around equipment. What I have noticed is that there is hardly a superb photographer that gets caught up in this obsession with equipment. Agreed, this may in part be because they have the latest technology, but I think that it has much more to do with their awareness of what makes an exceptional photograph. I personally appreciate what you said because it supports me in keeping focused on what matters most. So thank you.
Scott – the importance of what you have to say cannot be overstated. So much of the discussion on photography forums revolves around equipment. What I have noticed is that there is hardly a superb photographer that gets caught up in this obsession with equipment. Agreed, this may in part be because they have the latest technology, but I think that it has much more to do with their awareness of what makes an exceptional photograph. I personally appreciate what you said because it supports me in keeping focused on what matters most. So thank you.
When was the last time you finished an excellent meal and asked the chef if he had good pots and pans??
When was the last time you finished an excellent meal and asked the chef if he had good pots and pans??
Jeff Ascough, well known and respected wedding photographer, won recognition for a photo recently … he snapped with his camera phone! See Oct 23 post.
http://jeffascough.bigfolioblog.com/month/oct08
Couldn’t agree with you more Scott. That should be lesson #1 for anyone getting introduced to photography. Show them compelling pictures taken with simple point and shoot cameras. People have the illusion that with buying a dSLR their photographs will look much better. From a pure pixel quality perspective it’s probably true but is it a better photograph? Probably not, but it can inspire you to further train your eye in new ways.
On a trip to Tunisia in 2002 I took my Canon Elan IIe (film camera) and an old Canon S30 digital point and shoot. I took portraits with my 100-300mm lens on my SLR and landscape with the point and shoot. This picture taken with the S30 point and shoot was picked on the National Geographic “Your Shot” page last year:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpdodel/1345057306/in/set-72157601915856790/
Gear is good, but only to serve a particular vision and purpose, not the other way around.
Couldn’t agree with you more Scott. That should be lesson #1 for anyone getting introduced to photography. Show them compelling pictures taken with simple point and shoot cameras. People have the illusion that with buying a dSLR their photographs will look much better. From a pure pixel quality perspective it’s probably true but is it a better photograph? Probably not, but it can inspire you to further train your eye in new ways.
On a trip to Tunisia in 2002 I took my Canon Elan IIe (film camera) and an old Canon S30 digital point and shoot. I took portraits with my 100-300mm lens on my SLR and landscape with the point and shoot. This picture taken with the S30 point and shoot was picked on the National Geographic “Your Shot” page last year:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpdodel/1345057306/in/set-72157601915856790/
Gear is good, but only to serve a particular vision and purpose, not the other way around.
I purchased a Cannon XTI last year and when I use it as a point and shoot, I’m usually not happy with the results. After listening to TWIP on how the manual controls work (apature, shutter speed, and ISO) my pictures turn out much better and don’t require a lot of post processing. The photographer who knows how to hand light and knows his camera’s limitations can produce very good pics with any camera.
I purchased a Cannon XTI last year and when I use it as a point and shoot, I’m usually not happy with the results. After listening to TWIP on how the manual controls work (apature, shutter speed, and ISO) my pictures turn out much better and don’t require a lot of post processing. The photographer who knows how to hand light and knows his camera’s limitations can produce very good pics with any camera.
I do agree with this whole heartedly. However, I think sometimes you need a good camera to make a *certain* image. Not that mean it will automatically be great, but when you’re going for say really shallow DOF you need a large sensor and/or some fast glass. You can make a great image with any camera, just not the same image, and that does show more ability to the photographer when it happens.
I do think I need to work on just taking the shot and composition, but at the same time using a ‘better’ / ‘advanced’ camera has helped me learn more, both good and bad.
I think the whole moral should be use what you can, but there’s no reason you’re not going make a great shot.
I do agree with this whole heartedly. However, I think sometimes you need a good camera to make a *certain* image. Not that mean it will automatically be great, but when you’re going for say really shallow DOF you need a large sensor and/or some fast glass. You can make a great image with any camera, just not the same image, and that does show more ability to the photographer when it happens.
I do think I need to work on just taking the shot and composition, but at the same time using a ‘better’ / ‘advanced’ camera has helped me learn more, both good and bad.
I think the whole moral should be use what you can, but there’s no reason you’re not going make a great shot.
And let’s not forget Merkely. He’s a photographer on Flickr who’s got millions of views on his Flickr stream. He primarily shoots with point-and-shoot cameras and retouches in Photoshop.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/merkley
Frederick
And let’s not forget Merkely. He’s a photographer on Flickr who’s got millions of views on his Flickr stream. He primarily shoots with point-and-shoot cameras and retouches in Photoshop.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/merkley
Frederick
So great to read this. Composition and “having the eye” is the most important part of being a good photographer. Equipment and “knowing how to use it” comes in second … with luck a distant third IMHO … at least for those in photo”journalism.”
So great to read this. Composition and “having the eye” is the most important part of being a good photographer. Equipment and “knowing how to use it” comes in second … with luck a distant third IMHO … at least for those in photo”journalism.”
The iPhone is a good equalizer for modest shots. I prefer to spend more on gear that makes the software unnecessary, like gels for light, and bounce reflectors for natural fill light. More time shooting, less time editing is my definition of success.
The iPhone is a good equalizer for modest shots. I prefer to spend more on gear that makes the software unnecessary, like gels for light, and bounce reflectors for natural fill light. More time shooting, less time editing is my definition of success.
Amazing post. I shoot with a Nikon D80, so its fairly basic in the DSLR world. When I applied for a cadet photographer position at a newspaper, despite having great photos to show my eye for the skill, I was told I didn’t get the job because my equipment wasn’t professional enough. I’m young and still a student who can’t afford something ridiculous like the D3, but I manage quite well with my D80, though its disheartening to feel dragged down by my non-pro camera. I can understand where they were coming from, as a business, but it was still tough to be knocked back for that reason only.
Amazing post. I shoot with a Nikon D80, so its fairly basic in the DSLR world. When I applied for a cadet photographer position at a newspaper, despite having great photos to show my eye for the skill, I was told I didn’t get the job because my equipment wasn’t professional enough. I’m young and still a student who can’t afford something ridiculous like the D3, but I manage quite well with my D80, though its disheartening to feel dragged down by my non-pro camera. I can understand where they were coming from, as a business, but it was still tough to be knocked back for that reason only.
I totally agree with you, Scott, that you don’t have to have expensive equipment to make great photos. But why do you shell out the big bucks for a Nikon D3?
Isn’t it also true that certain types of shots require good equipment?
For example, Lisa Bettany’s astronomy shot from ANPW (http://tinyurl.com/mostlylisastars). She explains that her Canon XTi didn’t have a high enough ISO to make that photo. Or how about your Cranes in the Fire Mist shot. Could you have made that same photo with a disposable Kodak?
In other words, Michaelangelo could not have sculpted David with a sledgehammer. Itzhak Perlmann can make any violin sound great, but will it equal a Stradivarius? The camera is like any other artist’s tool. You can make beautiful works of art with any camera, but for some photographs, any camera just won’t do.
I totally agree with you, Scott, that you don’t have to have expensive equipment to make great photos. But why do you shell out the big bucks for a Nikon D3?
Isn’t it also true that certain types of shots require good equipment?
For example, Lisa Bettany’s astronomy shot from ANPW (http://tinyurl.com/mostlylisastars). She explains that her Canon XTi didn’t have a high enough ISO to make that photo. Or how about your Cranes in the Fire Mist shot. Could you have made that same photo with a disposable Kodak?
In other words, Michaelangelo could not have sculpted David with a sledgehammer. Itzhak Perlmann can make any violin sound great, but will it equal a Stradivarius? The camera is like any other artist’s tool. You can make beautiful works of art with any camera, but for some photographs, any camera just won’t do.
Nathan you didn’t appear to read my post carefully enough. Please re-read it – I think the point is clear. Yes there are some shots that require special gear – but on any given day, I’ll bet I can outshoot most people using my gear, while I use their gear.
Look at Harold’s photos. It’s clear that he has an eye. And that’s the point here.
Nathan you didn’t appear to read my post carefully enough. Please re-read it – I think the point is clear. Yes there are some shots that require special gear – but on any given day, I’ll bet I can outshoot most people using my gear, while I use their gear.
Look at Harold’s photos. It’s clear that he has an eye. And that’s the point here.
I’m totally with on this one. I hear it all the time. Buying the Nice camera/lens =/= great photos.
I’m totally with on this one. I hear it all the time. Buying the Nice camera/lens =/= great photos.
I think one of the biggest benefits to the dSLR is that it helped me slow down, and helped me learn how to use the controls to get what I want. A lot of point and shoots offer the same controls, but they’re often a little harder to use than the ones on a dSLR. A hands-on “analog” zoom control really helps too.
Jeff I think you’re missing the point. This is not a post that suggests one select a P&S over a DSLR. In fact – not at all. This is a post that says buying a fancy camera is not required to get a good picture.
It reminds me of this comic:
We can’t avoid the gearheads, but I completely agree… it’s not what you have, but how you use it most of the time.
It reminds me of this comic:
We can’t avoid the gearheads, but I completely agree… it’s not what you have, but how you use it most of the time.
I completely agree with your point, Scott, I was just trying to make it clear what the semantics were and hopefully save someone the frustration that I went through.
When I started in photography I would try to produce a photograph like the ones I’d see in magazines or online. People kept telling me, “You can get great shots with any camera” but then I’d see my work and think, “I composed the photo the same, but it just doesn’t have that same look” or “I’ve set the aperture to its widest and slowed the shutter down, but my shot is still dark and blurry.” “If I’m supposed to get great shots with any camera, why do mine still suck?”
Once I learned the limitations of my equipment, I no longer spent frustrated hours trying to get shots my gear wasn’t capable of and instead worked on improving my eye and composition – or saved the money to get the appropriate gear. Harold’s photos are excellent because he has an excellent eye and, though maybe of lesser importance, because he knows the limits of his camera.
And I would unabashedly concede to both you and Harold any day, no matter what equipment you had.
I completely agree with your point, Scott, I was just trying to make it clear what the semantics were and hopefully save someone the frustration that I went through.
When I started in photography I would try to produce a photograph like the ones I’d see in magazines or online. People kept telling me, “You can get great shots with any camera” but then I’d see my work and think, “I composed the photo the same, but it just doesn’t have that same look” or “I’ve set the aperture to its widest and slowed the shutter down, but my shot is still dark and blurry.” “If I’m supposed to get great shots with any camera, why do mine still suck?”
Once I learned the limitations of my equipment, I no longer spent frustrated hours trying to get shots my gear wasn’t capable of and instead worked on improving my eye and composition – or saved the money to get the appropriate gear. Harold’s photos are excellent because he has an excellent eye and, though maybe of lesser importance, because he knows the limits of his camera.
And I would unabashedly concede to both you and Harold any day, no matter what equipment you had.
Thanks for posting this. I always tell people that they should buy a camera that they will carry and use. You can buy a $6000 kit, but if it sits at home because it’s too heavy it won’t take very good photos. If it’s too complex for your tastes and you get frustrated you won’t use it.
Some of my most popular photos, and some of my personal favorites, were taken with a Panasonic FX3 point and shooot, and one was used on the cover of a magazine. Gear is nice, but learning how to use it and how to see things is much better.
Thanks for posting this. I always tell people that they should buy a camera that they will carry and use. You can buy a $6000 kit, but if it sits at home because it’s too heavy it won’t take very good photos. If it’s too complex for your tastes and you get frustrated you won’t use it.
Some of my most popular photos, and some of my personal favorites, were taken with a Panasonic FX3 point and shooot, and one was used on the cover of a magazine. Gear is nice, but learning how to use it and how to see things is much better.
Sooo true. My only problem is figuring out the appropriate response to the “Your camera takes great pictures” comment. Anyone come up with a great response that gets the point across without offending the potential customer?
Sooo true. My only problem is figuring out the appropriate response to the “Your camera takes great pictures” comment. Anyone come up with a great response that gets the point across without offending the potential customer?
Couldn’t agree more! Some of my best (even best-selling) images were made with less than my top of the range camera. The best example of this that I can think of is the following, taken with a Fuji F30 P&S (which I’ve since handed down to my daughter… and I still miss it :) ):
http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p513316897.jpg
Couldn’t agree more! Some of my best (even best-selling) images were made with less than my top of the range camera. The best example of this that I can think of is the following, taken with a Fuji F30 P&S (which I’ve since handed down to my daughter… and I still miss it :) ):
http://rudiphoto.zenfolio.com/img/v0/p513316897.jpg
First of all thanks to Scott for his generosity towards the photo community and for also posting this article with links to my photos. I too had heard that you can take good pictures with any camera which is true, the caveat is this; you just can’t take “any great picture”. Some pictures do require better equipment and there is a place where composition and content converge with the cameras capabilities. I am not an expert at where that convergence takes place but if you’re shooting action then you need a camera that can respond quickly. Another bit of insight I picked up is that point and shoot cameras, while they may have manual controls will not give you all of the control you get with a DSLR. You learn what the limitations are and work within that. If I have time I will venture further into the controls of my camera but most of the time I leave it on program. I know that runs counter to many of the serious amateurs and pros method but this works for me.
Thanks to everyone who took time to view my photos; I hope you found something to enjoy.
First of all thanks to Scott for his generosity towards the photo community and for also posting this article with links to my photos. I too had heard that you can take good pictures with any camera which is true, the caveat is this; you just can’t take “any great picture”. Some pictures do require better equipment and there is a place where composition and content converge with the cameras capabilities. I am not an expert at where that convergence takes place but if you’re shooting action then you need a camera that can respond quickly. Another bit of insight I picked up is that point and shoot cameras, while they may have manual controls will not give you all of the control you get with a DSLR. You learn what the limitations are and work within that. If I have time I will venture further into the controls of my camera but most of the time I leave it on program. I know that runs counter to many of the serious amateurs and pros method but this works for me.
Thanks to everyone who took time to view my photos; I hope you found something to enjoy.